12/07/2025
Happy International Day of HOPE!
In a world facing growing unrest, widening social divisions, and persistent economic and environmental challenges, the global community continues to seek values that unite rather than divide. Among these, hope stands out as a deeply powerful and universally resonant force. Recognizing this, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 12 July as the International Day of Hope—a day to celebrate and promote hope as a guiding principle for individuals, communities, and nations alike.
HOPE is nothing without action. Celebrate Hope Day by turning optimism into meaningful action. Gather friends, colleagues, or students for a short “Circle of Hope” conversation to discuss local challenges and imagine solutions. Dedicate an hour to service—mentor a young person, clean up a public space, check in on an elderly neighbor, or volunteer for a mental health helpline. Incorporate reflections on hope into lessons, meetings, or faith gatherings to spark ongoing dialogue. Every small gesture—whether a heartfelt conversation, an act of kindness, or a moment spent teaching—helps spread the spirit of hope that this day is meant to inspire in communities everywhere.
Psychologist C. R. Snyder defines hope as a combination of agency and pathways thinking—in other words, the motivation to pursue goals and the perceived ability to find ways to achieve them. Neuroimaging research shows that hope activates reward and motivation centers in the brain, such as the ventral tegmental area, which is also linked to relief from depressive symptoms.
(Copyrighted Image below is Publisher/Editor Shanana Rain Golden-Bear's Embrace Hope Decal giveaway. And are still available for free; just holler.)
