Monfredo: Needed in This Community - Random Acts of Kindness

Saturday, May 11, 2019

John Monfredo, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER

This past week I attended the “Commitment to Kindness Gala.” A program sponsored by the 365Z foundation which I’ll explain later in my column. This event started me thinking about the need for more kind acts within our community. All I could think of was the nastiness taking place within the Federal Government and the ugliness taking place on the issues within our community by both journalist and individuals in the blame game at the school committee level. We need to get back to the importance of being kind to others and that kindness is the antidote to all the unpleasantness going on.

Perhaps we need to start modeling kindness in the schools. Every school teaches math and reading, but what about mindfulness and kindness? The best way to promote kindness and caring behaviors in our classrooms is to model them. When we show students what it LOOKS like and SOUNDS like to be kind, there is a far greater chance they will repeat those modeled behaviors. It is so important to remember that children watch their teachers all the time and listen to everything they say. Essential caring behaviors and kindness are more often “caught” than they are “taught” in the classroom.

When children learn to be caring and kind they also benefit developmentally. Well-liked children display more positive, less bullying behaviors when they become teenagers. Happier kids are more likely to show higher academic achievement. Being kind makes you feel good about yourself and improves your outlook on life.

Thus, if there was ever a time to push the importance of kindness within the community it’s now. One such program that was established years ago is the 365Z. This program does take place in Worcester and in some of the surrounding towns and through the 365Z Foundation this is an organization that encourages “acts of kindness.” This foundation started many years ago when Rosemary Ford, a teacher in Worcester, was invited to be a guest lecturer at Quinsigamond Community College by Professor Paul LaCava in a course entitled “Death and Dying and its Effects on Families.” Mrs. Ford had lost her son at the age of 20 and in the days and weeks following his passing, his family heard stories about how Zach, through his own acts of kindness, had made a positive, lasting impact on the lives of so many others. At the college seminar Mrs. Ford stated that in memory of her son she performed “acts of kindness every day.” Professor LaCava picking up on this concept started the 365 Foundation amongst friends and colleagues within the community. The Z was added on in memory of Zach and the idea was to inspire everyone to bring more kindness into the world on a daily basis. Since then the Foundation has moved forward.

The Foundation has information for teachers and administrators on how to help the students understand what it means to be kind in very creative ways. Many of the schools in Worcester and in the surrounding towns have embraced the concept and some have banners on kindness, kindness bracelets, and even kindness quotes for the day. This is a concept that needs to spread to all schools in the area but it can only expand if adults believe in the power of “kindness.” Instead of community groups focusing on suspensions perhaps we can all talk about how we can “pay it forward” with deeds of kindness. This is the healing that needs to take place. Think about the Pledge for the Commitment to Kindness...

I pledge to myself everyday

To act in a caring manor in some way.

Accepting, respecting all people as they are.

I will strive to be a kindness star.

I will be accountable for my actions towards all.

And remind others that with kindness you stand tall.

So no matter big or small, Make a difference towards all.

The mission of the 365Z Foundation, Inc. is to provide ideas, guidance and resources that will encourage, inspire, and challenge individuals to perform conscious acts of kindness each and every day. Here are some ideas to consider…

Everyone is affected by an act of kindness. Kindness is contagious and you never know just how big of an impact a small gesture of kindness can have.
Kindness improves our quality of life in the workplace as well as in the community. It brings people together.
Doing good for others feels great. Showing kindness to others is just as rewarding as receiving it from someone else.
Stop and think before you talk or act (Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?). I love this one the best for we need our community to reflect on this one!

Looking for ideas to show kindness? Here are a few …

Donate your used clothing to places such as Andy’s Attic at South High or any other organizations that supports those in need.
Help a neighbor in their yard.
Donate books, especially books, for children in need of books. Consider giving books to Worcester: the City that Reads.”
Thank your parents for all that they do for you.
Read to a child
Buy a stranger a cup of coffee
Volunteer at a homeless shelter
Make others feel good by complimenting them
Be a good listener
Leave positive comments on a friends post or send them a note
Make someone laugh
.Hold a door open for a stranger
Give someone a hug
Clean up your neighborhood
Let go of grudges

This is one a sampling for I’m sure that you can add a great deal more. The message is let’s try and do at least one random act of kindness each day. Remember, “Kindness building bridges instead of walls.”

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Monfredo: Needed in This Community - Random Acts of Kindness

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