November 2024 HRE Update
AFA-CWA International Human Rights & Equity Committee November Update
The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, differently abled, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care. We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all band together and work together that we can rally against the walls of division to create a progressive culture that values social and economic justice for all working people.
Important Dates
Native American Heritage Month
November is a time of reflection and celebration as Native American Heritage Month, a period dedicated to recognizing and honoring the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, histories, and contributions to the United States. This month, we commemorate the enduring legacy of Native Americans and acknowledge the importance of preserving their heritage. The indigenous peoples of North America encompass a vast array of cultures, languages, and traditions. From the Tlingit People of Southeast Alaska to the Navajo Nation in the Southwest to the Iroquois Confederacy in the Northeast, Native Americans have a vibrant and diverse history that predates the arrival of European settlers. This month is an opportunity to learn about these various cultures, their traditions, and the resilience they have shown throughout history.
Native American Heritage Month is also a time to remember the historical injustices faced by indigenous communities, including forced displacement, broken treaties, and cultural suppression. Acknowledging this history is a step towards reconciliation and healing. It is also a call to support and empower indigenous communities. Efforts to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Native Americans are essential steps towards rectifying historical injustices. This month serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions and enduring cultures of indigenous peoples. It is a time to celebrate, learn, reflect, and support these communities in their ongoing quest for justice, equity, and cultural preservation. By doing so, we can ensure that the voices and traditions of Native Americans continue to thrive and enrich our nation.
Learn more about Native American Heritage Month from these resources
- Learn about Native American Heritage Month from the Smithsonian
- Learn about Native American Veterans
- Learn about Native American Heritage Month from the National Parks Service
Here are some ways to highlight and honor Native American Heritage Month
- Learn what Native land you are on
- Long before you lived on it, the land you’re on was occupied, managed, and maintained by Indigenous people and tribes. Land is sacred and important to all of us — whether we know it or not — and it’s important to learn about the history of the land you’re on.
- Learn about challenges Native Americans have faced
- Violence against Indigenous peoples is a reality. The cases of many missing and murdered Indigenous people go unsolved and unaddressed. The Secretary of the Interior formed a unit to pursue justice for these people. Read more about it HERE
- You can find information about other issues using THIS RESOURCE
- Support the work of Indigenous photographers, musicians, authors and poets, and follow Indigenous people on social media
- Here is an exhibit on Native Photographers In The Wild
- Support Native American-owned business
- You can find a list of some businesses HERE
- Donate to Native American-led non-profits. See a couple listed below:
- Wear your Native American Heritage AFA Pin
- Please note: We currently do not have any pins for Native American Heritage Month available for the crew
Here is a simple resource that highlights 22 ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month
Aviation History Month: November 1-30
Diabetes Awareness Month: November 1-30
National Stress Awareness Day: November 2, 2023
Election Day: November 5
World Freedom Day: November 9
This is a day chosen to comemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. You can learn more about this HERE
World Adoption Day: November 9
Veterans Day: November 11
Remembrance Day:November 11
Trans Awareness Week: November 13-19
International Men's Day: November 19
Transgender Day of Remembrance: November 20
World Children's Day: November 20
National Day of Mourning (Native American): November 28
Thanksgiving: November 28
Resources:
AFA EAP
AFA EAP assists flight attendants with professional and personal life changes, counselling services for depression, eating disorders, drug/alcohol addiction, and so much more! this is 100% confidential. Any challenge a flight attendant may face, the employee assistance program is here for you! Reach out to the EAP by
- Phone: 1-800-424-2406 or 202-434-0560
- Phone or Text or Whatsapp: 301-437-0390
- Email: [email protected]
Incident Reporting Form
As we move into the NEOS Charters, we may be flying into states and countries that are not as accepting of the diversity of our airline, we may be encounter discriminatory incidents and be outright harassed by passengers, hotel staff, airport authorities, people in our layovers, etc.
We have an incident reporting form on our AFA HRE site that should be filled out when these situations occur. You can find the form HERE.
If you need assistance in filling out this form or have any such incidents occur, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
Additional Resources
- Crisis text line: Text ELECTION to 741741 for support
on coping with the election - How to Build a Self-Care Toolkit for Yourself and
Your Community. Indiana University - Strategies for Coping with Election Stress, from a
Therapist who Runs a Group on getting through
the Presidential Election. The Seattle Times - 11 Affirmations to Help Ease Election Anxiety.
Odyssey Online - Specific Tips for Managing Sociopolitical Stress.
Lafayette Counseling Center - Tools for Self- and Community Care, including
Building a Positive Support Network. The Better
You Institute - Ideas for LGBTQIA+ Youth in Coping with Intense
Emotions Due to the Presidential Election. The
Trevor Project - Handling Political Anxiety as a Member of the
LGBTQIA+ Community. It Gets Better - Strategies for Black Women in Protecting Their
Mental Health this Election Season. Self - Resources for the Black Community. National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Resources for the Asian American and Pacific
Islander community. National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) - Tips for the Hispanic/Latinx Community on Facing
Election Anxiety. The Latin Times - Resources for the Hispanic/Latinx community.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
If you would like more information, or details on how to join the Human Rights and Equity Committee here at Norse, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jhenelle (she/her) at [email protected]