September 9th is FASD Awareness Day! In recognition of FASD Day, events are held across Canada and around the world. However, FASD deserve more than one day of attention. Here at CanFASD, we are dedicating the entire month to bring attention to FASD awareness.
In 2020, the Canadian government also recognized September as FASD Awareness Month. As we gear up for FASD Day and FASD Month activities, we want to share some of the things our organization is doing to spread awareness across the country!
Building Strengths and Abilities
This theme for this FASD Awareness Month is Building Strengths and Abilities. This year we are recognizing and celebrating the strengths and talents of individuals with FASD and their communities.
There’s a lot of information about the challenges that people with FASD experience. But if we don’t recognize and celebrate the achievements and successes of those with FASD, we fail to recognize their immense potential! This theme goes beyond celebrating the strengths of those with FASD and also looks to recognize the successes of families, communities, and those who are pregnant and parenting.
Celebrate your abilities and strengths this FASD Month! Let’s change the conversation around FASD and overcome the negative stereotypes and stigma. Along with your red shoes, share stories about your successes, your talents, and interests. Use the hashtag #RedShoesRock and #FASDMonth2022 to spread the word! Together we can change the conversation.
Why Red Shoes?
The FASD community wears red shoes to bring attention to FASD. The Red Shoes Rock movement was founded in 2013 by RJ Formanek, an adult with FASD. For him, red shoes were a sign of individuality and uniqueness. Through collaboration with organizations and communities all over the world, Red Shoes Rock continues to make a positive impact and bring attention to FASD globally.
Help spread awareness by wearing red shoes this FASD Month. Don’t have red shoes? No worries! Add a red shirt or pants to your outfit instead. Be sure to share on social media using the hashtag #RedShoesRock.
Canadian landmarks will also rock red for FASD
To celebrate FASD Awareness Day, famous landmarks across the country will light up red on September 9th. So far 14 monuments are on board, including places like the CN Tower and BC Place! You can find the full list of monuments and details here. The list will continue to be updated as we get closer to September.
Grab your friends and family members to go see the lights. Be sure to take a picture and share it on social media with the hashtag #FASDMonth2022 & #RedShoesRock.
FASD Awareness Events in Canada
Throughout September, many community members and organizations host awareness events to bring attention to FASD. In the past we’ve seen both in-person and virtual events, like awareness walks, community lunches, and virtual paint nights.
Are you or an organization you know hosting an event in Canada? Fill out this form and tell us what, when, and where. We will share it on our channels to help community members get involved.
Support a National FASD Strategy
You can help bring attention to FASD in Canada by supporting a National FASD Strategy. We need a plan to make sure all people with FASD, their families, and people who are pregnant and parenting have full and equitable access to the resources they need. That’s why we’re asking the Federal Government for a National FASD Strategy.
You can help by contact your local government representatives and ask them to support a National FASD Strategy. With September just around the corner, now is a great time to raise awareness. Want to help but not sure where to start? Fill out this form and we will connect you with your Member of Parliament (MP) and provide some talking points to focus on!
Article from CanFASD, July 27, 2022
