National Month of Hope

Even when life is difficult for some days, months, or even years at a time, the National Month of Hope seeks to act as a reminder that there can always be brighter days ahead! 

History of National Month of Hope

National Month of Hope has a history that can be traced back to 2016 when it was established by a non-profit organization called Mothers in Crisis in Tallahassee, Florida. The idea behind the day was simply to counteract the difficulties that life brings by dedicating this month and encouraging people to spread hope around their neighborhoods, communities and all around the world.

Originally called “Hope Universe Day”, the celebration was scheduled in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Mothers in Crisis organization, which was formed in 1991 by Rosalind Tompkins. At the time of the organization’s founding, Tompkins had been clean and sober for four years and she wanted to do something to help other mothers who were struggling. The faith-based social services organization continues to be committed to linking families together and helping them overcome their difficulties and has impacted tens of thousands of families in that time.

By 2018 the name of the event had been changed to National Month of Hope, and it has been celebrated each year under that name ever since!

How to Celebrate National Month of Hope

Looking for ideas on celebrating the National Month of Hope? There are thirty whole days to celebrate and here are a few activities to start with:

Share Stories of Hope

One important way that people can be encouraged to participate throughout the National Month of Hope is to share their stories. It is often a story of someone overcoming the odds that helps another person in a difficult situation believe that they can be empowered as well. Get on social media, write a blog post, make a video or find some other way to share a story of hope in challenging circumstances in honor of this event.

Shine a Ray of Hope

The National Month of Hope is meant to encourage individuals all over the world to give someone a reason to hope. Whether through a greeting card, a text message or a phone call, this is a good time to reach out to someone to let them know they are loved. National Month of Hope is also a good time to help people restore their hope in humanity by performing random acts of kindness like smiling at strangers, helping someone carry their groceries or volunteering at a local homeless shelter.

Teach Children to Share Hope

Impacting the next generation on the way they will care for each other and the planet is certainly a great way to celebrate the National Month of Hope! Teachers, parents, grandparents and others who have an influence on the lives of children can make a huge difference for the future by encouraging children about the ways they might bring hope to someone else during this day.

Have a classroom of children create or color cards that can be given to people in a nursing home. Encourage children to consider ways they can be helpful to those around them. Or teach lessons of acceptance and benefit for their fellow citizens of the world, which will make a difference and foster for everyone!