The Opportunity Agenda

World Water Day
2027-03-22
March 22 is World Water Day to focus attention on the importance of universal access to clean water in developing countries. In the U.S., the issue of water as a right was brought to light by the winter storm crisis in Texas in Feb. 2021 and in Flint, Michigan, before that. Use this hook to discuss clean water infrastructure, citing the values of economic opportunity and community.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
2027-03-21
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Discuss racial justice by citing the values of voice, equity, and community.

International Day of Happiness
2027-03-20
The United Nations declared today the International Day of Happiness. It’s meant to recognize that ending poverty, reducing inequality, and protecting our planet are three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness. According to the UN, “the resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country which has recognized the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s.” When talking about this hook, cite the values of economic opportunity and community.

Red Nose Day
2027-03-19
Today is Red Nose Day. Organized by ComicRelief, the annual event features celebrity engagement to raise awareness and funds to help children in need—from food insecurity to access to healthcare. Use this opportunity to discuss the power of working with cultural influencers and uplift the values of economic opportunity and community.

Eight Hour Act
2027-03-19
On this day in 1917, the Supreme Court upheld the Eight Hour Act, the first federal law regulating the work hours of private companies. The law was passed by Congress after nationwide industrial strikes. Unions have also been instrumental in fighting for worker rights but fair scheduling and overtime are still issues for many Americans. Discuss this anniversary citing the values of community and economic opportunity.

Public Defense Day
2027-03-18
Public Defense Day commemorates the Supreme Court’s 1963 ruling that states must provide free legal counsel for people living in poverty. The case, Gideon v. Wainwright, was spurred by Clarence Earl Gideon who was charged with a felony in Florida state court and denied a court-appointed lawyer. The Supreme Court’s decision extended the right to counsel to state courts across the country. Discuss the importance of public defense by referring to the values of voice and equity.

Bayard Rustin
2027-03-17
Civil rights leader Bayard Rustin was born on this day in 1912. As a gay black man who helped plan the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin’s life illustrates the reality of intersectional struggles. In February 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom posthumously pardoned Rustin for a 1953 conviction under laws that targeted LGBTQ people. Cite the values of equity and voice when talking about Rustin’s life.

March Madness
2027-03-16
The March Madness college basketball tournaments begin this week. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments continue through the end of March, culminating with the NCAA Women’s and Men’s National Championship games. In recent years, the inequitable facilities and promotion of the two tournaments have drawn criticism. Both men and women athletes have also benefited in recent years from the reversal of prohibitions on financial compensation, with collegiate athletes now able to sign name, image, and likeness endorsements (NIL). Cite the values of voice and equity when talking in support of paying student-athletes.

Atlanta Spa Shootings
2027-03-16
Today is the anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings. The 2021 attack on three spas killed eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descent, and took place during a year marked by an increase in anti-Asian attacks across the country. When remembering this date, acknowledge how the intersectionality of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia has historically resulted in violence against Asian American women. And follow the lead of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups to center the voices countering anti-Asian racism in ways that align with Asian cultural practices.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2027-03-15
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on this day in 1933. Before becoming the second woman on the Supreme Court, the late Justice had a long legal career as an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. As a cultural icon, her impact transcended courts. When discussing her legacy, it’s also important to note her mixed judicial record on issues of race and criminal justice, with particularly damaging decisions for indigenous rights. Cite the values of economic opportunity and voice.

Deb Haaland
2027-03-15
On this day in 2021, Deb Haaland became the first Native American Cabinet Secretary, following the U.S. Senate’s vote to confirm her nomination to head the Department of the Interior. In 2018, Secretary Haaland joined Rep. Sharice Davids in becoming the first Native American women elected to the U.S. Congress. Secretary Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and identifies as a 35th generation New Mexican. Cite the values of voice and equity when celebrating her leadership.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
2027-03-12
On this day in 1990, at least 16 activists were arrested in Washington, D.C. during a protest where people were demanding that the federal government pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discuss this anniversary and current activism by citing the values of voice and equity.

Bread & Roses Strike
2027-03-12
On March 12, 1912, the Bread and Roses strikers in Lawrence, MA successfully won their demands. The Zinn Education Project notes, “This was an historic strike that united workers across many traditional barriers including language, nationality, gender, and age.” Cite this anniversary and cite the values of economic opportunity and community.

South by Southwest (SXSW)
2027-03-11 - 2027-03-17
The annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conference and festival starts today. Founded in 1987, SXSW has become one of the go-to annual events for people working at the intersection of cultural strategies, civic engagement, music, and film. Visit the festival website to learn more about this year’s programming and registration information.

Abortion Provider Appreciation Day
2027-03-10
Today is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day to recognize staff who work every day to ensure that patients have access to the full range of reproductive health care options — including safe and legal abortion. Use this day to talk about the intersectional issues of reproductive justice and economic opportunity. Cite the values of voice, equity, and community.

International Women’s Day
2027-03-08
Today is International Women’s Day. Use this event to discuss the importance of intersectionality and the need for both equity and inclusivity to guide collective action towards gender justice. Cite the values of voice, equity, and economic opportunity.

Academy Awards
2027-03-07
The Oscars awards ceremony airs live today. In recent years, the Oscars have drawn criticism for how nominations embody the failure to celebrate and uplift BIPOC creators’ work in Hollywood. Visit the Academy’s website to learn more about this year’s nominations and emphasize the values of equity and voice when talking about the show.

Selma to Montgomery March
2027-03-07
The first march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights in Alabama took place on this day in 1965. Use this anniversary to talk about the renewed urgency to protect voting rights and fight racial injustice. Cite the values of equity and voice.

National Day of Unplugging
2027-03-05
The National Day of Unplugging invites people to take a 24-hour respite from technology. The event “highlights the value of disconnecting from digital devices to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities in real-time.” Cite the value of community when talking about this day.

Rodney King
2027-03-03
On this day in 1991, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department were captured on camera beating Rodney King during a traffic stop. This anniversary offers the opportunity to remind audiences of the long trajectory of police accountability movements. When commemorating this date, uplift the need to go beyond policing to prioritize solutions grounded in community safety that ends over-policing in communities affected by poverty. Cite the values of community, safety, and equity.

Claudette Colvin
2027-03-02
On March 2, 1955 (nine months before Rosa Parks’ act of civil disobedience), 15-year-old Claudette Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. She became one of four plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, which ruled that Montgomery’s segregated bus system was unconstitutional. When discussing this anniversary, cite the values of equity and voice, as well as the importance of youth voices in social justice activism.

East LA Student Walkouts
2027-03-01
On this day in 1968, the East Los Angeles student walkouts protested the quality of their education and showed support for the civil rights of Mexican Americans. The protest was the first of many and inspired later protests that used similar tactics. To talk about this anniversary, use the values of voice and equity.

National Professional Social Work Month
2027-03-01
It’s National Professional Social Work Month, when social workers and their supporters educate the public about the invaluable contributions of the profession. Organized by The National Association of Social Workers, this annual observance celebrates the work of social workers amidst the converging crises of systemic racism, economic inequality, and global warming. Use this hook to discuss the values of community and economic opportunity.

Women's History Month
2027-03-01
Women have long led the struggle for equal rights across movements — from voting to LGBTQ+ equality. And yet, women continue to bear unequal burdens, with women of color being hit particularly hard by economic, public health, and other inequities. As you celebrate Women’s History Month, emphasize the vital role that women have played in the struggle for racial justice, economic opportunity, and inclusive democracy. Cite the values of equity and voice.

American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee
2027-02-27
On Feb. 27, 1973, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) began their occupation of Wounded Knee, the site of the 1890 massacre in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation. The occupation lasted 71 days and called attention to living conditions and mistreatment from federal and local agencies. Use this anniversary to talk about the values of opportunity and voice for Native American communities.

Hiram Revels
2027-02-25
On this day in 1870 (150 years ago), Hiram Revels was sworn in as senator from Mississippi, becoming the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate. Revels is one of only 11 African Americans ever to have served in the United States Senate. Discuss this anniversary with the values of equity and voice.

W. E. B. Du Bois
2027-02-23
On this day in 1868, W. E. B. Du Bois was born. He was a sociologist, historian, Pan-Africanist, author, and editor, was one of the co-founders of the NAACP in 1909 and the leader of the Niagara Movement. Discuss his birthday as another example of working for racial justice. Cite the values of equity and voice.

The NAACP Image Awards
2027-02-22
Tonight The NAACP Image Awards will “celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.” The event provides a prime-time opportunity to uplift the importance of cultural strategies and representation to achieving racial justice. Cite the values of voice and equity.

Film Independent Spirit Awards
2027-02-22
The Film Independent Spirit Awards will air today. The annual celebration uplifts the best independent film and television programming of the year. Visit Film Independent’s website to see the full list of nominees and find more information on how to watch this year’s show.

Assassination of Malcolm X
2027-02-21
On this day in 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated in Harlem, New York. A Netflix documentary questions the criminal investigation following his death. Discuss the anniversary of his death and the legacy of Malcolm X’s activism by citing the values of voice, equity, and community.
