Monday, May 14, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
National Volunteer Week and Global Youth Service Day
Oops...I wrote this a week ago and it didn't post! Here it is.. :)
Last week, April 15-21, 2012, was National Volunteer Week! Points of Light and Hands on Network celebrates People in Action for an entire week once a year.
Global Youth Service Day was April 20-22! Here are some statistics about this year's GYSD:
Total Projects Registered: 3,021
Total U.S. Projects: 2,443
Total International Projects: 578
Countries Participating: 100
U.S. States Participating: 50
Last week, April 15-21, 2012, was National Volunteer Week! Points of Light and Hands on Network celebrates People in Action for an entire week once a year.
Global Youth Service Day was April 20-22! Here are some statistics about this year's GYSD:
Total Projects Registered: 3,021
Total U.S. Projects: 2,443
Total International Projects: 578
Countries Participating: 100
U.S. States Participating: 50
How did you get involved during National Volunteer Week and Global Youth Service Day?
I volunteered at Girls Inc. on Thursday afternoon. It was great to spend time with Alisha and her friends after school!
On Friday evening, I did something a little different. I attended the Meelia Center for Community Engagement's Appreciation Dinner. I am currently employed at the Meelia Center at Saint Anselm College where I am an Office and Service Events Assistant. Working at the Meelia Center has been one of the most meaningful things that I have ever been involved in. I am so happy to be a part of the center that mobilizes students to action!
At the Appreciation Dinner, I had some time to really reflect on what service means to me. Hearing speeches made by graduating seniors and community members was evidence to what service can do to a person. This reinforced my belief that every single person has the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
I am so grateful to have found my passion for service. I am proud to be able to share my belief that everyone can make an impact on someone else's life, no matter how big or small that impact is.
"There is a desire within each of
us, in the deep center of ourselves that we call our heart. We were born with
it, it is never completely satisfied, and it never dies. We are often unaware
of it, but it is always awake. It is the human desire for love. Every person in
this earth yearns to love, to be loved, to know love. Our true identity, our
reason for being, is to be found in this desire…
Love is the ‘why’ of life: why we
are functioning at all, what we want to be efficient for… I am convinced it
[love] is the fundamental energy of the human spirit, the fuel on which we run,
the wellspring of our vitality. And grace, which is the flowing, creative
activity of love itself, is what makes all goodness possible.
Love should come first; it should
be the beginning of and the reason for everything."
-Gerald G. May
-Kendall
Monday, April 16, 2012
Girls Inc.
Last September, I began volunteering in the "Big Sister" program at Girls Inc. in Manchester, NH. My "little", Alisha, is an eleven-year-old fifth-grader. Throughout the past seven months, one of my favorite parts of the week has been visiting with Alisha.
At Girls Inc., Alisha and I do arts and crafts (this past week, we made "goo" -- a substance that is solid when you apply pressure to it, but liquid when you let it sit -- very messy, but tons of fun!), color, play games, do homework, and just talk.
Frequently, Alisha and I write each other cards and notes or draw pictures for each other. Several weeks ago, Alisha pulled a card out of her backpack that she had made for me. It thanked me for being her big sister and she wrote how much she enjoys spending time with me, and drew a picture of the two of us together on the back. This was one of the most touching gifts I have ever received. To know that I have made such a difference on her life by simply spending time with her is something that I am humbled by.
When I signed up to be a big sister, not only did I not realize that I would have such an impact on Alisha's life, but I also did not realize what a profound impact she would have on my life. Through mentoring Alisha, I have discovered first-hand the power everyone has to make a difference in the lives of other people.
I encourage everyone to try to make a difference in the lives of those around them and seek new opportunities; you never know how rewarding they may be.
For more information on Girls Inc., visit http://girlsincnewhampshire.org/.
"To the world, you're just one person, but to one person you can mean the world."
At Girls Inc., Alisha and I do arts and crafts (this past week, we made "goo" -- a substance that is solid when you apply pressure to it, but liquid when you let it sit -- very messy, but tons of fun!), color, play games, do homework, and just talk.
Frequently, Alisha and I write each other cards and notes or draw pictures for each other. Several weeks ago, Alisha pulled a card out of her backpack that she had made for me. It thanked me for being her big sister and she wrote how much she enjoys spending time with me, and drew a picture of the two of us together on the back. This was one of the most touching gifts I have ever received. To know that I have made such a difference on her life by simply spending time with her is something that I am humbled by.
When I signed up to be a big sister, not only did I not realize that I would have such an impact on Alisha's life, but I also did not realize what a profound impact she would have on my life. Through mentoring Alisha, I have discovered first-hand the power everyone has to make a difference in the lives of other people.
I encourage everyone to try to make a difference in the lives of those around them and seek new opportunities; you never know how rewarding they may be.
For more information on Girls Inc., visit http://girlsincnewhampshire.org/.
"To the world, you're just one person, but to one person you can mean the world."
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
I guess I'm on a Dr. Suess kick!
Pinterest has become my recent addiction, though it is not necessarily conducive to trying to get ahead on all of my final papers and projects! But, I keep coming across so many quotes and cute sayings that are incredibly inspiring. I love that I am able to share this motivation with all of you!
Today, my favorite (and possibly my favorite ever) Pin is a collection of Dr. Suess quotes.
Source
Dr. Suess really knew what he was talking about. While each one of these bits of Dr. Suess' knowledge are valuable, there are a few that stand out to me.
1. Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
Today and every day, you are you. Each and every person on this planet has unique qualities about them. Part of The Kindness Campaigns' message is to promote acceptance of oneself. If you are not kind to yourself, how are you able to be kind to others? The first and most important step to acheiving an atmosphere of kindness is to accept yourself for your unique "you-ness"!
14. It is better to know how to learn than to know.
Never stop trying to get to know other people! Take advantage of every opportunity you come across. In the last year, I have gotten to know so many people that had I not taken certain opportunities, I never would have had the chance to meet. I have met incredible people through my work at the Meelia Center for Community Engagement, have found friendship in my "little sister" at Girls Inc. Alysha, and have met and learned from the dedicated volunteers and talented contestants from the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program. You can learn from every experience, and you never know how you may affect the lives of those you meet -- or how they will affect yours!
15. Everything stinks till it's finished.
This is true in many cases (with the exception of ice-cream). Research papers, difficult workouts, planning an event: these are all challenging tasks. But isn't it the challenge that makes completing something that much more satisfying? Never give up!
17. A person's a person no matter how small.
As I mentioned previously, everyone has something different to offer. Do not be quick to judge. Be open to new people and experiences. Everyone matters. Show kindness. Show love.
26. Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent indeed!
And for the one and one-quarter percent chance that you do not succeed -- try again!
29. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not.
If you see a change that needs to be made, whether it be picking up trash in your neighborhood, implementing a new policy at work, or being there for someone in need, any change you want to make needs true dedication and passion. Small changes all make such a difference; but, if you work even harder, they can turn into something even more amazing.
And incase you are not Dr. Suess'ed out yet...here is my favorite Dr. Suess poem. :)
Oh The Places You'll Go
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"
Make a difference in someone's life today. :)
-Kendall
Today, my favorite (and possibly my favorite ever) Pin is a collection of Dr. Suess quotes.
Source
Dr. Suess really knew what he was talking about. While each one of these bits of Dr. Suess' knowledge are valuable, there are a few that stand out to me.
1. Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
Today and every day, you are you. Each and every person on this planet has unique qualities about them. Part of The Kindness Campaigns' message is to promote acceptance of oneself. If you are not kind to yourself, how are you able to be kind to others? The first and most important step to acheiving an atmosphere of kindness is to accept yourself for your unique "you-ness"!
14. It is better to know how to learn than to know.
Never stop trying to get to know other people! Take advantage of every opportunity you come across. In the last year, I have gotten to know so many people that had I not taken certain opportunities, I never would have had the chance to meet. I have met incredible people through my work at the Meelia Center for Community Engagement, have found friendship in my "little sister" at Girls Inc. Alysha, and have met and learned from the dedicated volunteers and talented contestants from the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program. You can learn from every experience, and you never know how you may affect the lives of those you meet -- or how they will affect yours!
15. Everything stinks till it's finished.
This is true in many cases (with the exception of ice-cream). Research papers, difficult workouts, planning an event: these are all challenging tasks. But isn't it the challenge that makes completing something that much more satisfying? Never give up!
17. A person's a person no matter how small.
As I mentioned previously, everyone has something different to offer. Do not be quick to judge. Be open to new people and experiences. Everyone matters. Show kindness. Show love.
26. Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent indeed!
And for the one and one-quarter percent chance that you do not succeed -- try again!
29. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not.
If you see a change that needs to be made, whether it be picking up trash in your neighborhood, implementing a new policy at work, or being there for someone in need, any change you want to make needs true dedication and passion. Small changes all make such a difference; but, if you work even harder, they can turn into something even more amazing.
And incase you are not Dr. Suess'ed out yet...here is my favorite Dr. Suess poem. :)
Oh The Places You'll Go
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"
Make a difference in someone's life today. :)
-Kendall
Monday, April 9, 2012
A Little Inspiration :)
I came across this today. These are truly words to live by. You have control over your own life; you hold the power to make your dreams come true, to make a difference in someone's life, and to be kind.
Source
Think about it.:)
Source
Think about it.:)
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter from The Kindness Campaign! I hope you all had an enjoyable day celebrating with your families!
"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." --William Arthur Ward
"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." --William Arthur Ward
Thursday, April 5, 2012
YOU Have the Power to Make a Difference
Often times, people doubt that they have the power to make an impact in this world. When talking to people about The Kindness Campaign, one of the most important things I discuss is that each and every person has the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Every person can make small differences, brightening someone's day. How many times per day do you walk by a complete stranger and smile at them? Hold the door for them? These gestures may seem small and unimportant, however, they have more power than you believe. If I am having a bad day and I come accross someone who is truly and genuinely kind and happy, my day is automatically better. I make a conscious effort to be kind to others because seeing someone smile and say thank you for my kind gesture makes me happy that I have helped someone else. Making someone's day can be so simple. Small acts of kindness add up and you are truly making a difference!
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Every person can make small differences, brightening someone's day. How many times per day do you walk by a complete stranger and smile at them? Hold the door for them? These gestures may seem small and unimportant, however, they have more power than you believe. If I am having a bad day and I come accross someone who is truly and genuinely kind and happy, my day is automatically better. I make a conscious effort to be kind to others because seeing someone smile and say thank you for my kind gesture makes me happy that I have helped someone else. Making someone's day can be so simple. Small acts of kindness add up and you are truly making a difference!
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
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