Ideas for your activities
Whether you are organising a large, formal commemorative ceremony or a smaller, informal Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) activity, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is here to inspire and support you with ideas for your activity.
Every activity organised for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) can provide a meaningful opportunity for attendees to remember those who were murdered or whose lives were changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Get involved guides
As you begin planning your HMD event or activity you should consider your audience carefully. Who you invite to your event or activity will influence the appropriate tone, content, venue and duration.
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) provides guidelines and tailored advice about how to commemorate HMD with different audiences or within certain sectors.
Life stories
The testimonies of people affected by the Holocaust and genocide are at the heart of Holocaust Memorial Day. Life stories provide a powerful and unique insight into the experiences of those who have faced persecution and genocide and can play an important role in your Holocaust Memorial Day activity.
If a survivor of the Holocaust or genocide is able to attend or speak at your activity, or you would like to find out how to invite a survivor to your HMD commemoration, read our guidance here.
Films
Our selection of films include survivor testimony, readings and short films exploring contemporary issues to help you explore the topics and themes of HMD. Showing a film at your activity can help break up your programme and encourage your audience to understand the experiences of others.
Images
Using images is a powerful way to engage your audience with the messages raised by Holocaust Memorial Day at your activity. Explore our selection of photographs which are suitable for activity organisers to use.
Poems
A poem can often sum up a range of experiences and emotions in just a few words. Including a poem in your activity can add poignancy and help to explore complex issues.
Other resources
HMDT produces a wide range of online resources including lesson plans, assemblies, podcasts and activity ideas. Explore our full range of resources that you can use at your HMD activity.