7 Religious and Commitment Considerations
Often times while planning for events, we think about the day of the week, the time of the event, and conflicts with workplace schedules. In the United States, maybe workplace schedule are structured around Christian holidays, thus it is important to consider if there are other religious or commitment-based needs that would prohibit someone from engaging.
Religious and Commitment Considerations
Ask Yourself
- Does your event or program overlaps with an important religious or commitment-driven holiday, event, or practice?
Recommended Practices
- University of Iowa’s main calendar is arranged by the academic calendar year for the current and next school year, which typically aligns with Christian holidays. Depending on one’s region or practice, some holidays are based on the lunar calendar, which means that when the holiday occurs can vary from year to year. Check out the BMindful Calendar to consider what other holidays may be the same day as your event.
- Some dietary needs might also need to be considered be:
- Kosher restrictions apply: Jewish dietary guidelines which apply daily throughout the year. These restrictions include pork, shellfish (fish is allowed) and mixing meat with dairy.
- Halal restrictions apply: Islamic dietary laws which apply throughout the year. These restrictions include alcohol and pork.
- Occasional dietary restrictions for other religions are listed with the specific event to which they apply.
- Sometimes when someone can eat must also be considered. If participants are unable to participate in food items during the event, be sure to have to-go options so individuals could partake at a different time.
