Dear Friends: World Breastfeeding Week is ALWAYS August 1-7, EVERY YEAR! That's WORLD Breastfeeding Week, as declared by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. The observance is on the anniversary of the signing of the Innocenti Declaration. Now, having said this, you must also examine your local or national situation. Some countries (Canada, much of Europe) have their large breastfeeding public awareness campaigns in late September/early October. Britain has it's big national breastfeeding day in May (I believe) to coincide with their 'Mother's Day.' Some states in the U.S. have set breastfeeding events around the U.S. Mother's Day and other times of the year. Please understand, these are not WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK. They are "Kentucky Breastfeeding Awareness Month", "Canadian Breastfeeding Week", etc. The Theme for 1998 is "Breastfeeding: The Best Investment." It will focus on the economics of breastfeeding. There are many ways that breastfeeding and economics intersect for families, businesses, governments, hospitals, health care providers, etc. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is finalizing the content of their Action Folder, which should be available in March or April. For some preview information, you can go to their Website: <www.elogica.com.br/waba>. ILCA is developing an Action Kit to help LCs and other breastfeeding supporters to celebrate the day. It will include background information, camera-ready pieces targeting employers, families, and insurance companies, table tents, book marks, and posters. It will be available in March or April. You can contact me concerning this at <[log in to unmask]>. INFACT-Canada is developing an Action Kit for Canadian breastfeeding supporters. It will also contain a lot of ready-made materials. You can email the director at <[log in to unmask]> for more information. La Leche League International will again hold its "World Walk for Breastfeeding." You can get in touch with your local groups and/or contact the main office to get more specifics. Their website is <www.lalecheleague.org>. As things become available, I will be sure to post to Lactnet to let everyone know. In the meantime, think about YOUR area, worksite, clientele, who you want to target, and what aspect of the economics of breastfeeding would be most interesting to THEM! No ready-made packet is going to be able to give you everything you need, but it can give you a start. Good Luck and Best Wishes! Doraine Bailey ILCA World Breastfeeding Week Coordinator ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com