"Growing Kindness"

Although the Giving Tree has long been a popular book about the selflessness and generosity of the kind tree, I have always been a little disturbed by the disastrous lengths that the tree goes to in its giving.  In school when we read the book together, I thought our teacher was missing a major point and I remember thinking "wow, I don't want to end up a stump.  What are we learning here?" 

Writer Austin Bailey from World Ark magazine of Heifer International writes about my concerns and the concerns of others who have been debating Shel Silverstein's book for many years.  She talks about the importance of Growing Kindness in our children, though thoughtfully and carefully.  We don't want to push them to become giving stumps, or "annoy them into apathy" by a constant barrage of giving talk.  In her article Growing Kindness in the latest issue of World Ark, Bailey talks about her own experiences growing kindness in her own young boys and the kindness she sees daily from children around the states giving generously to help others around the world through Heifer International.  Take a look and see how she's growing kind children that will continue to bloom and grow for a long time to come. 

The Right Kind of Doing

Most of us are doers, with some movers and shakers in the mix too.  When we accomplish something we feel great! When we do something good for others, we feel fabulous! Well, it applies to our kids too.  When we let them so something good for others, it shows in so many ways.  Take a look at all the benefits outlined in this short article from Psychology Today called Acts of Kindness: The Key to Happiness for Children and Teens and get everyone in on the doing!

Meet Rachel Shuster...

Rachel Shuster has got to be one of the most selfless sixteen-year-olds in this country.  At the age of twelve she began to understand that although she led a very fortunate life, many other people in the world did not. Rachel decided it was time for change, and made it her mission to give back to the community.  While looking for ways to get involved, Rachel noticed that the only opportunities for youth philanthropy were founded by adult-led organizations.  Although she appreciated the opportunities provided by these groups, Rachel believed it was time to start a youth-led organization.  Out of this desire she started Kids Care HHH, a local youth group that provides kids with an array of opportunities to get involved in their community. 

From the simple act of conducting a park cleanup, to organizing a large-scale bowling fundraiser for children with down syndrome, Rachel prides her organization for being one-hundred-percent youth-led.  Rachel stated in a recent workshop that although she’s “not a CEO at a company” she’s still an innovator, making it possible for youth to take the reigns of philanthropy.

To watch Rachel presenting at a recent workshop, please click here.

Everybody's Doing It

For the next few months we'll be highlighting local organizations that offer service projects for kids and their families.  This month we're starting off with an organization that's been creating a buzz, at least in my circles!  My mother just joined a group that helps Project C.U.R.E. monthly, and I've heard from a couple of schools now that have done projects for them too.  Project C.U.R.E.'s officially "identifies, solicits, collects, sorts, and distributes medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world."  What that means is that they help collect medical supplies from big equipment to bandaids and gives them to people in parts of the world that otherwise don't have access.  While this sounds like a big undertaking, and I certainly don't have access to a spare X-Ray machine, I do have plenty of access to the smaller items found in medicine cabinets. 

Project C.U.R.E.'s Kits for Kids program is a very simple hands-on way for kids to be able to make a big, even life-saving difference! This would be very easy to do as a family, with a bunch of your friends, or organized with your class (Alexander Dawson School's Helping Hands Club just packed over 20 bags for the Kits for Kids program).  Think Valentines day projects and spread the love!

You could also plan ahead for World Health Day on April 7th and join Project C.U.R.E.'s efforts to really spread some healing help around the world. 

You can find more information about Project C.U.R.E. under Health and Welness in our Non-Profit Finder (Under Penny Harvest), or take a look at the brochure.

Writing For Peace

Calling all young writers! One of our very own Colorado writers has started this nonprofit, Writing for Peace, which is hosting a Young Writers contest for ages 13-19.  See the guidelines here and spread a little peace love in the world.  Remember, the pen is mightier than the sword!