Move over spooky season, Orgtober is here!
At its core, Orgtober is a catalyst for change through education. We firmly believe that by empowering children with knowledge, we can reshape societal attitudes toward organ donation. Our mission is clear: to amplify awareness (and appreciation) for our organs, ignite crucial conversations about donation, and, in the long run, increase the number of life-saving donors.
Orgtober represents more than just a month on the calendar; it symbolizes a beacon of hope for those in need
In a ground breaking global initiative, Canada is set to become one of the first countries to introduce 'Orgtober' to the school calendar in 2024, spearheading organ donation education and early awareness on an international scale.
Orgtober, previously known as October, is poised to enter school classrooms and calendars throughout the nation. While the regular educational curriculum remains unchanged, Orgtober aims to invigorate organ donation education by starting at a younger age, initiating family discussions, celebrating the core values that underlie organ donation (kindness, compassion, and inclusivity), and infusing an element of enjoyment into the process.
The Orgamites, creators of the world's only global organ donation awareness program for grades K-8, have set a remarkable mission for Orgtober: to heighten awareness of our remarkable organs, foster discussions about organ donation among families, and, as a result, empower people of all ages to make decisions about organ donation that’s right for them.
The Orgamites offers a diverse range of free, entertaining, and interactive educational toolkits and resources that students can take home. These toolkits provide invaluable insights into the human body's organs, promote better self-care practices, and underscore the significance of kindness.
Canada is at the forefront, demonstrating to schools, organizations, and individuals worldwide how it's done. Together, we aspire to raise awareness that will ultimately translate into more lives saved, both in Canada and globally.
Orgtober promises to be a transformative undertaking, inspiring young minds, fostering family discussions, and sowing the seeds of compassion and generosity that will benefit society for generations to come.
Why is this issue so crucial to highlight?
This initiative is of paramount importance because too many individuals, especially children, lose their lives while awaiting organ transplants. Despite opt-in or opt-out laws, the number of families agreeing to organ donation has declined for the first time in eight years. The primary reason for declining donations is that families are uncertain about their loved ones' wishes regarding organ donation. One conversation can change that, and Orgtober aims to facilitate vital discussions.
Education is key to addressing young people’s concerns about organ and tissue donation. It can help them feel empowered to talk about donation with their families and equip them to make informed choices in the future. Teach it. Learn it. Talk about it. It's vitally important...
By fostering more open conversations about our remarkable organs, their health, and acts of kindness, we aim to encourage more families to discuss organ donation and share their choices with loved ones long before the need arises.
What is Orgtober in a nutshell?
Orgtober, formerly known as October, is now 'Organ Donation Education Month’– a full month dedicated to promoting organ donation education among students, teachers, and families across the world (starting in Northern Ireland and Canada). By highlighting the importance of organ donation and encouraging more people to consider registering as organ donors, we hope to create a worldwide movement that will impact generations to come and save countless lives too.
To learn more about the Orgamites Education Program and to download your free resources, visit Orgamites.ca
Discover educational tools for all grades and ages, visit learn.organtissuedonation.ca
In Canada, more than 4,000 people are on the transplant waiting list, and hundreds die each year waiting for a donor. Choose to leave well so others can live well. Register to be an organ and tissue donor.
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