September is almost here, which means FASD Awareness Month is just around the corner. Across Canada and around the world, individuals, families, organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community groups come together throughout September to increase understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), reduce stigma, and support healthier pregnancies.
The best awareness campaigns don’t happen overnight. Whether you’re planning a community event, sharing information on social media, or simply looking for ways to participate, August is the perfect time to start preparing.
Start with this year’s theme
The 2026 FASD Awareness Month theme is Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community. Supporting people with FASD isn’t the responsibility of one person or one profession. Communities are made up of families, friends, educators, employers, healthcare providers, service organizations, neighbours, and advocates. This year’s campaign celebrates the power of connection and encourages communities to learn, collaborate, and support one another.
Join a global movement
This year’s campaign is especially meaningful because organizations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are all embracing the same theme. By sharing a common message, CanFASD, the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Care Action Network are highlighting that supporting individuals with FASD and promoting healthy pregnancies is a shared responsibility that extends beyond borders. We encourage you to explore the resources, stories, and awareness activities from our colleagues in Australia and New Zealand to see how communities around the world are bringing this year’s theme to life.
Explore the FASD Month Toolkit
If you’re wondering where to begin, start with our FASD Month Toolkit. It brings together everything you need to plan a successful awareness campaign in one place, including our guide to planning an FASD Month event, downloadable social media graphics, a social media calendar, a media package, information package, proclamation templates and the interactive Everyone Plays a Part webpage. These ready-to-use resources can save hours of planning while helping you share accurate, evidence-informed information.
If you’re hosting an event in Canada, be sure to submit it to CanFASD so we can help promote it and encourage others in your community to get involved.
Schedule your social media content in advance
Rather than creating content as you go, consider scheduling your social media posts during August so you can focus on engaging with your audience throughout September. Our toolkit includes ready-made graphics, suggested messaging, awareness hashtags, and a social media calendar to help you share consistent, evidence-based information all month long.
Feature in our campaign
CanFASD is inviting our community to be part of our campaign by sharing what community means to you and how support can help individuals with FASD and their families thrive. We welcome voices from across the FASD community, including individuals with lived and living experience, family members, caregivers, birth mothers, and those involved in prevention and support programs. You can participate by submitting a short video or an anonymous written reflection.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already shared their stories with us! We’ve been inspired by the thoughtful reflections from Hilary and Dr. Poole, who shared their perspectives on the power of community. We can’t wait to hear more stories and celebrate the many ways people come together to support one another.
Rock your red shoes
One of the most recognizable traditions during International FASD Awareness Day is Red Shoes Rock. What began in Canada has grown into an international symbol of awareness and solidarity. If you don’t own a pair of red shoes, wearing another red item of clothing is a great way to show your support. Share your photos using #RedShoesRock and help spark conversations in your workplace, school, or community.
Watch the world light up red
Each year, monuments and landmarks across the world light up red in recognition of FASD Awareness Day on September 9. Visiting one of these locations with friends, family, or colleagues is a meaningful way to show your support while raising awareness in your community.
Continue learning about FASD
FASD Awareness Month is also an opportunity to deepen your understanding of FASD. Whether you’re new to the topic or have years of experience, CanFASD offers a range of educational resources to support your learning.
One of this year’s featured resources is our interactive Everyone Plays a Part webpage. It offers practical ideas and tailored actions based on your role, whether you’re a parent or caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, policymaker, researcher, employer, or community member.
Start planning today
September will be here before you know it. Planning your awareness activities now gives you more time to engage partners, organize events, schedule social media, and reach your community.
Thank you for joining us in raising awareness for FASD!