July 12th, International Day of Hope 2026
Teach it. Plant it. Paint it. Share it. Shine it.Join the global movement to build a world powered by Hope.
This year, be one of the millions choosing Hope as a skill, a strategy, and a shared commitment to a better future.
#InternationalDayofHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #CreateSparks #Hope
Join us. Shine Hope. Change lives.
The Power of Hope
Hope is not just a feeling — it is measurable, teachable, and scalable.
The International Day of Hope, celebrated annually on July 12th, recognizes Hope as a powerful force for transforming lives, communities, and our world.
Initiated by global mental health leaders and now formally recognized by the United Nations, the International Day of Hope is a call to action: to make Hope a public health priority, and to recognize it as a protective factor against violence, addiction, and suicide.
Hope is the strategy for a better future — and it starts with all of us.
Why Hope?
Hope is measurable and teachable.
Hope protects against depression, addiction, violence, and suicide.
Hope builds resilience, well-being, and positive change.
Hope is a public health priority.
2026 Toolkit Coming Soon!
The International Day of Hope Toolkit is currently being prepared and will be available shortly. We're putting together everything you need to celebrate and share Hope with your community.
Stay tuned. Something meaningful is on its way!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day of Hope (IDOH)?
The International Day of Hope is a global movement dedicated to sharing Hope's science, stories, and strategies. It's a day for individuals, communities, and cities to unite and activate Hope as a skill and a strategy for addressing violence, mental health, suicide, addiction, and more.
Why does Hope matter?
Hope isn't just a feeling—it's a teachable skill that builds resilience, strengthens mental health, and transforms communities. IDOH ensures everyone knows how to cultivate and sustain Hope daily in a way that’s nonstigmatizing and normalized.
How can I participate?
Whether you're 1 person or a city of 1 million, these 10 actions are designed to scale — from sunflower seeds to city proclamations.
- Measure Your Hope
- Plant a Sunflower for Hope
- Create a Hope Spark
- Teach One Hope Skill
- Download Parent's Guide
- Submit Proclamation
- Activate Your Workplace (July 10th)
- Paint a Hope Mural or Rock
- Host or Join a Hope March or Rally
- Tell Someone it's the International Day of Hope
How can businesses, schools, or cities get involved?
Businesses can sponsor events or engage employees, schools can incorporate hope-based learning, and cities can issue proclamations recognizing IDOH as an official day. Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities! (activate@theshinehopecompany.com)
How can I stay updated?
Follow us at @ifredorg on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or check our website for the latest updates, events, and ways to join the movement.
Join the movement!
Sign up here to stay updated on the International Day of Hope. More coming soon!
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Host or Join a Hope March or Rally
Bring people together — in the streets, at a park, or online — to stand for Hope. Carry sunflowers. Share stories. Invite speakers.
Post: “Marching for Hope in [City]. Join us!”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2025 #LetsShineHope #Hope #MarchForHope
Put Up A Poster In Your School, Workplace, Or Local Community Board
Raise awareness and inspire action with eye-catching posters available for download.
Activate Your Workplace (Friday, July 10)
Unrealistic goals can create hopelessness.
Use the day to:
-
- Reflect on whether workplace goals are realistic
- Measure team Hope Scores
- Celebrate meaningful progress
- Recognize a “Hope Champion” on your team
Post (on July 12): “Yesterday our team activated Hope by reflecting on our goals, our purpose, and each other. Hope is a skill — and we’re building it.”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #HopeAtWork
Paint a Hope Mural or Rock
Use art — sidewalk chalk, sunflowers, murals, or painted rocks — to create a visible spark of hope in your community.
Post: “Hope grows where we create it. Paint it forward. 🎨🌻"
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #HopeInAction
Submit a Proclamation
Make it official. Ask your city, school, or state to recognize July 12 as the International Day of Hope formally.
Post: “We made Hope official in [Your City]!”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #DeclareHope
Download the Parent’s Guide to Hope
Hope begins at home. Use the Parent’s Guide to start conversations and strengthen family resilience.
Post: “Hope starts at home. We’re building it together.”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #HopeStartsWithYou
Teach One Hope Skill
Use the Hopeful Minds Overview to teach one lesson — at home, school, or community. Try a SHINE skill:
Stress Skills, Happiness Habits, Inspired Actions, Nourishing Networks, or Eliminating Challenges.
Post: “Here’s one way I activate Hope every day…”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #TeachHope
Plant a Sunflower for Hope
Plant one. Plant a garden. Plant a message. Hope is something we grow — together.
Post: “Planting Hope for a brighter world. 🌻 Who gives you Hope?”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #PlantHope
Create a Hope Spark
Hope isn’t just a feeling — it’s an action. Make a nourishing meal, send a kind message, tag someone who inspires you, or share your story.
Post: “I just created a Hope Spark by ____. How will you?”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #CreateSparks
Measure Your Hope
Take the 2-minute Snyder Hope Scale and reflect on what gives you purpose, direction, and momentum.
Post: “I just measured my Hope. Did you?”
#InternationalDayOfHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #Hope #HopeStartsWithYou
Post Using Our Social Media Kit (July 12)
Join the global chorus of hope—download and share graphics and captions from our free social media kit.