As we reflect on our first in-person ASR-wide assembly and staff picnic since the pandemic, it’s a great time to honor the power and importance of our friendships at work, as well as our personal and civic lives, to advance the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every part of our lives.
According to the United Nations, July 30 is the International Day of Friendship. The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
“Friendship Day” started as an idea from Hallmark Cards’ founder Joyce Hall in 1919. In 1935, the United States Congress designated “National Friendship Day” to be the first Sunday of August, but by the 1940’s the holiday had faded from prominence. The first “International Friendship Day” was conceived in Paraguay by Dr. Ramón Artemio Bracho in 1958, who founded the World Friendship Crusade to advance the idea of fostering peace and celebrating worldwide friendship on July 30. Building on UNESCO’s Culture of Peace initiative adopted in 1997, the United Nations proclaimed July 30 to be International Day of Friendship in 2011.
An upcoming opportunity for renewing local connections and celebrating MN diversity is The Great Minnesota Get Together, Aug 25 - Sept 5. Since sharing food is a timeless part of connecting with others and making or renewing friendships, make sure to check out the new food for 2022 at the MN State Fair. You can also learn more about the International Day of Friendship at the articles below and on the N&N blog:
