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National Ethics Awareness Month

An awareness observance in March promoting ethical reflection and accountability in professional and personal life.

Monday

1–31

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of March

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

FIRST OBSERVED

1994

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The American Society for Public Administration promoted Ethics Awareness Month beginning in 1994 to encourage ethical reflection and accountability in public service and beyond.

Institutional Recordvia daysoftheyear.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Ethics Awareness Month on March 1! This month-long observance was established by the American Society for Public Administration in 1994, with the goal of promoting ethical practices and values in both personal and professional settings. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our own actions and decisions, as well as learn more about ethical principles and how they impact society. So let's use this month to cultivate a culture of integrity and make positive changes in our communities!

TIMELINE

National Ethics Awareness Month Timeline

Inception of the Holiday

The American Society for Public Administration established National Ethics Awareness Month.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

This U.S. federal law was enacted in response to corporate scandals, emphasizing the importance of ethical financial reporting.

Ethics & Compliance Officer Association

For the first time, National Ethics Awareness Month was officially recognized by the Ethics & Compliance Officer Association.

National Business Ethics Survey

This survey provided new insights into ethics in the workplace, emphasizing the increasing importance of ethical awareness in business.

Heightened Public Awareness

Public interest in ethical procedures in politics and business grew significantly, underlining the importance of National Ethics Awareness Month.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Ethics Awareness Month

Start a book club focused on ethical issues

Gather a group of friends or colleagues and start a book club where each month you read and discuss a book related to ethics. This will not only increase awareness but also promote meaningful discussions about important ethical topics.

ATTEND

Attend a seminar or workshop on ethical decision making

Look for local seminars or workshops focused on ethical decision making. These events can provide valuable information and resources for handling ethical dilemmas in both personal and professional settings.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer with an organization that promotes ethical behavior

Find a local organization that works towards promoting ethical behavior and volunteer your time to support their cause. This is a great way to give back to the community while also spreading awareness about ethics.

HOST

Host a movie night featuring films about ethical issues

Invite friends over for a movie night and showcase films that tackle ethical issues. This can spark thought-provoking conversations and increase awareness about the importance of ethics in our society.

CREATE

Create an ethical code of conduct for your workplace or community group

Work with your colleagues or community group to develop an ethical code of conduct that outlines the values and principles that should guide decision making. This can help promote a more ethical environment and increase awareness about the importance of ethics in all aspects of life.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Ethics Awareness Month is Important

It promotes a better society

When individuals prioritize ethical behavior, it creates a more just and harmonious society. National Ethics Awareness Month helps promote this by encouraging people to act with integrity, respect, and fairness towards one another.

It promotes ethical behavior

National Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder for people to act ethically in their personal and professional lives. By raising awareness, it encourages individuals to think about the impact of their actions on others and make more ethical decisions.

It helps prevent unethical practices

By bringing attention to ethical issues, National Ethics Awareness Month can help prevent unethical practices. Discussions and education about ethics can lead to increased accountability and transparency, reducing the likelihood of unethical behavior.

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