Red Shirt Day: History, Significance, and How to Get Your City to Recognize It

Have you heard about Red Shirt Day®? If not, you're in for a treat! This annual event, established by Easter Seals Canada in 2019, is all about promoting accessibility and inclusion. Let's dive into the history, significance, and how you can get your city to recognize this important day.

Table of Contents

• What is Red Shirt Day?
• Why is Red Shirt Day Significant?
• How Can You Get Your City to Recognize Red Shirt Day?
• Why Red Shirt Day Matters
• How to Get Your City to Recognize Red Shirt Day (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Tips for Success
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Join the Movement

What is Red Shirt Day?

Red Shirt Day® is not just about wearing red shirts. It's a powerful movement that aims to break down barriers to accessibility and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities. By participating in Red Shirt Day®, you are making a commitment to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Why is Red Shirt Day Significant?

Red Shirt Day® holds great significance as it falls on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week each year. It serves as a reminder of the importance of removing physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully participating in society. By raising awareness and taking action on Red Shirt Day®, you are contributing to a more inclusive and accessible world.

How Can You Get Your City to Recognize Red Shirt Day?

Getting your city to recognize Red Shirt Day® is easier than you think! Start by reaching out to local organizations, schools, and businesses to raise awareness about the event. Encourage them to participate by wearing red shirts and organizing activities that promote accessibility and inclusion. You can also connect with your city council or mayor to officially declare Red Shirt Day® in your city.

Remember, change starts with small actions. By spreading the word about Red Shirt Day® and encouraging others to join the movement, you are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

So, are you ready to join the Red Shirt Day® movement? Let's work together to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all!

Red Shirt Day is an annual awareness day held in Canada to stand against bullying and discrimination, particularly ableism and the bullying of people with disabilities. By wearing red, Canadians show their commitment to creating inclusive communities where everyone belongs.

Why Red Shirt Day Matters

People with disabilities face disproportionate rates of bullying, exclusion, and discrimination. Red Shirt Day serves several important purposes:

• Raises Awareness: It brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities
• Builds Community: It creates visible solidarity and shows people with disabilities they are not alone
• Sparks Conversation: It opens dialogue about ableism, accessibility, and inclusion
• Drives Action: It encourages concrete steps toward more inclusive policies and practices
• Celebrates Disability Culture: It centers disability-led voices and perspectives

How to Get Your City to Recognize Red Shirt Day

Want to see Red Shirt Day officially recognized in your community? Here's a step-by-step guide to making it happen:

1. Find your Allies 

Start by connecting with local disability advocacy groups, accessibility committees, schools, and community organizations. A strong coalition demonstrates broad community support and brings diverse perspectives to your campaign.

2. Research Your City's Proclamation Process

Most cities have a formal process for issuing proclamations or declaring awareness days. Contact your city clerk's office to learn:

• The application or request process
• Required timelines (many cities need 4-6 weeks notice)
• Who makes the final decision (mayor, city council, etc.)
• Any required documentation or supporting materials

3. Prepare Your Request

Create a compelling case that includes:

• Background: Explain the history and significance of Red Shirt Day
• Local Impact: Share statistics or stories about bullying and ableism in your community
• Community Support: Include letters of support from local organizations, schools, and residents
• Proposed Activities: Outline how your community will observe the day
• Alignment with City Values: Connect Red Shirt Day to your city's existing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

4. Engage Your City Councillors

Reach out to your local councillor or multiple councillors who champion accessibility issues. Request a meeting to discuss your proposal and ask them to sponsor or support your request at the council.

5. Mobilize Community Support

Demonstrate public backing through:

• Petition signatures from residents
• Social media campaigns using local hashtags
• Letters to the editor in local newspapers
• Presentations at public council meetings
• Partnerships with schools and businesses that will participate

6. Attend Accessible Advisory Council Meetings

If your city allows public delegations, request time to present your case directly to council. Bring coalition members, especially disability advocates, to speak about why this matters.

7. Plan Your Celebration

Once your city issues a proclamation, organize meaningful activities:

• School assemblies and educational programs
• Community events featuring disability-led speakers and artists
• Social media campaigns highlighting local disability advocates
• Workplace participation and accessibility pledges
• Fundraising for local disability organizations

8. Make it Annual

Work to ensure Red Shirt Day becomes a recurring recognition in your city. Follow up with the city clerk each year to confirm that the proclamation will be renewed.

Tips for Success

• Center Disability Voices: Ensure people with disabilities lead the campaign and speak at events
• Be Persistent: If your first request is denied, ask for feedback and try again
• Build Relationships: Develop ongoing connections with city staff and councillors
• Document Everything: Keep records of your efforts to build on each year
• Celebrate Small Wins: Even if you don't get a full proclamation, workplace or school recognition is valuable

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Shirt Day

When is Red Shirt Day in Canada?

Red Shirt Day is celebrated on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week each year in Canada. National AccessAbility Week runs from the last Sunday in May to the first Saturday in June, making Red Shirt Day typically fall in late May or early June.

What does Red Shirt Day stand for?

Red Shirt Day stands for accessibility, inclusion, and the fight against ableism and bullying of people with disabilities. It's a day to raise awareness about the barriers faced by people with disabilities and to commit to creating more inclusive communities across Canada.

Who started Red Shirt Day?

Red Shirt Day was established by Easter Seals Canada in 2019 as an annual awareness day to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. The initiative encourages Canadians to wear red as a visible symbol of their commitment to breaking down barriers.

How can I participate in Red Shirt Day?

You can participate in Red Shirt Day by wearing red clothing or accessories, sharing information about the day on social media, organizing awareness events at your workplace or school, supporting disability-led organizations, and advocating for accessibility improvements in your community.

Is Red Shirt Day the same as Pink Shirt Day?

No, Red Shirt Day and Pink Shirt Day are different awareness campaigns. Pink Shirt Day (in February) focuses on anti-bullying in general, while Red Shirt Day (during National AccessAbility Week) specifically addresses ableism, disability rights, and the bullying of people with disabilities.

What is the difference between Red Shirt Day and National AccessAbility Week?

National AccessAbility Week is a week-long celebration of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in Canada. Red Shirt Day is a specific day within that week (the Wednesday) dedicated to raising awareness about ableism and encouraging visible solidarity by wearing red.

Can businesses and schools officially recognize Red Shirt Day?

Yes! Businesses, schools, and organizations can officially recognize Red Shirt Day by organizing awareness activities, encouraging employees or students to wear red, hosting educational sessions about accessibility, and making commitments to improve accessibility in their spaces.

Join the Movement

At GoodOnU.ca, we're proud to be a disability-led business supporting Red Shirt Day. Our Red Shirt Day collection features designs created in collaboration with disability artists, with proceeds supporting accessibility initiatives.

Whether you're working to get your city to recognize Red Shirt Day or simply wearing red in solidarity, you're part of a growing movement for inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for all.

Together, we can create communities where everyone belongs.

Red Shirt Day is a registered trademark of Easter Seals Canada.