National Month of Hope
April 1 - April 30
About National Month of Hope
National Month of Hope is observed throughout April in the United States, encouraging people to share stories of hope, support those facing adversity, and spread positivity within their communities. Founded in 2018 by the nonprofit organisation Mothers in Crisis, this month reminds us that hope can be a powerful force for healing and transformation.
What is National Month of Hope?
National Month of Hope is an annual April observance that encourages individuals and communities to embrace and share hope. The month was established by Mothers in Crisis, a nonprofit organisation based in Tallahassee, Florida, founded by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991. The organisation originally focused on supporting families affected by addiction, and the Month of Hope grew from this mission as a way to extend the healing power of hope to a broader audience. The observance invites people to share their personal stories of overcoming challenges, support those who are struggling, and participate in acts of kindness that inspire hope in others.
When is National Month of Hope?
National Month of Hope runs throughout April each year. In 2026, it begins on Wednesday, 1 April and ends on Thursday, 30 April. April was chosen because, as the first full month of spring, it symbolises renewal, new beginnings, and the promise that follows difficult times.
Why National Month of Hope Matters
Hope is not merely a passive wish for better times; research consistently shows it is an active psychological resource that influences behaviour, resilience, and wellbeing. Studies in positive psychology have found that people with higher levels of hope tend to have better physical health outcomes, stronger social connections, and greater capacity to cope with adversity. For individuals facing addiction, grief, illness, or hardship, hope can be the difference between giving up and finding the strength to continue.
National Month of Hope matters because it creates space for conversations that are often difficult to have. Sharing stories of hope, whether about recovery from addiction, survival after loss, or simply finding light during a dark period, normalises vulnerability and reminds others that they are not alone. In a month that also hosts Stress Awareness Month, the message of hope provides a complementary perspective: acknowledging struggle while affirming the possibility of positive change.
How to Get Involved in National Month of Hope
There are many ways to participate in National Month of Hope, from personal reflection to community action:
- Share your story of hope – Write about or record a time when hope carried you through a difficult period. Share it on social media, in a blog post, or simply in conversation. Personal stories are one of the most powerful ways to inspire others.
- Perform random acts of kindness – Small, unexpected acts of kindness can give hope to someone who is struggling. Pay for a stranger’s coffee, write an encouraging note for a colleague, or donate to a cause you care about.
- Volunteer your time – Volunteering is a direct way to bring hope to others. Food banks, shelters, mentoring programmes, and hospitals all benefit from volunteer support. Since April is also Global Volunteer Month, the timing is ideal.
- Support someone in recovery – If you know someone working through addiction, mental health challenges, or a difficult life transition, reach out with encouragement. A phone call, a visit, or simply letting them know you believe in them can make a meaningful difference.
- Read or watch stories of hope – Seek out books, documentaries, or articles about people who have overcome extraordinary challenges. These stories can recharge your own reserves of hope and give you perspective.
- Create a hope jar – Write down positive thoughts, hopeful quotes, or things you are grateful for on slips of paper and place them in a jar. On difficult days, draw a slip from the jar for an instant lift.
- Support Mothers in Crisis – Donate to or volunteer with the founding organisation to help families affected by addiction and crisis. Their work directly transforms hope into practical support for vulnerable communities.
History of National Month of Hope
The story of National Month of Hope begins with Rosalind Tompkins, who founded Mothers in Crisis in 1991 in Tallahassee, Florida. The organisation was created to support mothers and families devastated by addiction, providing resources, mentoring, and community support to help people rebuild their lives. Over the following decades, Mothers in Crisis grew into a respected nonprofit that served thousands of individuals and families.
In 2016, the organisation held a special event called “Hope Universe Day” to mark the 25th anniversary of Mothers in Crisis. The event celebrated stories of recovery and transformation, and the response from the community was overwhelming. Inspired by this success, Tompkins and her team expanded the concept into a full month of hope-focused activities and awareness.
In 2018, the National Day Calendar officially proclaimed April as National Month of Hope, giving the observance national recognition. Since then, the month has grown beyond its roots in addiction recovery to encompass a broader message of hope for anyone facing challenges, whether related to health, finances, relationships, or personal loss. The timing in April, alongside the renewal of spring, reinforces the core message: that difficult seasons are temporary, and hope is always within reach.
Noteworthy Facts About Hope
- Research by psychologist Charles Snyder found that hope is composed of two elements: “pathways thinking” (the ability to see routes to your goals) and “agency thinking” (the belief that you can follow those routes).
- Studies published in the Journal of Positive Psychology have shown that hopeful individuals have stronger immune responses and recover faster from illness.
- Mothers in Crisis, the founding organisation, has served thousands of families in Tallahassee since 1991, providing support for addiction recovery, family reunification, and community building.
- The word “hope” derives from the Old English “hopian,” meaning to trust or have confidence in the future.
- April is also Stress Awareness Month, making it a particularly fitting time to promote hope as a counterbalance to the pressures of modern life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Month of Hope?
National Month of Hope is an annual April observance founded by Mothers in Crisis that encourages people to share stories of hope, perform acts of kindness, and support those facing adversity.
When is National Month of Hope in 2026?
National Month of Hope runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Who founded National Month of Hope?
National Month of Hope was founded by Mothers in Crisis, a nonprofit organisation established by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991 in Tallahassee, Florida. The month was officially proclaimed by the National Day Calendar in 2018.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Month of Hope with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #MonthOfHope and #MonthOfHope2026 on social media. Share a story of hope, encourage someone who needs it, and help spread positivity throughout April.
Related Awareness Days
- Stress Awareness Month – Also observed in April, this month focuses on understanding and managing stress, complementing the hopeful message of this observance.
- Global Volunteer Month – Running throughout April, this month encourages volunteering as a way to bring hope and support to communities.
- Look on the Bright Side Day – Celebrated on 21 December, this day encourages optimism and positive thinking even during the darkest days of the year.
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