Random Acts of Kindness Week 2010

World is busy watching Winter Olympics, following the celebrities, and catching rumors. And…still… Random acts of kindness week captured the attention of the Googlers. So, the modern people are not so hopeless, as it seams to be.

What is RAK?

Annual Random Acts of Kindness Week began February 15. The week-long event was designed by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation to encourage people to practice more, well, kindness. There are plenty of opportunities for us to be nice to one another in everyday life. Some of us take the initiative to do good deeds, while some follow the footsteps of others. This week has been designed to raise our awareness of generosity and encourage us to do nice things for others – not just for our family and friends. The idea is to “tap into our own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another,” while discovering “the power of kindness to effect positive change in our lives and the lives around us. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.”

What to do?

The possible action steps might be different for businesses and individuals. While your financial possibilities are quite limited, note that not every good deed has a monetary value.

You have no idea where to start? Get few tips from the poster below:

Here are some more ideas, and even if you haven’t any extra cash, a smile and a greeting are always free.

- Put a coin or two in someone’s parking meter.

- Compliment well-behaved child/children when you’re leaving a restaurant.

- Help someone clear their car of snow/ice, rake some leaves, or other odd chores.

- Pay for someone’s meal or cup of coffee.

- Invite a senior who’s alone in a restaurant to sit with you.

- Send a card or letter to a friend or relative for no other reason than to bring them joy.

- Leave a thank you card/note along with your next tip.

- Volunteer some time at your local animal shelter, either for cleaning or playing with the animals.

- Buy or make a bunch of cards (great for kids) and drop them off at a nursing home or hospital.

- Also great for kids; make colorful and patriotic pictures or collages for a local veterans hospital or organization.

- Pay for someone’s car wash in line behind you.

- Drop a thank you card, for the clergy, in the offering plate at your place of worship.

- Offer to babysit for someone for free, so they can have a night out.

- Bring some healthy treats to share with everyone at work.

- Send an email to someone with a thoughtful compliment.

- Lend a sympathetic ear to someone who obviously needs one.

- Send a letter or card to a teacher or someone who has inspired you.

- Bring flowers for the receptionist at your next appointment.

- Buy a gift card for gas or groceries and mail it anonymously to a neighbor.

- At holidays, get a group of kids together, teach them a song or two, and then go caroling or visit a nursing home.

- Help out at the next fire company fundraiser; or, find out when they’re having their next meeting and offer to supply baked goods for them to enjoy.

- If you have the know-how, offer to help a family member prepare their taxes, draw up a budget, or use their computer.

- Help out the mother of a newborn by volunteering to do a little housework for free.