Key Dates and Timely News Hooks for Your November Content Calendar
OCTOBER 31, 2024
By: Mori Oriowo
Well, we’ve almost made it.
We’re less than a week out from Election Day, the last stop at the end of a rollercoaster campaign season.
The polls are winding down, anxieties are ramping up, and, for many, the emotions are running high.
For communication pros, navigating our highly polarized culture presents a persistent challenge that’s only been amplified by a fiercely contested presidential race.
Yet essential to our work is to find ways to keep productive conversations going with our audiences and stakeholders. To that end, this piece, Promoting Calm in the Countdown from Mission Partners’ Carrie Fox, provides some sage advice for leaders and communicators.
Yes, the Election is dominating the news and our thoughts. But it’s important to keep in mind that our world keeps turning. There’s plenty of other key happenings, events and issues that deserve attention in the month ahead.
From observing Veterans Day to honoring Native American Heritage Day and participating in National Philanthropy Day, November offers an array of diverse themes that inspire creative storytelling and community outreach.
Here are some more thought starters to inspire your November content & PR calendar.
November
Nov. 3 – Daylight Savings Time ends
It’s time to fall back – and get an extra hour of sleep! Daylight Savings Time ends so remember to change your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m.
Nov. 5 – Election Day
Election Day is finally here. Make sure you have a sound plan to vote — and encourage others to do the same. And, if you haven’t already, make a plan for how you will communicate internally and externally if there are post-election challenges.
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Show how your organization supports veterans with content that engages with veterans and their families. Consider sharing available resources and services for mental health support, job training programs, and assistance finding affordable housing.
Nov. 12-18 – Community Foundation Week
Today kicks off Community Foundation Week, which presents an excellent time to build relationships by hosting events throughout the week that raises awareness about community foundations, their impact, and the importance of giving.
Nov. 15 – National Philanthropy Day
If you are at a philanthropic organization, this offers a prime opportunity to showcase your good works, spotlight local heroes, and encourage giving in all of its forms. And if you're not, you can show some love for the nonprofits that make your community a better place.
Nov. 19 – International Men’s Day
Here’s an opportunity to highlight issues related to men's health and their well-being. Or you can simply give a shout-out to the men that support your work and organization.
Nov. 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
Use this day to honor the lives lost due to anti-transgender violence by sharing stories and raising awareness on your organization’s social channels or website, participating in community events that educate the public on gender identity, and creating safer spaces for discussions.
Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express gratitude to those who have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to help drive your organization’s mission. Consider how you might shape your storytelling to show thanks and also inspire others to give during this holiday season and beyond.
Nov. 29 – Black Friday
Take the opportunity to shift your audience’s attention away from their shopping list and encourage them to give to their local nonprofits on #GivingTuesday. You can also find creative ways to share testimonials that demonstrate the impact of giving.
Nov. 29 – Native American Heritage Day
Native American Heritage Day brings many opportunities to engage with your community by highlighting the importance of this day. Develop communications that celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities, encourage community members to participate in events that honor Native American traditions, and also inspire others to support Native American causes year-round.
Turn Two’s Nicki Faircloth shares some tips on how you can recognize and honor indigenous cultures in your communications.
Nov. 29. National Day of Listening
Could there be a more fitting end to what will likely be a tumultuous month? Use this day to engage in meaningful conversations with the community – and demonstrate effective listening by implementing what was taken away from those discussions into future strategies.
