August is National Grief Awareness Month—a time to recognize that grief is a universal experience, but one we rarely talk about in real ways.

Grief isn’t just about death. It’s about loss—of people, relationships, health, identity, or a sense of safety.

What Grief Really Looks Like

Forget the “five stages.” Grief is messy, non-linear, and deeply personal.

It can look like:

• Anger or numbness
  

• Guilt for feeling OK—or for not feeling OK
  

• Exhaustion, brain fog, or forgetfulness
  

• Sudden tears in the grocery store
  

There’s no timeline. No “right” way to mourn. And no shame in still hurting years later.

The Black Ribbon

The black ribbon is used to honor grief, loss, and remembrance. It’s a quiet symbol of respect—for the person gone, and for the person grieving.

Wearing a black ribbon pin says: I’m holding space for loss. Mine, or someone else’s.

Who Needs Grief Awareness?

• Anyone who’s lost a loved one
  

• Parents grieving miscarriages or infertility
  

• People mourning estranged family or friendships
  

• Those who’ve survived trauma, illness, or life-altering change
  

In short: all of us, at some point.

How You Can Help

• Say their name. Don’t pretend the loss didn’t happen.
  

• Check in weeks or months after the funeral
  

• Offer presence, not platitudes (no “at leasts”)
  

• Wear a black ribbon pin to signal empathy and solidarity
  

Organizations That Get It

We’re not affiliated, but we respect these grief support orgs:

• The Dougy Center – Grief support for children and families (dougy.org)
  

• Modern Loss – Resources and storytelling around grief in all its forms
  

• GriefShare – Local support groups and education
  

Why It Matters

Our Grief Awareness Pins are subtle yet powerful. They honor the invisible weight so many carry—and help make the hard conversations just a little easier.

[Shop the Grief Awareness Collection] (insert link)

This August, let’s do more than mourn. Let’s normalize grief. Let’s show up for each other in the dark.

And let’s wear black not just in sorrow—but in solidarity.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to speak truth, center survivors, and demand accountability.

Sexual assault doesn’t just leave physical scars. It impacts mental health, relationships, and trust. And it happens more often than most people realize.

The Reality of Sexual Assault

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence in their lifetime
  
• LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people of color face higher rates and fewer resources
  
• Most survivors know their assailant
  
• Reporting rates are low due to fear, shame, or lack of support
  

It’s not just a “bad date” or “miscommunication.” It’s violence. And it deserves to be taken seriously.

What Support Looks Like

Supporting survivors isn’t complicated:

• Listen without judgment
  

• Believe them
  

• Don’t pressure them to report—respect their timeline
  

• Offer resources, not unsolicited advice
  

Let survivors define their own healing. It’s not about what you would do—it’s about what they need.

The Teal Ribbon

The teal ribbon represents sexual assault awareness. It stands for solidarity, strength, and a refusal to look away.

When you wear a teal ribbon pin, you’re helping survivors feel seen—and saying that this issue matters, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Organizations That Uplift Survivors

We’re not affiliated, but we believe in the work of these orgs:

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 24/7 support and education (rainn.org)
  

• NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) – Research and community prevention tools
  

• End Rape on Campus – Student-focused advocacy and support
  

How You Can Help

• Share educational posts during April
  

• Host or attend awareness events
  

• Donate to survivor support orgs
  

• Wear a teal ribbon pin and start conversations that matter
  

Why It Matters

Our Sexual Assault Awareness Pins aren’t performative—they’re purposeful. A symbol of respect, empathy, and advocacy.

[Shop the Sexual Assault Awareness Collection] (insert link)

This April—and every month—let’s support survivors not just with words, but with action.

Let’s listen. Let’s learn. Let’s stand up. And let’s never be silent when it matters most.

September is more than the start of pumpkin spice season—it's Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and it deserves a spotlight. While it's one of the fastest-growing cancers, especially in women, thyroid cancer often flies under the radar. That’s why awareness matters.