Your Guide to October Communications
September 18, 2025
October will soon arrive with the promise of nature’s brilliant leaf displays, baseball playoffs, Halloween hype, and everything pumpkin spice.
On a more serious note, it also means hurricane season will be in full swing. The Supreme Court's new term will also begin with several pivotal cases — including Bost v. Illinois Board of Elections, which is focused on mail-in ballot counting procedures.
Below are some key dates and events that present timely opportunities for your organization to showcase its initiatives and advocate for key causes.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and hosts both Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (Oct. 13) and National Mammography Day (Oct. 20). Widespread attention to the issue, offers prime opportunities to promote women’s health initiatives and preventative healthcare.
October 2 - Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Jewish faith. It marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe and is observed as the Day of Atonement and a time for solemn prayer, fasting, and repentance.
October 5 - World Teachers’ Day
Established by UNESCO in 1994, World Teachers’ Day celebrates the contributions of teachers worldwide. Take some time to show appreciation to teachers and share resources for educators in your community.
October 6 - National Children's Health Day
October 6 is also known as National Children’s Health Day to promote children’s health and wellness and encourage regular checkups, vaccinations, and healthy habits, as well as highlight the need for access to quality healthcare for all children.
October 8 - National Stop Bullying Day
National Stop Bullying Day is dedicated to combatting bullying and raising awareness about the its negative impacts. Along with raising awareness, you can also wear blue to show unity against bullying. October is also National Bullying Prevention Month, giving you multiple opportunities to share resources.
October 10 - World Mental Health Day
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day which raises awareness of mental health issues and promotes efforts in supporting mental health. This day also falls in Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 5-11), both of which present the perfect opportunity to highlight mental health initiatives and resources your organization supports.
October 11 - National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day recognizes and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. October also hosts National LGBT Center Awareness Day (Oct. 19), aimed to support the role of community centers that provide safe spaces, resources, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
October 13 - Indigenous People’s Day
Indigenous People’s Day commemorates the history and contributions, as well as the diverse cultures, of the indigenous peoples of America. It’s also a day to acknowledge the injustices faced by Native Americans throughout history. Take some time on this day to show appreciation to the native tribes in your region and celebrate and promote equality and diversity at your organization and in the community.
October 16 - World Food Day
World Food Day promotes global awareness and action for those suffering from hunger. October is also known as Tackling Hunger Month, and the second week of October is National Food Bank Week, making October the perfect time to share initiatives in your community surrounding food security.
October 19-25 - Free Speech Week
There’s plenty of political talk about free speech these days, yet Free Speech Week aims to serve as a non-partisan event to raise public awareness and celebrate the importance of the freedom of speech and the press in the United States. Take some time throughout this week to showcase local journalism initiatives your organization has spearheaded or supported.
October 20 - Diwali
Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights celebrated over five days and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This celebration includes lighting lamps and candles, exchanging gifts and sweets, and performing religious rituals.
October 25 - National Make a Difference Day
National Make a Difference Day is a nationwide event that encourages individuals and organizations to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteering and community service. It's a day to come together and address various needs, fostering a spirit of generosity and collective action.
October 26 - National Day of the Deployed
National Day of the Deployed honors service members who are currently deployed or have been deployed overseas. Take some time to honor the sacrifices of service members and their families and consider sharing available resources in your own community.
October 28 - National First Responders Day
National First Responders Day is dedicated to honoring the brave first responders, including paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel. Take some time on this day to acknowledge your local first responders for their dedication, courage, and commitment to public safety.
October 28 - National Immigrants Day
National Immigrants Day celebrates the history and contributions of immigrants to the United States. Now more than ever, this is a great opportunity to share resources for immigrants in your community.
October 31 - Halloween
Trick or Treat! October is capped off with the celebration of Halloween. This is not just a time for candy, jack o'lanterns, and costumes – it’s also an opportunity to promote costume drives, trunk-or-treat events, and other events that encourage generosity and togetherness.
