Join the Association in Celebrating Kindness
The need for kindness towards one another is on many people’s minds these days. The world in which we live, with our almost immediate knowledge of events and new ways of communicating, can be overwhelming. Whether it is bullying, terrorism, discrimination, years of war, crime, physical or mental abuse, illness, homelessness, the scourge of drugs, the impacts of climate change, or something else, we are exposed daily to tragic and negative situations. Despite all the negativity and stress, there is much good in this world and an abundance of individuals having a positive impact, whether large or small. One simple way we can make a positive difference is to be kind to one another. There are multiple opportunities locally to encourage kindness, respect, empathy, consideration and tolerance. Join the Association as we practice and celebrate kindness in our community.
Pass It On
You have probably seen the green, Choose Civility bumper magnets as you drive around town. Choose Civility is the ongoing community-wide initiative, led by the Howard County Library System (HCLS), to position Howard County, Maryland as a model of civility. Because little things we do during the day can make our community stronger and can inspire others to pay those kindnesses forward, this year’s Civility theme is “Kindness Creates Community.” How can you be involved? The HCLS has many suggestions. Pass It On is their initiative to pass P.M. Forni’s book, Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct around the county and beyond! Copies are available at library branches, Columbia village centers, Columbia Association gyms, senior centers, Little Free Libraries, and other locations. There is a copy at Claret Hall ready and waiting to start our village’s participation. Participants register the book, read it, share it on social media with #choose2Bkind, and pass the book on to someone else to register, read, and pass—or leave it in a public place (a bookplate inside the front cover gives directions to the next person). Find out more about HCLS’s Kindness Creates Community initiative online at www.choosecivility.org.
The Great Kindness Challenge
Students at Pointers Run Elementary School (PRES) participated in the Great Kindness Challenge (GKC) during the week of
January 23–27, 2017 as part of the school’s anti-bullying initiative. The Challenge is one week dedicated to creating a culture of kindness on campuses nationwide and is presented by Kids for Peace, a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Kids for Peace was co-founded in 2006 by Danielle Gram, a high school honors student and Jill McManigal, a mother and former elementary school teacher. What started organically in Carlsbad, NM as a neighborhood group of kids wanting to make our world a better place, has grown into an interconnected network of young peacebuilders worldwide. For more information about this program visit www.GreatKindnessChallenge.org. We’re looking forward to sharing more information about the success of PRES’s Challenge participation in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
Join the River Hill Community Association and spread a little kindness. We will be celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 12–18. How can you make the world a kinder place? It is as simple as:
- Holding a door open for someone.
- Welcoming a new neighbor. Take over a baked treat or stop by to say “Hello.”
- Planting a tree.
- Helping carry a load.
- Transporting someone who is unable to drive.
- Giving the gift of a smile.
- Telling your children why you love them.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), an internationally known, 501(c)(3) non-profit that formed in 1995, believes that everyone has the potential to change the world; one act at a time is all it takes. Check out the RAK website at www.randomactsofkindness.org for information on how to become a RAKtivist. Meanwhile, don’t forget to stop by Claret Hall in mid-February for a special dose of kindness! We’ll have warm beverages for anyone wishing to drop in and meet the staff, helpful information about how you can be a part of Random Acts of Kindness, and we’ll be available to talk with you on anything related to the community.
New Monthly Feature
We know there are many kind and caring residents in the Village of River Hill. Throughout 2017, The Villager will feature a new column, the Caring Corner, devoted to stories about River Hill residents who act with kindness, give of themselves to improve the lives of others, and help to make the world a better place. In January, we highlighted the efforts of four local students who are raising funds in support of Ellicott City flood relief. This month, on page 8 read about a 1st grader who is making a difference. Help us to make the Caring Corner a monthly column. Is there a volunteer effort that you or a family member have undertaken? Do you have a special connection with a service organization or charity? Have you been the recipient of a random act of kindness that made your day? No matter how large or small, please share your kindness stories with us so we may celebrate the many positive actions occurring in our community. Email us at newsletter@villageofriverhill.org or call Jennifer Lynott at 410-531-1749. We look forward to hearing from you!
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