October 15 Holidays

Global Handwashing Day was established by the Global Handwashing Partnership to promote handwashing with soap as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions — UNICEF estimates that improved handwashing could prevent 700,000 child deaths annually from diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Spirit Day was founded in 2010 by Brittany McMillan and organized by GLAAD — observed on the third Thursday of October by wearing purple to express solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth who face bullying and higher rates of depression and suicide. Conflict Resolution Day was established by the Association for Conflict Resolution on the third Thursday of October to promote peaceful resolution of disputes through mediation, arbitration, and collaborative problem-solving. International Credit Union Day was established by the World Council of Credit Unions on the third Thursday of October to celebrate credit unions as member-owned financial cooperatives.