Kindness Activist began as a simple blog in December 2015 as a way to share stories of kindness with the few people who found their way to the site. But in the 8 ½ years since this project began, it has grown much more than I could have ever imagined and afforded me opportunities to share stories of kindness with people literally around the entire world.
You see, this simple act of talking openly
about kindness has caught on! And it has
opened doors for me with major media outlets.
But some of my favorite Kindness Activist “bookings” are talks
with real people. Talks with
troops of Girl Scouts, helping them brainstorm on what their kindness project should
be about. Talks with groups of high
school students. And recently, a virtual
talk to university students around the world.
Heram is a beautiful young woman from Afghanistan. She and her family stayed with us in our basement apartment as they were getting their lives together and starting over after fleeing Kabul during the war. Heram is now in university and was part of a program which required her to organize an event as the final project. She reached out and asked if I could give a Kindness Activist talk, and of course I said yes! I was honored to be invited to speak.
The talk was early Mother’s Day morning, and
there were technical glitches with the video platform, so turn-out was
low. But as so often happens in life, just
the right people were present! You see,
as part of the talk, I offered to sponsor some Kindness Activism. I said that if anyone would like to host a
Kindness Activist project, I would give them $100 to fund it. The only stipulation was that they had to
agree to write a story about the project afterwards and share photos or
drawings so that I could post about it here on the blog and account for how the
money had been used. And three people
contacted me shortly after the talk and expressed interest in joining in the
activism. One sent me this email:
“Dear Ms. Susan,
I hope this email finds you well. This is
Sitara. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the activism you
have demonstrated. Your efforts have truly inspired me, and I hope to follow in
your footsteps to make a positive impact in my own community.
Currently, I am in Kyrgyzstan, and I am deeply committed to helping children in need in my country (Afghanistan). I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support as I embark on this journey.
My goal is to bring smiles to the faces of as many children as possible, and I am eager to contribute in any way that I can. I would be honored if you could provide me with any advice or resources that could help me achieve my goals.
Once I have helped the children in my community, I would be more than happy to share their stories and photos with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
See??? This
movement is spreading around the world!!
Here was a young Afghan woman, now living in Kyrgyzstan, reaching out
wanting to do a Kindness Activist project!!
I replied, and her next message said this:
“I hope this email finds you well. I apologize
for the delayed response, as I was occupied with my final exams. Firstly, I
wanted to express my admiration for your idea of having genuine conversations
with children. It truly resonated with me, and I have actually put it into
action.
Recently, I initiated a hybrid project for high school girls in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, they are unable to attend regular schools. However, I discovered that engaging in small conversations, actively listening to them, and understanding their perspectives creates a profoundly positive experience for both parties involved.
While I am currently not in Afghanistan, I am fortunate to have my sister who consistently supports me in implementing projects back home. With the potential funding you may provide, I plan to channel it towards assisting children under the age of 15 who are working on the streets. These children have never had the opportunity or resources to indulge in simple pleasures such as toys and candies.
Thank you for considering my proposal, and I eagerly look forward to discussing it further with you.”
Of course, I said yes to this amazing proposal
and we set about getting funds to her.
Only, how does one get money to Kyrgyzstan?? Turns out, you do it via Western Union! I decided that a project of this scope needed
more than the proposed $100, so I doubled it and Sitara picked it up at a bank
in Kyrgyzstan and set about spreading kindness!!
And, just as she had promised,
when she had completed her project, she wrote to me and sent photos (which are
beautiful). Here is the report she sent
of her amazing act of kindness in Afghanistan:
Bringing Smiles and Joy: Kindness Activism Program in
Balkh, Afghanistan
“On May 28th 2023, Mazar staged an exceptional Kindness Activism Program – meant to make poor street children happy and spread joy amongst those in need at Balkh province in Afghanistan. With a budget worth approximately $200, diligent volunteers put together various entertaining toys coupled with delicious goodies enough for about 30 worthy recipients aged between 4 and 13 years old. This report provides a comprehensive narrative around this impactful event showcasing its effects on beneficiaries' grateful expressions especially among its main stakeholders: vulnerable street children within the locality.
The Kindness Activism
Program rose from committed volunteers who shared an intense yearning to bring
forth transformation within underprivileged children's lives. The communal
initiative kicked off early in the morning, at a central location, with
volunteers organizing various assortments of exciting toys – from dolls, cars,
puzzles to sports equipment coupled with pleasantly flavored snacks that truly
delighted their young beneficiaries. The team ventured out on a journey
through the city streets seeking deserving kids living in tough conditions or
those often witnessed on city streets.
It was an eye-opening experience for both beneficiaries and volunteers since they met numerous youngsters who endured hardship beyond their age but still sustained remarkable resilience and optimism. Indeed, this Kindness Activism Program had profound effects; it touched almost every recipient's heart as they expressed an open flow of gratitude while sharing inspiring stories with all those involved. For instance, eight-year-old Ali cherished his first-ever toy gift profoundly and pledged always to take good care of it! Such affirmations highlight the power of kindness and how it can transform people's lives even when faced with adverse challenges.
The Kindness Activism
program in Balkh province, Afghanistan, was a resounding success, leaving a
small but lasting impact on the lives of a group of street and poor children in
Mazar Sharif. The distribution of toys and snacks brought smiles, a sense of
belonging, self-worth, and hope. The heartwarming gratitudes from Ali, Omar,
and Sajjad showcased the transformative power of kindness. The program
highlights the importance of collective action and partnerships. The program's
success calls for continued efforts to bring joy, hope, and empowerment to
underprivileged youth, creating a world where everyone has equal opportunities
to thrive.”
Isn’t it so perfect?? This project touched so many lives! It brought joy to children whose lives have
been filled with war and uncertainty. And
it allowed a group of volunteers to come together with a common goal to spread
kindness. This act of kindness stretched
across 3 countries: funding from
the United States of America, project management from Kyrgyzstan, and execution by volunteers in
Afghanistan!
If you haven’t believed me
before when I said over and over that talking openly about kindness starts
kindness ripples, perhaps this story will convince you!
Two other attendees of the
virtual talk on Mother’s Day will also have projects funded by Kindness
Activist. One woman, an American, would
like to buy books to distribute to children in UGANDA, where she is currently
living. I am looking for someone who has
an in to a website where we can get a good deal on BOOKS and make the funding
for her project go further. If you know
of a good discount online book ordering site, please email me at kindnessactivist@gmail.com . The other upcoming project is yet to be determined
but will be run by two brilliant children in Virginia. I am guessing as soon as school is out for the
year they will put their heads together and decide what they would like to do.
Sitara, THANK YOU for
sharing your story of Kindness Activism.
It was an honor to fund your grand idea.
I am so thankful that there are young people like you in the world. You give me hope that somehow, someway, this
world will become a kinder place.
Kindness Activist funds used: $200
