Features
Recovery Month
September is Recovery Month, a celebration of the power and hope of recovery. Millions of Americans battle addiction each year. Yet many don’t realize, addiction is a family disease. It affects everyone close to it, not just the individual with the substance use disorder. Sustained recovery from a substance use disorder requires everyone who has been impacted- family, friends, loved ones- to be part of the healing process and ongoing management of recovery.
National Hispanic Heritage
September 15th to October 15th is designated as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The month-long designation is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Hispanic American. There are currently about 896,000 Hispanic Americans living in Pennsylvania, contributing to what makes this commonwealth thrive. The PA Senate Democrats are committed to recognizing the specific needs and issues facing the Latino community.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a public health campaign during October every year to increase awareness and to raise funds for researching the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of the disease. Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women; unfortunately, almost 1 in 8 women in the US will get breast cancer, but most women can survive if it is found and treated early.
Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for advocates, survivors and supporters to raise awareness and education about the prevalence of domestic violence in the United States and how everyone can help address the issue. It’s likely everyone knows someone who has been impacted by domestic violence, making it important for everyone to know how to help those in need and reduce stigma about the issue.
Earth Day
April 22nd is Earth Day, a global celebration of our planet. Our planet is the foundation of life as we know it- we should all do our part to care for the earth and the tremendous natural resources it provides. Let’s all take steps to make this planet a better place and invest in a healthy future. Whether that’s investing money, time, or encouraging others to get involved, there’s many ways to take action and ensure a sustainable future for the environment and all living things that rely on it.
LGBT Pride
Sexual Assault Awareness
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The #MeToo Movement has shown us that sexual harassment in the workplace is far more expansive and complex than many of us realized. We are working with the Governor and the House to craft a comprehensive package that studies sexual harassment, prevents it in the future, and protects its victims in the meantime.
Fair Housing
Women’s History
MLK Day of Service
the third Monday of January. Local acts of service honor Dr. King’s vision for equitable communities and an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. As we celebrate the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. King, we’re reminded we can all play a part in building a peaceful, just world.
Mental Health Awareness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is an issue that can touch anyone’s life. Whether you yourself have struggled with mental health, or know a friend, family member or loved one who has needed support, it’s clear that mental health services are an integral part of overall health and wellness.
Military Appreciation
National Veterans and Military Families Month
The veterans of the United States are a representation of the best of our country. To show our thanks for all that they give, we celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month every year during the month of November. During this time, we recognize veterans, military families, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service.
Women’s Equality Day
August 26th is Women’s Equality Day! The day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment, a historic achievement for women’s rights and equality in our democracy. On this day, we celebrate the trailblazers, activists and advocates who paved the way for women to continue making social, economic, cultural and political achievements. The certification of the 19th Amendment did not guarantee the right to vote for all women, but it did represent forward momentum in removing gender as a barrier to voting.
Redistricting
Redistricting is the process by which the boundaries of elective districts are periodically redrawn to maintain equal representation on the basis of population. Article 1, Section 2, of the United States Constitution requires that a Census be taken every 10 years for the purpose of apportioning the United States House of Representatives.
Election Access and Reform
Portraits of PA
Black History
February is Black History Month. “Future Faces of Black History”. Every February, we honor the history, achievements, and legacies of black Americans during Black History Month. The month is an important time to put focus on education and recognition of the tremendous impact African Americans’ have had in our country and commonwealth throughout history.
Financial Freedom for Working Families
ACA Mobile Enrollment Tour
Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier, on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. The holiday is also called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”