April is National Month of Hope, which is all about celebrating the power of hope — the belief that things will work out, especially when it seems otherwise. Have you ever noticed how frequently the word ‘hope’ is used in our everyday conversations? Well, this is because hope is a concept that is deeply rooted in our culture and society. So don’t give up and let’s become bearers of hope — spread it and teach it! Because this is the best you can do for yourself and others; to always choose hope over hopelessness.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE
April was designated as National Month of Hope in 2018 by a not-for-profit organization, Mothers in Crisis to convey the importance of hope around the world.
Mothers in Crisis is a social services organization founded by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991. The organization began as a support group for women and subsequently grew into a full-service non-profit organization providing community-based prevention and intervention for drug rehabilitation.
The goal of their hope campaign was to encourage the sharing of stories of hope to help families ripped apart by addiction. The campaign became a powerful movement and was acknowledged for its contributions to the communities.
Since hope is the integral message of National Month of Hope, it is important to trace the etymology of the word itself. The word ‘hope’ comes from the Latin word ‘cupio’ meaning ‘to desire’ or ‘wish well,’ but the meaning of the word was differentiated from wishing and it was defined, based on the old English word ‘hopa’ as ‘confidence in the future’. That being said, National Month of hope reiterates the fact that if you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope!
NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE TIMELINE
Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘hope’ as ‘confidence in the future.’
Mothers in Crisis is founded by Rosalind Tompkins.
Mother in Crisis receives honors from the City of Tallahassee and the Board of County Commissioners for its significant contributions.
Rosalind Tompkins initiates the HOPEE award to acknowledge individuals and organizations helping others to practice enduring empowerment.
NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE FAQS
What is the meaning of hope?
According to the definition, ‘hope’ seems close to ‘wish’, to want something to happen or be true. In general, hope entails a desire for things to change for the better.
How to keep hope alive?
It can become a little hard to hold onto hope during challenging times but cultivating optimism, practicing gratitude, and looking for hope in unexpected places can help rediscover hope during tough times.
What is the Day of Hope?
Day of Hope is celebrated on the first Wednesday in April and focuses on child abuse prevention.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE
Spread some sunshine
Everyone needs a little hope every now and then so take this month as an opportunity to bring hope to someone and send a little sunshine their way. The good part about this is that it just takes a little effort to become hope-bearers. Volunteer at some community service, lift the spirits of someone dealing with some medical issue, spend a day with the homeless, or commit to small acts of kindness for the whole month!
Don’t forget yourself!
Hope is something that opens the heart, mind, and soul, but sometimes we tend to forget the power that hope holds. So take a deep breath and visualize a new situation, whether it is about your health, a relationship, or your career.
Share your hope
Use the hashtag #NationalHopeMonth to share stories of hope, quotes, and inspirations on social media and encourage family and friends too.
5 FACTS TO HAVE HOPE
Extreme poverty is decreasing
The rate of deaths from poverty has dropped from more than 30,000 a day to less than 15,000.
Global water crisis can be solved within our lifetime
Clean water is reaching one new person every 10 seconds and three more schools every day.
More mothers and children are surviving
The rate of women dying in childbirth has reduced by 38%.
Standard for basic education has changed
Basic education has changed from simply attending school to ensuring students can read, write, and do basic math.
Inclusivity for people with disabilities
The world is moving towards an inclusive approach to address disability needs in sectors such as education, economic growth, employment, governance, and infrastructure.
WHY NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE IS IMPORTANT
Hope is found in all cultures
Hope is a feeling that can be found in every culture. Every language has a word for hope. Every religion has fostered the power of hope. Hope has been depicted in ancient art and in great literature across millennia.
Hope is very important in our society
How frequently we use the word ‘hope’ in our daily conversations shows the extent to which hope is rooted in our culture and how important it is in our society.
Hope is powerful
Hope is a powerful emotion that inspires millions of people. It teams up with faith and believes in the impossible.
NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |