July 12th, International Day of Hope 2026
Become an International Day of Hope Certified ChampionA free 20-minute lesson is all it takes to get started.
#InternationalDayofHope #IDOH2026 #LetsShineHope #CreateSparks #Hope
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.
Join us. Shine Hope. Change lives.
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.
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?
Prior to July 12:
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- Become an International Day Of Hope Champion - Help activate Hope in your school, workplace, recovery community, organization, or city. www.hopecourses.com/idoh-champion
- Submit a Proclamation - Declare July 12 as the International Day Of Hope in your city, school, workplace, or organization. internationaldayofhope.org/idoh2026/
- Plan a Community Event or Activation - Host a Hope walk, workplace activation, school lesson, recovery gathering, community conversation, or sunflower planting. internationaldayofhope.org/#Add-Event
- Share on Social Media - Share on Social Media you are Celebrating the International Day Of Hope. www.internationaldayofhope.org/social-media-toolkit
- Plan Who You Will Teach About Hope - Plan who you will teach about Hope. Use the 20-Minute Hope Activation on Page 7 to teach practical Hope skills to someone you know. Download the toolkit at internationaldayofhope.org/idoh2026/
On July 12:
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- Be the Sunflower - Tag 3 people who helped you find light during difficult moments. internationaldayofhope.org/idoh2026/
- Share Hope Online - Share your favorite Hope song, Hope quote, Hope video, Hope message, Hope tip, or Hope story. Flood social media with Hope. www.internationaldayofhope.org/social-media-toolkit
- Measure Your Hope - Take the Hope assessment and share your Hope score. www.myhopescore.org
- Teach A Hope Lesson - Use the 20-minute Hope activation to teach practical Hope skills in your school, workplace, family, recovery group, or community.
- Plant a Sunflower and Activate Your Community - Plant a sunflower and place a Hope sign linking people to International Day Of Hope resources, support groups, and crisis resources. www.internationaldayofhope.org/sunflower-garden-sign
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.