Monthly themes

Your program has been running for a while, and people are getting used to receiving the same message every time? Give each month its own theme to keep the experience fresh and spark more meaningful conversations.

For each month, this page suggests:

• an inclusive theme, with a conversation question that resonates with everyone;
• a program idea for the month;
• days to celebrate: international observances and some days specific to the United States.

Apply a theme in RandomCoffee

1. Choose your theme.

   Pick the theme of the month, or a day to celebrate, in the list below. Choose what fits your culture and your teams.

2. Personalize your messages.

   Open your program, go to the “Settings” tab, then to the “Communication” section. Mention the theme in the opt-in message to make people want to join, and add the conversation question to the match message so that matches know what to talk about. See Personalize opt-in and match messages.

3. Send at the right time.

   For a day to celebrate, plan the session so that matches are sent a few days before, and people can meet on the day itself. See Schedule sessions.

4. Change the message at the end of the month.

   Replace the theme with next month’s, or go back to your usual message.

You can also share our conversation starters with your members, for the weeks without a theme.

Themes month by month

The program ideas come from our program roadmap, a full year of themed programs that you can download.

January

Theme: fresh beginnings. Celebrate new opportunities, personal goals and past achievements.

“What does the start of a new year mean to you?”

Program idea: New Year resolutions. Share personal goals and keep each other motivated.

February

Theme: acts of kindness. Encourage a spirit of generosity, around Random Acts of Kindness Day.

“What’s a kind act you’ve experienced or shared recently?”

Program idea: Get Fluent. A language exchange program to build cultural fluency.

Days to celebrate:

• In late January or February: Lunar New Year. Celebrate with cultural exchanges.
• Every year on February 4: World Cancer Day. Raise awareness about cancer prevention and the inclusion of people affected by cancer at work.
• Every year on February 14: Valentine’s Day. Share stories of love and appreciation in all forms.
• Every year on February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day (United States). Invite people to share the kind acts they experienced.
• Every year on February 20: World Day of Social Justice. Discuss social justice issues and initiatives.
• Every year on February 21: International Mother Language Day. Celebrate linguistic diversity and multilingualism, and launch your “Get Fluent” program.

March

Theme: celebrating strength. In line with International Women’s Day, celebrate inspiration and resilience in all their forms.

“Who inspires you to be your best self, and why?”

Program idea: IWD Connect. Conversations about gender equity and shared stories.

Days to celebrate:

• Every year on March 8: International Women’s Day. Celebrate women’s achievements and discuss gender equality. Create a collaborative virtual mural of photos celebrating the day.
• Every year on March 14: Pi Day. Share fun facts about mathematics, and invite people to enjoy some pie.
• Every year on March 17: St. Patrick’s Day. Share traditions and enjoy a “green” virtual gathering.
• Every year on March 20: International Day of Happiness. Invite people to share what makes them happy, and promote well-being.
• Every year on March 21: World Poetry Day. Invite people to share their favorite poems, or their own.
• Every year on March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Highlight initiatives against racism and encourage cross-cultural conversations.

April

Theme: sustainability and connection to the Earth. Celebrate Earth Month with conversations about sustainability and personal eco-friendly habits.

“What’s one way you stay connected to nature or care for the planet?”

Program idea: Mystery Book Swap. Curiosity and informal bonding around books.

Days to celebrate:

• Every year on April 1: April Fools’ Day. Encourage people to share fun, light-hearted jokes.
• Every year on April 7: World Health Day. Discuss global health issues, and share tips and resources for personal wellness.
• Every year on April 22: Earth Day. Invite people to discuss environmental initiatives and to take part in a collaborative Climate Fresk workshop.
• Every year on April 23: World Book Day. Launch a book swap program.
• Every year on April 29: International Dance Day. Create a virtual flashmob and collect the videos to make a unique company film.

May

Theme: mental health matters. Encourage conversations about mental well-being during Mental Health Awareness Month.

“What’s one habit or practice that helps you recharge and stay grounded?”

Program idea: Mental Health Match-Ups. Conversations about well-being and reflection.

Days to celebrate:

• Every year on May 5: Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy a virtual fiesta and discuss Mexican culture.
• In May: Mother’s Day (United States). Share stories and celebrate motherhood.
• Every year on May 15: International Day of Families. Discuss the importance of family in our lives, and invite parents and caregivers to connect through a “Parent Connect” program.
• Every year on May 17: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Discuss the role of technology in connecting people, and promote RandomCoffee in your organization.

June

Theme: pride and belonging. Celebrate Pride Month and create a space for conversations about inclusion, identity and belonging.

“What makes you feel truly seen and accepted for who you are?”

Program idea: Pride Month Connections. Conversations about allyship and inclusion.

Days to celebrate:

• Every year on June 1: Global Day of Parents. Celebrate the role of parents and caregivers, and invite them to connect through a “Parent Connect” program.
• Every year on June 5: World Environment Day. Raise awareness about protecting the environment and life.
• Every year on June 14: World Blood Donor Day. Promote blood donation, and share stories of donors and recipients.
• Every year on June 19: Juneteenth (United States). Commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
• In June: summer solstice. Encourage people to talk about their summer plans.
• Every year on June 21: International Day of Yoga. Encourage people to practice yoga together and discuss its benefits.

July

Theme: connections across cultures. Highlight diversity through stories of cultural pride and curiosity.

“What’s a tradition, celebration or dish from your culture you love sharing?”

Program idea: slow season skill-building. Peer learning to make the most of the summer energy.

Days to celebrate:

• In early July: International Day of Cooperatives. Invite people to discuss cooperative businesses and community support.
• Every year on July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day. Reflect on Nelson Mandela’s legacy and promote peace.
• In July: National Ice Cream Day (United States). Invite people to a virtual ice cream social to share their favorite flavors.
• Every year on July 30: International Day of Friendship. Celebrate friendships across cultures and borders.

August

Theme: adventures and creativity. Encourage people to share summer stories or personal explorations, creative or adventurous.

“What’s the most exciting or unexpected thing you’ve tried recently?”

Program idea: Live My Life. Job shadowing between teams, to build cross-functional empathy.

September

Theme: lifelong learning. Celebrate the back-to-school season and the value of continuous growth.

“What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently, and how did it impact you?”

Program idea: Back to Work Connections. Reconnect after the summer and build momentum for the end of the year.

October

Theme: the power of stories. Share the stories that shape our perspectives.

“What’s a book, movie or story that’s impacted how you see the world?”

Program idea: workplace feedback conversations. Conversations that strengthen your feedback culture.

November

Theme: gratitude and growth. Reflect on gratitude and celebrate moments of growth.

“What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year, and why?”

Program idea: gratitude circles. Share kudos, appreciation and recognition.

December

Theme: celebrating togetherness. Acknowledge holidays and traditions around the world, with a focus on connection and shared moments.

“What’s one way you celebrate or connect with others during this time of year?”

Program idea: Secret Santa. A festive exchange, with the “Mystery 1

” algorithm: everyone receives a unique personal match. See Matching algorithms.