Your May Communications Guide
April 24, 2025
We’ve almost made it through the April showers and onto May flowers.
From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, May is jam-packed with plenty of noteworthy dates and events, including Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month.
Whether you’re planning festive gatherings, honoring heritage, or simply soaking up the longer days, May has a little bit of everything.
Before we outline some of the key events and hooks for the month ahead, we also wanted to flag an important vote that is taking place before the calendar flips.
When the Senate returns from break on April 28, senators plan to force a vote on a bi-partisan resolution that would repeal the administration’s global tariffs and reestablish congressional power over taxing policies. Learn more here.
Now, here’s your guide to the other key dates and events to keep on your radar this May:
Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month recognizes the contributions of older adults, highlights aging trends, and offers an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to serving the older adult population. You can use Older Americans Month as a hook for sharing stories about your organization’s work supporting older adults.
National Mental Health Awareness Month
National Mental Health Awareness Month spotlights the importance of mental health — and offers a connection for promoting mental wellbeing and reducing the stigma often associated with mental health conditions. Mental Health Awareness Month also offers a great hook for op-eds, newsletter content, and social media.
May 4-10 - Public Service Recognition Week
In the first full week of May, we honor and celebrate the contributions of public servants. This week serves as a time to recognize our nation’s federal, state, county, and local government employees — and showcase the important role they play in supporting vibrant communities.
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage, pride, and culture. In the United States it is often celebrated with parades, music, food, and cultural events that highlight Mexican-American heritage and traditions.
May 6 - National Teacher Appreciation Day
Part of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9), National Teacher Appreciation Day serves as a reminder to show thanks to teachers everywhere for their time and dedication in educating our children. This is not only a great opportunity to shout out some amazing teachers, but also share resources for educators in your community.
May 6 - National Nurses Day
National Nurses Week (May 6-12) kicks off with National Nurses Day, which acknowledges the contributions and commitments of this vitally important occupation. This is closely followed by National Hospital Week (May 11-17), dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of healthcare workers, hospitals, and health systems across the country.
May 7 - National Skilled Trades Day
National Skilled Trades Day offers the perfect opportunity to share programs your organization supports focused on providing access to job training.
May 7 - National Barrier Awareness Day
National Barrier Awareness Day aims to bring awareness to the obstacles of people with disabilities – whether that be challenging stigmas, addressing physical barriers such as lack of ramps, or updating outdated policies that limit access and opportunity.
May 10 - Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day
The nation’s largest one-day food drive will take place in over 10,000 cities and towns as letter carriers nationwide collect non-perishable food donations. If letter carriers in your community are collecting food, consider donating or sharing the information.
May 11 - Mother’s Day
On the second Sunday of May, we honor mothers and mother-figures by showing our appreciation for their often tireless dedication to raising the next generations. This is also an opportunity to share resources for mothers in your community.
May 12 - National Women’s Checkup Day
As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18), National Women’s Checkup Day serves as an important reminder for regular routine health checkups. Throughout this week, consider sharing health resources and programs for women in your community.
May 16 - Malcolm X Day
Malcolm X Day commemorates the life and legacy of civil rights activist Malcolm X. Consider highlighting efforts at your organization — or in your community — to advance racial equity.
May 17 - National Graduation Tassel Day
May is host to the majority of graduations across the United States. May 17 offers a great opportunity to congratulate those who have received their diploma, as well as showcase the work your organization is doing to advance education – such as the groundbreaking work the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has done with its Greater Futures Scholarship Fund.
May 23 - Don’t Fry Day
The Friday before Memorial Day (which many consider the unofficial start of summer) is Don’t Fry Day. Organizers aim to raise awareness of all the risks of overexposure to the sun – such as skin cancer – which is especially relevant in May, aka Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
May 26 - Memorial Day
On the last Monday in May, also known as National Military Appreciation Month, we honor and remember all those who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Take some time on this day to honor the sacrifices of veterans in your own community and consider sharing available resources for veterans and their families.
Some other notable dates include: National Home Front Heroes Day (May 9) and Armed Forces Day (May 17).
May 27 - World Health Assembly
The 77th World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Assembly kicks off on May 27 in Geneva, Switzerland with the theme “All for Health, Health for All.” Negotiations on the global Pandemic Accord, which have been underway since 2021, are due to conclude at the summit.
May 30 - National Creativity Day
Creativity comes in many different forms. Take some time on this day to think about how your organization can creatively tackle its pressing issues.
