MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—”THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
Earlier this week, I received an email from Chuck E. Cheese.
Some of you may not know Chuck E. Cheese. He may not yet have made his debut in your part of the world. Chuck E. Cheese is a giant mouse who wanders around a dark, neon-lit pizza parlor. He dances, sings, and entertains children and adults alike.
Our family loves Chuck E. Cheese. All four of our boys—no matter what their age—love to go there for pizza, games, tokens, and prizes. Pierre, our 7-year-old, celebrated his 5th and 6th birthdays there. It’s a blast!
Whenever we go back to Kansas City (my hometown) for visits, Chuck E. Cheese is often near the top of our list—after a Royals baseball game, maple donuts and Dr. Pepper, Winstead’s hamburgers, etc.
In order to receive coupons for meals and games, I subscribed to the Chuck E. Cheese mailing list while in the U.S. a few years ago. I guess I’m still on it, even though I haven’t been living in the U.S. for the past year.
Today, I’m thankful that I’m still on that coupon mailing list.
My inbox subject link read, “Chuck E. Cheese—Join Our Day of Giving.”
Intrigued and curious, I opened the email.
In fine print, it read, “On May 15th, the International Day of Families, Chuck E. Cheese will be giving back to the communities and families we serve . . . “
“International Day of Families,” I thought to myself. “What’s that?”
What’s That?
I quickly put on my cultural awareness glasses, and after a quick google search, here’s what I discovered . . .
“Founded by the United Nations in 1994, The International Day of Families is observed on May 15 every year to celebrate the importance of families, people, societies and cultures around the world.”
National Today
Each year has a different family-focused theme. Some of the past themes have been:
2019: Families and Climate Action
2018: Families and Inclusive Societies
2017: Families, Education and Well-Being
2016: Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future
2015: Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families
This year’s 2020 theme is “Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing + 25.”
“This year’s 25th anniversary of Copenhagen Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action come at the time of one of the most challenging global health and social crises. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic brings into sharp focus the importance of investing in social policies protecting the most vulnerable individuals and families. It is the families who bear the brunt of the crisis, sheltering their members from harm, caring for out of school children and at the same time continuing their work responsibilities.
United Nations
As the world struggles to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, there is a real opportunity to rethink and transform the way our economies and societies function to foster greater equality for all. In doing so, gender equality will not be achievable without greater equality in families, and that on this, and so much else, the Beijing Platform for Action continues to provide a visionary roadmap of where we need to go.”
Why is ‘International Day of Families’ Important?
According to National Today . . .
1. It highlights the importance of family in society. If we have stronger families, we will have stronger schools and stronger communities. A strong family unit can help each member feel more fulfilled and better about themselves and the world. It also provides a real-life example of how the human family can work together to create a better world.
2. It reminds us that all families don’t look alike. Every family is different—family can be defined many different ways, and International Day of Families recognizes that. Some families consist of children; some do not. Some consist of one parent; others more than one. International Day of Families is about more than just celebrating those who share DNA with you—it’s about celebrating all of the people you love.
3. It’s an opportunity to have critical conversations. International Day of Families is a time of celebration, but it’s also a time for serious conversations about some of the challenges that families around the world face. Many families are dealing with issues like poverty, lack of health care, employment, and child rearing. And today, we promote awareness and a better understanding of some of these challenges. Which one will you talk to your family about today?
Ways to Celebrate the ‘International Day of Families’
National Today suggests how to celebrate “The International Day of Families,” wherever you are in the world. Most of these ideas can happen even while in COVID—19 confinement.
1. Watch the online webinar today, The International Day of Families. Usually this celebration is held at the UN Headquarters in New York. However, offices are still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration is required. For further information, including the link to registration, email Renata Kaczmarska at kaczmarska@un.org.
2. Volunteer with your family. Join in on the global celebration by working together with your family on a project to benefit the community.
Example: go outside and pick up trash.
3. Reflect on what family means to you.
Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who love you no matter what. So take today to think critically about what family really means to you, and how you can get closer to the people you love. At the end of the day, family is family—no matter what.
Example: Have a conversation at the dinner table tonight and ask everyone to share what “family” means to each one.
Why Do We Mark ‘International Days’?
“International Days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. WE also mark other UN observances.”
United Nations
Thanks, Chuck E. Cheese, for marking the “International Day of Families.” Thanks for opening my eyes today and for bringing me some new cultural awareness!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—”THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
Have you ever heard of “The International Day of Families”? What can you do to celebrate “family” today?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
