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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Introduction

"A true friend advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously and continues a friend unchanging."

William Penn 

 

Dictionary.com defines "friend" as "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard." Friends come into our lives in a variety of ways, and some only stay through certain seasons. However, the attributes of camaraderie, understanding, and trust are common threads among all friendships. Imagine how such traits could change the world at large!

The idea of global friendship is what spearheaded the Universal Day of Friendship! 

A Little Background

In 1958, the idea of International Day of Friendship was proposed in Paraguay. 

While U.S. Congress designated the first Sunday in August as Friendship Day, the U.N. assigned July 30th as the official International Day of Friendship in 2011. 

During this day, there is a strong emphasis placed on community involvement in activities that include different cultures and promote respect for diversity. 

Currently, the U.N. encourages governments, organizations and civil rights groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that promote a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation. 

Happy playful multiethnic group of young friends bonding outdoors

(Image from iStock by Getty Images) 

Benefits of Friendship

Friends increase a sense of belonging and purpose. 
Friends boost happiness and reduce stress. 
Friends improve self-confidence and self-worth. 
Friends help cope with trauma and sadness. 
Friends can encourage healthy lifestyle habits. 
Friends reduce feelings of loneliness. 
Friends help provide different perspectives to situations. 
Friends increase feelings of security and being valued by others. 
Friends can introduce new experiences and activities. 

Meaning of Friendship from Around the World

Books at NDSL

Firefly Lane

The nine : the true story of a band of women who survived the worst of Nazi Germany

The Life Council

Buster : the military dog who saved a thousand lives

Irena's children : the extraordinary story of the woman who saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw ghetto

The Survival Guide for Making and Being Friends

References

Friendship day facts & worksheets. (n.d.). Kidskonnect. https://kidskonnect.com/holidays-seasons/friendship-day/. 

Friendships:  Enrich your life and improve your health. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860. 

International day of friendship 30 July. (n.d.). United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day.  

Johnson, C. (n.d.). Benefits of friendship. Care Counseling. https://care-clinics.com/benefits-of-friends/. 

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Many of these resources and programs are funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.