Take Action in 2008-09
Together we will build a global movement to develop compassionate human beings who form the basis of strong and healthy societies. Here are three simple steps to get started:
1. Stay in Touch with Seeds of Compassion
Please send a quick note to wiki@seedsofcompassion.org and let us know if you would like to receive email updates regarding future events, activities, and resources. Do you have a special skill, interest or service to offer?
2. Explore our Resources
Find or submit information in the following sections:
3. Make a Personal Commitment for 2008-09
It's easy, free, and feels good. What is one commitment that you are willing to make for the next year to help nurture kindness and compassion in the world, starting with children? Some ideas are listed below. Kids are encouraged to make a commitment too!- Develop a plan to integrate kindness and compassion into all schools
- Host a 'Compassion Awards' ceremony
- Attend a parenting workshop
- Sign up for a meditation class
- Practice compassionate listening
- Stop buying tickets to violent movies or purchasing violent videogames
- Tell a teacher if a classmate is being bullied
- Look in the eye of each homeless person with kindness
- Believe that change is possible
Comments
On InterSpiritual Day on April 15, the second panel with Archibishop Desmond Tutu asked one representative from each faith (plus two kids) to describe concrete actions that their congregations use to nurture compassion. Here are my rough draft notes in the general order in which the ideas were discussed:
1. Work with other religions and cultures to solve common problems
2. The Virtues project (http://www.virtuesproject.com)
3. Engage youth-based organizations
4. Show compassion for the environment (http://genesis.eds.edu)
5. Communicate with the downtrodden
6. Kids in their early-to-late teens should perform service in another country
7. A fundamental interior shift happens in kids when they realize that other people need them. Even kids who have been hurt themselves will help others.
8. The Emergence Project
9. Sacrifice words that shame you or others. (he's shy, stupid, mean, etc.) For example, don't label kids as bullies. This is the beginning of violence. Listen to them first and then call on their power for good.
10. Humanitarian workers in Darfur repeatedly returned despite grave danger to their lives
11. Put a human face on everyone. It's hard to demonize someone you know.
12. Deprive people of their excuses
13. Most people won't change unless they must. Help should be available when people are ready.
14. Encourage face-to-face introductions, force people to talk together, create opportunities for friendship.
15. Rites of passage programs are important for kids
16. It's important to learn about the past in order to understand the present and future
17. Camp Brotherhood (http://campbrotherhood.com)
18. Teachers need to show an interest in each student. A five minute personal question at the beginning or end of class such as "What's going on in your life?" can make a huge difference to a child.
19. Programs that bring kids inside prisons to work with inmates (this didn't make the inmates jealous)
20. Homeless feeding program at a church
21. Catholics own schools and hospitals
22. One Christian panelist from NY defined her ministry as helping children in her role as an executive in the New York City School District.
23. The U.S. needs more families to adopt foster kids
24. Help for Katrina victims
25. Charitable donations
26. Parent training
27. Remember to smile
I commit to being the temporary caretaker of Mothers of Compassion, until the other female leaders arrive to begin the process of growth and development. I will aspire to make every effort within my ability to promote compassion in my self, in my home, with my children and in my community. And I will resolve to hang in there when it feels lonely and scary and the going gets tough. I will not let my light be extinguished. Nor will I feel swayed by the sentiment of the public or lack of follow through by our leaders.
I will intend that all merit, from any benefit I achieve or create, will be rededicated outwardly again for the benefot of all beings.
Michele Kim
www.mothersofcompassion.org
Non violent communication skills taught and practice groups for children K-12, parents, caregivers, teachers using Marshal Rosenberg's book.