April was designated as National Month of Hope in 2018 by the not-for-profit organization, Mothers in Crisis to convey the importance of hope around the world. It can become a little hard to hold onto hope during challenging times but cultivating optimism, practicing gratitude, and looking for hope in unexpected places can help rediscover hope during tough times. It is also National Poetry Month. Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture. Poetry matters! Poems remind us that hope is deeper than mere optimism—it’s a resilient force that sustains us even in the face of adversity. Also noted awarenesses this month are volunteer month, stress awareness, safe digging and National Arab American Heritage Month.