International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day is held by UNESCO on 8 September. It highlights the importance of reading and writing for individuals, communities and societies.

Content kit

Ready to paste

Newsletter blurb

Paste into this week's issue.

8 September is International Literacy Day, UNESCO's reminder that reading and writing open doors that are still closed to many people. At work, it's a good prompt to think about how clearly we write for each other. This week, try cutting the jargon from one document or email, and share a book that has stayed with you in [reading channel]. If you'd like to support literacy locally, some schools and libraries welcome volunteer readers.

8 September is International Literacy Day, UNESCO's reminder that reading and writing open doors that are still closed to many people. At work, it's a good prompt to think about how clearly we write for each other. This week, try cutting the jargon from one document or email, and share a book that has stayed with you in [reading channel]. If you'd like to support literacy locally, some schools and libraries welcome volunteer readers.

Slack / Teams post

For the company channel on the day.

It's International Literacy Day. What's a book you'd recommend to a colleague, and why? Share it in the thread.

It's International Literacy Day. What's a book you'd recommend to a colleague, and why? Share it in the thread.

Talking points

For managers and team leads.

- Plain, clear writing helps everyone, including colleagues working in a second language. - Remind people that support is available for anyone who finds reading or writing harder, such as dyslexia adjustments. - Suggest a book swap or reading recommendations as a light way to join in.

- Plain, clear writing helps everyone, including colleagues working in a second language.
- Remind people that support is available for anyone who finds reading or writing harder, such as dyslexia adjustments.
- Suggest a book swap or reading recommendations as a light way to join in.

Tone note

How to pitch it.

Celebrate reading without assuming everyone finds it easy. Some colleagues may have dyslexia or be working in an additional language, so avoid anything that feels like a test and keep any support discreet.

Celebrate reading without assuming everyone finds it easy. Some colleagues may have dyslexia or be working in an additional language, so avoid anything that feels like a test and keep any support discreet.

Turn this into this week's issue

Drop International Literacy Day into a ready-made newsletter template, add your team's news, and send it from your own inbox.

Turn this into this week's issue

Free to start. No card needed.

Subject line ideas

Try these subject lines to boost open rates:

International Literacy Day: What we're doing this year
It's International Literacy Day — here's how you can get involved
This week: International Literacy Day + team news
8 September: International Literacy Day at [Company]

How to feature this in your newsletter

Plan ahead — Add International Literacy Day to your content calendar at least 2 weeks before the date so you have time to gather content and images.
Choose your angle — Will you run a dedicated special edition, or include it as a section in your regular newsletter? Bigger events work well as specials; smaller ones fit into your weekly digest.
Involve your people — Ask employees to share their stories, experiences, or ideas related to International Literacy Day. User-generated content always gets higher engagement.
Include a call to action — Give readers something to do: attend an event, share a message, learn something new, or donate to a cause.

Weekly “coming up” digest

Never get caught out by a date again

Every Monday: the moments worth marking in the next two weeks, with ready-to-paste newsletter blurbs.

Prefer it in your calendar? Subscribe to the free calendar feed.

Related dates

Apr

Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day, recognised by the United Nations, takes place on 2 April each year. Many autistic people prefer to frame it around acceptance and inclusion rather than awareness alone.

Apr

Earth Day

Earth Day on 22 April has been held every year since 1970 to support environmental protection. It is now marked by people and organisations around the world.

May

World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day on 3 May is a United Nations day that highlights the importance of a free and independent press. It also honours journalists who have faced danger or lost their lives in their work.

Jun

World Environment Day

World Environment Day on 5 June is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and has been held since 1974. It encourages action to protect the environment.

← Back to calendar Content planning guide →