Your October Content & PR Calendar
September 25, 2024
By: Mori Oriowo
October is a month filled with important dates that have cultural, historical, and social impact.
Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your communications and PR activities for the busy month ahead.
October Awareness Months and Holidays
Several high-profile awareness months land in October, such as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes and appreciates the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to the workplace.
October is also Global Diversity Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and National Bullying Prevention Month — and it includes the second half of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, which presents a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate diverse cultures.
Here are some fresh ideas on how your organization can highlight cultures that are often misrepresented.
Two major Jewish holidays – Rosh Hashanah (Oct. 2 - Oct. 4) and Yom Kippur (Oct. 11) – fall in October this year. Be sure to account for these holidays when planning your organization’s announcements and activities.
Below are some other important dates and timely events to consider as you map out your PR & content calendar for the new month.
Oct. 1 - International Coffee Day
Some of the best conversations are had over a good cup of coffee. You can use International Coffee Day as an opportunity to have a virtual “coffee chat” with a partner — or as a hook for bringing together community members to find common ground on an important issue.
Oct. 5 - One month until Election Day
With one month remaining until Election Day, continue pushing your organization’s Get Out the Vote efforts. Today is a perfect opportunity to encourage community members to register to vote and share information about how they can make their voices heard on Nov. 5.
Oct. 8 - National Share the Warmth Day
National Share the Warmth Day brings together community members and organizations across the country to raise awareness of the need for warmth among vulnerable populations ahead of the coldest months of the year.
One Warm Coat created National Share the Warmth Day to encourage Americans to donate new or gently used coats, or host a coat drive to ensure that every child and adult has a coat to stay warm this winter.
As the weather begins to change and temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good time to start thinking about how your organization can help those in need as winter approaches.
Oct. 10 - World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day offers a chance to promote mental wellbeing, share resources on how to get support, or call on policymakers to prioritize mental health.
Oct. 11 - National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day recognizes and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and encourages others to be their authentic selves. It offers your organization an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that support and recognize LGBTQ+ achievements and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
Oct. 25 - National Art Day
Art inspires conversations, connects people from different backgrounds, and challenges us to think outside the box. Use this day to appreciate local artists who inspire change in your community.
Oct. 28 - National Immigrants Day
National Immigrants Day recognizes and celebrates the many contributions that immigrants have made in our communities. Consider using this day to reflect on how you can better support immigrants through your work.
Oct. 31 - Halloween
Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes. You can also use Halloween to promote costume drives, trunk-or-treat events, and other events that foster a spirit of giving and connection.
Oct. 31 - First day of Diwali
This Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizes the fight of good over evil and its victory. It is celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, Jains, and mostly Newar Buddhists.
