002-24 RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2024 CITY OF GREENSBORO ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL EVENTS, RECOGNITIONS AND PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, recognition of departmental events and dedicated work is an important component of the City of Greensboro’s philosophy;
WHEREAS, the purpose of this calendar is to provide awareness of internal programs and special events;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Greensboro honors the dedication and commitment of the City of Greensboro staff, and therefore recognizes and brings awareness to the following 2024 departmental events and programs:
March
Fix a Leak Week
Fix a Leak Weak is an annual campaign sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote the importance of household leak detection and repair. Fix a Leak Week aims to raise awareness about the significant amount of water that can be wasted due to leaks and how that can impact utility bills. According to the EPA, American households lose more than one trillion gallons of water annually due to leaks, equivalent to the annual water usage of more than 11 million homes. During Fix a Leak Week, the City provides valuable tips and resources to help water customers locate and repair leaks, such as using leak detection tablets in toilet tanks and inspecting around. We can save water and money by actively addressing leaks and contributing to a healthier environment.
April
Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
An annual competition that encourages cities and towns across the United States to take action to promote sustainability and protect the environment. The challenge was started by the Wyland Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental conservation and education, in partnership with the National League of Cities. During the month of April, cities and towns are invited to participate in the challenge by taking actions such as reducing water usage, increasing recycling rates, promoting energy-efficient practices, and protecting natural resources. Cities that demonstrate the most significant commitment to sustainability and environmental protection are recognized as winners of the challenge. By participating in the challenge, cities and towns can showcase how they inspire others to take action.
Second Chance Month
Second Chance Month was established for the month of April to increase awareness about the collateral impact of providing closure to individuals with a criminal record, and to recognize opportunities for individuals, employers, congregations, and communities to extend second chances to remove legal and societal barriers to industry, education, employment, and financial assistance.
National Library Week
National Library Week (April 7 – 13, 2024) is sponsored by the American Library Association. National Library Week began in 1958 as a way to inspire people to read and show appreciation for libraries. The Greensboro Public Library (GPL) serves as a Conduit to Destiny for people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. In partnership with the community, the GPL strives to provide free and equal access to information, foster lifelong learning, and inspire the joys of reading.
Earth Day
April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day, an annual event where people take time out to demonstrate their support for protecting the planet and its environment.
National Community Development Month
National Community Development Month is a time to highlight the importance of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs to building strong, resilient, and vibrant communities across America. CDBG and HOME provide grants to states and local governments to strengthen communities by delivering equitable access to decent housing and living environments and expanding economic opportunities. These programs are unique in that they focus primarily on people with low and moderate incomes. CDBG and HOME also play a critical role in empowering residents by giving them a voice in the future of their neighborhoods.
May
Law Enforcement Week
Law Enforcement Week was established the week of May 15th in conjunction with Peace Officers’ Memorial Week and National Law Enforcement Week to recognize the service and sacrifice of officers killed in the line of duty, and to bring attention to the men and women who currently serve and protect our community.
Drinking Water Week
Drinking Water Week (May 5 – 11, 2024) is an annual campaign sponsored by the American Water Works Association that focuses on bringing awareness to the importance of safe and clean drinking water and the staff who ensure this happens. During this week, water utilities, government agencies, and organizations across the United States promote the benefits of drinking tap water and explain the importance of protecting our drinking water sources. The campaign also serves as an opportunity to recognize and honor water professionals who work tirelessly to keep our water supply safe and clean for everyone to enjoy.
Bike Month
Celebrated nationwide since 1956 in the month of May, National Bike Month showcases the many benefits of cycling and encourages participation in several related events, including Ride a Bike Day, Bike to Work Day and Week, and the Ride in Silence. Cycling promotes safe streets, connected communities, a healthier planet and happier people.
June
Juneteenth
Juneteenth was established to recognize Emancipation Day observances, combining the words June and Nineteenth, to commemorate the two and one half year delayed announcement of the abolishment of slavery in the southern states, and to give residents an opportunity to reflect, rejoice and celebrate African American heritage, history, freedom and culture.
Homeownership Month
Homeownership Month was established by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department to increase public awareness of safe, decent and affordable homeownership options while recognizing industry partners that strengthen communities by outfitting families with tools and information needed to overcome institutional barriers.
Guilford Creek Week
Guilford Creek Week (June 1-8, 2024) is an annual week-long campaign between Guilford County, the cities of Greensboro and High Point, and Stormwater SMART, to celebrate the importance, impact and influence of creeks and waterways in Guilford County and its municipalities. This campaign raises awareness about the vital role of local waters and how the health of that water can have a direct impact on communities. There are multiple hands-on, recreational events to participate in throughout the week, most events are free and open to all ages.
July
Parks and Recreation Month
Parks and Recreation Month was established to recognize the department’s integral role in maintaining public health, quality of life, economic and environmental wellbeing in Greensboro with its parks, facilities, services, and programs.
September
Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month was established to raise awareness of public health issues associated with hunger, poverty, and food insecurity in conjunction with Feeding America and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina to recognize the critical nutritional needs and impacts to our community.
Library Card Sign-Up Month
Library Card Sign-up month is celebrated as a way to promote library cards as the most important card in a wallet. The goal for an increased awareness of the valuable services and resources that are accessible using a free library card. The Greensboro Public Library (GPL) serves as a Conduit to Destiny for people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. In partnership with the community, the GPL strives to provide free and equal access to information, foster lifelong learning, and inspire the joys of reading.
October
International Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day
The first week in October is recognized as the International Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day and has been celebrated in the United States since 1996. Walk to School Day encourages active trips to school, allowing children to incorporate physical activity into their trip to school while promoting healthy habits, a cleaner environment, safer streets around schools and pedestrian safety.
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week was established the second week of October by the Greensboro Fire Department to ensure the safety and security of community residents by recognizing the need to check smoke alarms and carbon dioxide indicators, prepare a fire escape plan, and share public education measures.
Code Compliance Officers’ Appreciation Week
Code Compliance Officers’ Appreciation Week was established the second week of October by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department to recognize the dedicated professionals responsible for ensuring the safety, health and welfare of community residents through enforcement of building codes, inspection reports, abatement orders, occupancy permits, and other codes and ordinances.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week was established the last week of October to heighten awareness of toxic lead exposure from paint, soil and household dust from residences built in the 1970s, and to recognize partner agencies that identify and remediate dangers through the city’s Lead Safe Greensboro initiative.
"Imagine a Day Without Water"
Imagine a Day without water is an awareness campaign that aims to educate residents about the value and importance of water in our lives that encourages residents and communities to imagine a day without access to clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other essential activities we often take for granted. The campaign highlights water's critical role in our daily lives, from supporting healthy hygiene practices to ensuring adequate food production and sustaining ecosystems. Without water, our lives would be significantly impacted and we would face immense challenges in meeting our basic needs. ‘Imagining’ emphasizes the need to conserve and protect our water resources to ensure they remain available for future generations. By taking simple steps such as fixing leaks, reducing water usage, and supporting policies that protect water resources, we can all contribute to ensuring we have access to clean and safe water now and in the future.
Energy Efficiency Day
Energy Efficiency Day (first Wednesday of October) shines light on the many advantages of adopting efficient measures and behaviors that enable you to save money, reduce pollution, and create jobs. By participating in Energy Efficiency Day, we highlight how individuals can take small steps that add up to lasting comfort, better health, and lower energy costs.
November
No Straw November
No Straw November is a global movement encouraging people to refuse single-use plastics, specifically straws, for November and beyond. This movement aims to raise awareness about the impact of single-use plastics on the environment, particularly with aquatic life. These plastics are not biodegradable, which means they do not break down naturally and can cause harm to wildlife. By refusing plastic straws, you can start your journey to reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills or littered on land and in our waterways. No Straw November is an excellent opportunity to change your daily habits and contribute to a more significant movement towards a more sustainable future.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Celebrated globally on the 3rd Sunday of November since 1993, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims acknowledges the loss of those killed or injured on roadways. It draws attention to the cumulative toll of traffic crashes on victims, families and communities. This event also allows the City to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and medical professionals that deal with the traumatic aftermath of road crashes every day.
December
National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day is recognized on the first day of winter, December 21, 2024 and has been established as the National Homeless Persons Memorial Day and remembers those in the homeless community who have died the previous year. The day reminds us to honor them and remember the life they lived; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO:
That the City Council of the City of Greensboro recognizes and observes the 2024 City of Greensboro Departmental Annual Events, Recognitions and Programs.
(Signed) Marikay Abuzuaiter