A SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE
January 30, 2024 – April 4, 2024
A Season For Nonviolence encompasses the 64 calendar days between the commemorative dates of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s. It is a national educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that non-violence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities. Citizens for Preace encourages our community to give Random Acts of Kindness during this season. If you give or receive an RAK, we want to hear about it! Send an email to Colleen at [email protected], or Jan at [email protected], and we will publish them here.
"In early February I was coming back to my car after swimming at the Waterford Mott High School pool and saw that there was someting on my door handle. In a small sheer bag, there was a little white cow that read,'You're A-moo-zing' and an accompanying card that read, 'You're A-Moo-Zing. I know it. You know it. Tiny cow has your back whenever you need a pick-me-up'. On the other side the giver had written, 'You just got mooed. Moo, moo Subaru. Spread the joy and moo another cool Subaru'. So now I am looking for another Subaru owner to pass this along to. It was a fun little pick-me-up." ~Jan Bridgman
A Season for Nonviolence Display at Waterford Public Library 2024
Materials for the Season for Nonviolence display at the Waterford library (left) were donated by Carole Kersten, Colleen Mills, Linda Lieder and Jan Bridgman. Jan and Linda had fun arraning the two display cases at the beginning of February.
Welcome Fellow Peace Makers!
Our Education director, Jan Bridgman, is presenting a $400. check to the Waterford Library for peace books.
The Children's Librarian, Cynthia Walker (on left), and the Adult Services and Outreach Librarian, Jean Hansen, (on right)
were very happy to select new books for their library.
The Children's Librarian, Cynthia Walker (on left), and the Adult Services and Outreach Librarian, Jean Hansen, (on right)
were very happy to select new books for their library.
Celebrating the 2022 UN International Day of Peace at the Libraries!
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Thanks to Jan Bridgman for contacting the Waterford Library and putting up the displays!
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Thanks for Linda Szyszko for contacting the Canton Library and putting up the display.
Thank you to Bob Frank for contacting the Westland Library about the UN International Day of Peace.
Thank you to Katie the Librarian for inviting the Citizens for Peace to speak about peace on Sept. 21st!
Thank you to Linda Lieder who give a talk about the themes of the UN International Day of Peace throughout the years; and the work of the Citizens for Peace as we begin our 20th year!!
Thank you to Katie the Librarian for inviting the Citizens for Peace to speak about peace on Sept. 21st!
Thank you to Linda Lieder who give a talk about the themes of the UN International Day of Peace throughout the years; and the work of the Citizens for Peace as we begin our 20th year!!
The activities of the Education Fund for 2022. Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) were collected and published on our website during the Season for Non-violence (Jan 30--April 4, spanning the assassination of Gandhi and King respectively During September, to coincide with the International Day of Peace on September 21, month-long displays of peace materials (books, DVDs) were held at the following libraries: Canton Farmington Oak Park Waterford Westland And on September 21 at Westland Public Library, Linda Lieder gave a talk on the origin and 2022 theme of the International Day of Peace. |
Thank you to Carole Kersten for the displays at the Farmington Hills Library for the month of September!
Some Random Acts of Kindness
I have a dear friend who brings me servings of her leftovers once a week. A dessert is always included. She knows I live alone and don't like to cook.What a Blessing. SHE KEPT THE DRAINS CLEAR Our first house was on a corner and our current is one off. I :have been the primary remover of leaves, branches, fast food wrappers and other debris from school bus passengers for 41 years now. The streets slant toward the curbs and flood if I don't get out there. By the way, I have taught Religious Ed to 6th graders for 25 years now. I always do a lesson on Random Acts of Christmas Kindness, but got a lesson from a boy once when I asked what RACK might stand for. He was a roughish boy who spent lots of time hunting with his Dad and uncles. He raised his hand eagerly when I asked. "My uncle told me," he said. "It's the front of a woman." Here are 40 ideas for you from Chuck Kesner. (Thank you Chuck for your many acts of kindness!!) 40 Acts of Kindness to Make the World a Better Place - Lifehack Our neighbor on the next block that we don't know, plows our driveway and sidewalk. He does this for the elderly people on on block. He refuses any payment! |
This is our latest flyer being posted at many libraries.
Here is the display of the books we just donated to the Oak Park Library! Oak Park kept our book display up for September as we continued the focus on our peace books to honor the International Day of Peace (September 21st.)
Here is the display at the Oak Park Library in the Juvenile section! It includes the MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH trifold, from our Peace Pals International collection of the art submitted by youth around the world! Also displayed are some of the children's books we have donated.
Thank you so much
Oak Park Library for highlighting our peace books for several months!
Thank you so much
Oak Park Library for highlighting our peace books for several months!
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Here is our September 2021 display at the Waterford Library! Colleen's PEACE & Joy sign is on the bookcase along with our flyers, pamphlets, Get Involved Guides, and books!
Here is our September display of some of our donated books at the Farmington Hills Library! That is Colleen's "Light Up Peace Sign" in the middle! |
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This lovely display for our September effort to highlight our peace books is at the Westland Library!
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These Citizens for Peace hand out materials were available at the Dearborn Heights and Redford Libraries!
Thanks to the Canton Library for including the Citizens for Peace in their 62 Days of Summer Program! We are highlighted on the Kindness Day! People are encouraged to take out our books and to do Acts of Kindness.
Click HERE to view our special day! There is a link to our books if you would like to have our books sent to your local library from the Canton Library!
Click HERE to view our special day! There is a link to our books if you would like to have our books sent to your local library from the Canton Library!
Rosemary Doyle, Education Chair Emeritus; Colleen Mills, President; and Becky Copenhaver, Education Committee Member are all smiles in front of our latest book donation display at the Canton Public Library. It was set up for the United Nations International Day of Peace. Check out these inspiring books!!
THANK YOU ROSEMARY DOYLE for your amazing work for over 18 years as our Education Director!!! We are so grateful!!
THANK YOU TO JAN BRIDGMAN for volunteering to be our new Citizens for Peace Education Director!!
The Citizens for Peace Education Fund
Our Education Fund is a nonprofit 501(c3) organization
focused on educating on the history and values of nonviolence.
Since 2006 we have researched and developed a bibliography of over 1200 titles of
materials for youth and adults.
These materials are available to Michigan residents through their local Library Network and MELCAT.
View the adult bibliography in the Wayne State Digital Commons.
View the youth bibliography in the Wayne State Digital Commons.
We have just added the 2019 bibliographies and another 300 books!!
Thanks to Rosemary Doyle for the adult bibliography, and Carole Kersten for the youth bibliography!
For the introduction information click HERE
To view the 2019 Adult Bibliography of nonviolent peacebuilding materials click HERE
To view the 2019 Youth Bibliography of nonviolent peacebuilding materials click HERE
THANK YOU TO JAN BRIDGMAN for volunteering to be our new Citizens for Peace Education Director!!
The Citizens for Peace Education Fund
Our Education Fund is a nonprofit 501(c3) organization
focused on educating on the history and values of nonviolence.
Since 2006 we have researched and developed a bibliography of over 1200 titles of
materials for youth and adults.
These materials are available to Michigan residents through their local Library Network and MELCAT.
View the adult bibliography in the Wayne State Digital Commons.
View the youth bibliography in the Wayne State Digital Commons.
We have just added the 2019 bibliographies and another 300 books!!
Thanks to Rosemary Doyle for the adult bibliography, and Carole Kersten for the youth bibliography!
For the introduction information click HERE
To view the 2019 Adult Bibliography of nonviolent peacebuilding materials click HERE
To view the 2019 Youth Bibliography of nonviolent peacebuilding materials click HERE
We are celebrating the Season for Nonviolence from Jan. 30th to April 4th again this year by doing Random Acts of Kindness. Please send your acts of kindness that you have done or someone has done for you to Colleen Mills at [email protected].
Since 2006 we have researched and developed a Nonviolence and Peacebuilding Bibliography of over 1100 titles of materials for youth and adults.
These materials are available to Michigan residents through their local Library Network and MELCAT.
View the complete ADULT BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NONVIOLENT PEACEBUILDING MATERIALS (2006 - 2017)
View the complete YOUTH BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NONVIOLENT PEACEBUILDING MATERIALS (2006 - 2015)
These materials are available to Michigan residents through their local Library Network and MELCAT.
View the complete ADULT BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NONVIOLENT PEACEBUILDING MATERIALS (2006 - 2017)
View the complete YOUTH BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NONVIOLENT PEACEBUILDING MATERIALS (2006 - 2015)
We have a table at the Livonia Civic Center Library with a display of children's art from around the world! We have information about the Season for Nonviolence, the Citizens for Peace, and our flyers, brochures and bookmarks! Thanks to Nancy Lightbody for the beautiful display! Practice Random Acts of Kindness!!
SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE ACTIVITIES
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
The Season for Non-violence begins on January 30, the date of Gandhi's assassination, and ends on April 4, the day Martin Luther King Jr. was killed.
“Forty Acts of Kindness to Make the World a Better Place"
Click HERE to see these wonderful ideas that we can do!
My Unsung Hero
The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone’s life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity. From Hidden Brain Media.
Click on the link to hear some inspirational short audios--between 4 and 7 minutes long--about acts of kindness that transformed the story tellers' lives. Thank you, Bob Frank, for suggesting this link! https://hiddenbrain.org/myunsunghero/
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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
The Season for Non-violence begins on January 30, the date of Gandhi's assassination, and ends on April 4, the day Martin Luther King Jr. was killed.
“Forty Acts of Kindness to Make the World a Better Place"
Click HERE to see these wonderful ideas that we can do!
My Unsung Hero
The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone’s life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity. From Hidden Brain Media.
Click on the link to hear some inspirational short audios--between 4 and 7 minutes long--about acts of kindness that transformed the story tellers' lives. Thank you, Bob Frank, for suggesting this link! https://hiddenbrain.org/myunsunghero/
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Here are some of our Random Acts of Kindness
for The Season for Nonviolence 2022.
RAK #1
I let a woman go ahead of me in Meijer’s. After my items were rung up, she turned to me and said “I’m paying for your groceries”. I said absolutely not. I am not needy. Do it for someone else. She said it was done and she was very well off and could well afford it. It was $75. So I said “Very well. I would then double it and donate to my food pantry. Win….win….win.
Everyone around had tears in their eyes.
My world has shrunk, especially since I gave up my car, so I look around this small community I now inhabit. 52 apartments. Last week I made a large pot of beef barley soup and delivered some to three neighbors. The next day I received a slice of pecan pie, four cookies and a donut. Win…win…win.
RAK # 2
Recently, I was in the checkout line behind a woman in the grocery store whose credit card wouldn't work. She tried several times without success. She had no other card, and the clerk suggested that she leave her items, go home, and come back with another card. At that point, I handed my card to the clerk and paid for the woman's groceries. The customer asked for my address so she could repay me, but I declined to give her that information. The clerk told me later that I'd be surprised at how often a customer pays for someone else's groceries, and she's always glad to see it.
RAK # 3
I read an article in the paper about a woman who had been abused as a child. The adults around her didn’t believe her. She was married and suffered domestic violence abuse. She was homeless and lost her three children. She moved back to the Upper Peninsula and worked many jobs to save enough to rent three buildings to house her small restaurant, a flea market and a resale clothing and toy store for children. She started giving to the community. She gave free meals, delivered free meals to the elderly, sponsored many groups with fundraisers, etc. A friend said that she was always giving.
It touched my heart, and I sent her a special card with a check. I hope she continues spreading love.
RAK # 4
I am involved in the Theosophical Society, ACIM, NVC, Heartfulness Meditation with the Hindus, and a wonderful Buddhist group called SGI.. I support each of these organizations because I feel by doing so I am making a difference in my community and the world. These organizations have helped me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I am a lot more supportive in my community. I shop for some who don't have a car or are just not able to get out. I contribute monetarily to organizations that I didn't list because I feel they truly help to make a difference. I am on fixed income and can only do so much; but pray in the future that I will be able to do more. I feel at this point in my life I give gratitude to my friends and above all my God. I am reading a lot of spiritual books. I am on zoom with the Theosophical Society in many states, including W. Houston Texas. Washington DC, Portland Oregon. etc.to share my knowledge, love, and support. I love it. At this point in my life, I am happy and pleased with the things that I am doing. I am so grateful to God and my higher conscientiousness. At this point in my life, I just want to do the simple, basic, and most important thing in my life and that is to share my love.
RAK # 5
"Anonymous" shovels or blows the snow off the sidewalks for the entire block, both sides of the street.
RAK # 6
This isn't too random, since it involves our next-door neighbor. She is half our age but had back surgery last year and has to baby her back. So all winter, I've been shoveling her walk when I do mine. It isn't such a big deal, as I enjoy shoveling (until I get inside and my back thaws out and starts aching). She almost never catches us.
RAK # 7
I went on a mission to pick up all my neighbors’ garbage cans that had blown into the street. It was a very windy day, but I enjoyed my walk with a purpose!
RAK # 8
In 2015, Austin, my 11 year old grandson and I were having lunch at the Houston airport food court. We were returning home from a very active intergenerational program in Costa Rica. As we were walking toward a vacant table with our pizza and salads, I noticed a woman sitting alone at a table. Her hairstyle was full of black shiny curls. After sitting down with our tray of food I said to my grandson, “I’ll be right back.” As I approached the woman, I said, “Excuse me, you have a very attractive hairstyle. You should thank your hairstylist.” Then with a bright, broad smile she replied, “I did it myself.” What a pleasant surprise response.
RAK # 9
The day after one of our big snowstorms, it was very, very cold.
I saw the postal truck parked in front of my house & I thought about what a rough job it is to be a mail person in the winter! I thought I should give him a gift card on these cold days as I do at Christmas; but I resisted because I didn’t want to put my boots on.
I looked out a little bit later & the truck was still there & I had the same thought of the gift card & I resisted again. A little while later I saw the truck still there and I went out and put TWO gift cards under his windshield with a big thank you on the envelope!
when I looked out just a few minutes later - the truck was gone! Though I resisted several times, my angel PERSISTED and really pushed when they knew my carrier was about to leave!
So glad whenever I listen to my angel - who is much kinder than I am 🤗.
RAK # 10
When coming out of the post office – a very sad lady asked for money. That is not random for me – I don’t mind giving a dollar to anyone who asks. If they are playing me, it is their problem. I still get credit for trying to help. But this was a tall black lady, and she was crying : So, I got out my actual wallet – which I try not to do - And gave her all my small bills – it was only 7 but kinda a lot for me. I was very inspired to do more this time. And I will keep her in my prayers.
RAK # 11
My neighbor puts my newspaper right beside the front door, so I don't have to go outside to get it. And my son's girlfriend brings me library books each week, so I don't have to go to the library. She is a librarian but is now retired and she still does this.
for The Season for Nonviolence 2022.
RAK #1
I let a woman go ahead of me in Meijer’s. After my items were rung up, she turned to me and said “I’m paying for your groceries”. I said absolutely not. I am not needy. Do it for someone else. She said it was done and she was very well off and could well afford it. It was $75. So I said “Very well. I would then double it and donate to my food pantry. Win….win….win.
Everyone around had tears in their eyes.
My world has shrunk, especially since I gave up my car, so I look around this small community I now inhabit. 52 apartments. Last week I made a large pot of beef barley soup and delivered some to three neighbors. The next day I received a slice of pecan pie, four cookies and a donut. Win…win…win.
RAK # 2
Recently, I was in the checkout line behind a woman in the grocery store whose credit card wouldn't work. She tried several times without success. She had no other card, and the clerk suggested that she leave her items, go home, and come back with another card. At that point, I handed my card to the clerk and paid for the woman's groceries. The customer asked for my address so she could repay me, but I declined to give her that information. The clerk told me later that I'd be surprised at how often a customer pays for someone else's groceries, and she's always glad to see it.
RAK # 3
I read an article in the paper about a woman who had been abused as a child. The adults around her didn’t believe her. She was married and suffered domestic violence abuse. She was homeless and lost her three children. She moved back to the Upper Peninsula and worked many jobs to save enough to rent three buildings to house her small restaurant, a flea market and a resale clothing and toy store for children. She started giving to the community. She gave free meals, delivered free meals to the elderly, sponsored many groups with fundraisers, etc. A friend said that she was always giving.
It touched my heart, and I sent her a special card with a check. I hope she continues spreading love.
RAK # 4
I am involved in the Theosophical Society, ACIM, NVC, Heartfulness Meditation with the Hindus, and a wonderful Buddhist group called SGI.. I support each of these organizations because I feel by doing so I am making a difference in my community and the world. These organizations have helped me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I am a lot more supportive in my community. I shop for some who don't have a car or are just not able to get out. I contribute monetarily to organizations that I didn't list because I feel they truly help to make a difference. I am on fixed income and can only do so much; but pray in the future that I will be able to do more. I feel at this point in my life I give gratitude to my friends and above all my God. I am reading a lot of spiritual books. I am on zoom with the Theosophical Society in many states, including W. Houston Texas. Washington DC, Portland Oregon. etc.to share my knowledge, love, and support. I love it. At this point in my life, I am happy and pleased with the things that I am doing. I am so grateful to God and my higher conscientiousness. At this point in my life, I just want to do the simple, basic, and most important thing in my life and that is to share my love.
RAK # 5
"Anonymous" shovels or blows the snow off the sidewalks for the entire block, both sides of the street.
RAK # 6
This isn't too random, since it involves our next-door neighbor. She is half our age but had back surgery last year and has to baby her back. So all winter, I've been shoveling her walk when I do mine. It isn't such a big deal, as I enjoy shoveling (until I get inside and my back thaws out and starts aching). She almost never catches us.
RAK # 7
I went on a mission to pick up all my neighbors’ garbage cans that had blown into the street. It was a very windy day, but I enjoyed my walk with a purpose!
RAK # 8
In 2015, Austin, my 11 year old grandson and I were having lunch at the Houston airport food court. We were returning home from a very active intergenerational program in Costa Rica. As we were walking toward a vacant table with our pizza and salads, I noticed a woman sitting alone at a table. Her hairstyle was full of black shiny curls. After sitting down with our tray of food I said to my grandson, “I’ll be right back.” As I approached the woman, I said, “Excuse me, you have a very attractive hairstyle. You should thank your hairstylist.” Then with a bright, broad smile she replied, “I did it myself.” What a pleasant surprise response.
RAK # 9
The day after one of our big snowstorms, it was very, very cold.
I saw the postal truck parked in front of my house & I thought about what a rough job it is to be a mail person in the winter! I thought I should give him a gift card on these cold days as I do at Christmas; but I resisted because I didn’t want to put my boots on.
I looked out a little bit later & the truck was still there & I had the same thought of the gift card & I resisted again. A little while later I saw the truck still there and I went out and put TWO gift cards under his windshield with a big thank you on the envelope!
when I looked out just a few minutes later - the truck was gone! Though I resisted several times, my angel PERSISTED and really pushed when they knew my carrier was about to leave!
So glad whenever I listen to my angel - who is much kinder than I am 🤗.
RAK # 10
When coming out of the post office – a very sad lady asked for money. That is not random for me – I don’t mind giving a dollar to anyone who asks. If they are playing me, it is their problem. I still get credit for trying to help. But this was a tall black lady, and she was crying : So, I got out my actual wallet – which I try not to do - And gave her all my small bills – it was only 7 but kinda a lot for me. I was very inspired to do more this time. And I will keep her in my prayers.
RAK # 11
My neighbor puts my newspaper right beside the front door, so I don't have to go outside to get it. And my son's girlfriend brings me library books each week, so I don't have to go to the library. She is a librarian but is now retired and she still does this.
The Citizens for Peace invite you to join our annual Random Acts of Kindness Campaign again this year!
We are celebrating The Season for Nonviolence by doing random acts of kindness as often as we can from January 30th to April 4th. If you would like one of our kindness buttons, come to our February meeting to get yours.
As the culmination of the Season for Nonviolence, we are excited to show the Michigan premiere of the film "Gandhi's Gift". We are honored to have the producer, Cynthia Lukas attend to discuss the making of this historical documentary. It will be shown on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 2 PM at the Livonia Civic Center Library. Refreshments and table displays of peace groups will start at 1:00 PM.
We are also having book discussions. We will be reading "Life Is So Good". Carole Kersten has the book, and you can get it at our February meeting. The Citizens Action Committee will be reading Stephen Dinan's book "Sacred America, Sacred World".
We are committed to learning and practicing the principles of nonviolence all year.
Join us as we create a culture of peace by using our thoughts, words and actions to express love, forgiveness, compassion and kindness!!
Members and youth groups are invited to utilize Social Media to communicate historical RAK quotes gleaned from www.randomactsofquotes.org.
As you research the history on The Season for Nonviolence, we hope you join the RAK campaign. You may wish to join our planned events or you may wish plan your own way to honor Gandhi and King during this time.
*The purpose of the SNV is to focus educational and media attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action. It was inaugurated by the United Nations in 1998 after being introduced by President Michael Beckwith, D.D. of the Association of Global New Thought, along with Arun and Sunanda Gandhi of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. The SNV, Jan. 30 through April 4, marks the assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
CITIZENS FOR PEACE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS 2018
*I keep a box of used books in my car, so I can donate to the “Little Libraries” around Detroit, such as Belle Isle and the River Walk.
*I was wearing my RAK pin when I was at my doctor’s appointment. One of the nursing assistants commented that she really liked it. Then she asked me if I had any more. I said, “No,” but “here, take mine.” She appeared surprised.” I replied, “You just made my day.” She then smiled and said, “Oh, I get it.”
*I am being a “kind” driver. I let drivers in ahead of me when turning left; I let people cut in with a smile; I let people pull out of a side street or driveway and move into traffic.
*I was having my address painted on the curb in front of my house. I paid to have my neighbor’s address painted on their curb. My neighbors are renters.
*My neighbor was in desperate need to have someone sit in her house, where her one and one-half year-old daughter was napping. She had an emergency call from the elementary school to pick up a seven-year-old who may have been involved in an accident. I immediately went to her house. She returned in thirty minutes. No major accident, but needed.
*I saw a man in a wheelchair with an oxygen mask connected to a tank and a sign saying, “Vet—Please Help.” I was filled with compassion. It was cold and windy, and he didn’t have his hood on. I stopped and gave him money, and said, “Put on your hood.” He said, “blessings,” with a raspy voice. I send him blessings every time I think of him.
*I give generous tips every time I go out to eat. I am grateful for the service I receive.
*I was at the checkout of Joann Fabrics to learn that I would not receive the 40% discount in their ad because it had to come from a smartphone. I said that it was unfair to those of us who did not have a smart phone. A few minutes passed, and a lady behind me gave the clerk her smartphone that had the discount opened on it. I thanked her and said, “Now I must do a random act of kindness for another person.”
*While struggling to get my groceries into the back of my car, a nice gentleman stopped to help me. I asked if he did this for many women. He answered, “Only my wife.” I felt special.
*Every Friday during the school year, over the past several years, I have read books and told stories at a public elementary school in Dearborn to children who come from Arabic and non-English speaking homes. This year I increased the number of classes to five.
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS BY CITIZENS FOR PEACE - 2017
*I was glad to open my home to a friend who needed to leave an abusive relationship. She stayed with me for almost two weeks.
*I made lunches at Temple for a soup kitchen at Central Methodist Church.
*These windy days prompted me to pick up trash in my neighborhood and the Kroger parking lot.
*As situations come to my attention, I give people rides home who can no longer drive themselves.
*I put my bags of returnable bottles in my car until I see someone collecting bottles. Last week I saw a woman going through garbage cans and asked her if she would like my bottles. She said, “yes,” and was very happy to have two large bags.
*I shoveled my neighbor’s sidewalk on our last snowstorm.
*I donated to Marygrove College and Wayne State University a book on Peace Jobs to guide students in their job search.
I donated to the Domestic Violence Shelter twenty bags of candy kisses for the twenty families in the shelter.
*A RAK that I learned about today is about a classmate of mine who was talking and praying with newly-met people at a restaurant. They paid for my friend’s meal, including the tip, then left a note to pass that act on to someone else.
*A friend of mine who was out of state asked me if I could help her daughter with a write-up for publicity for an upcoming art show. My friend wanted me to look over what her daughter wrote and give my opinion if it needed editing. The request came at a busy time for me. However, I knew my friend would not have asked if it wasn’t important. I gave my friend’s daughter some edit suggestions and researched various papers, both online and print sources, as well as several art galleries, to find names and addresses. I put together a sample PR release and contact sheet. The artist thanked me and said that the information I gave her was far more than she had expected. I was glad that I could help. It came to my mind, that my own daughter lives out of state and, no doubt, has relied on the help of others, too.
*We received an act of kindness. The windstorm of March 8th knocked the area’s power out until March 14th. Our daughter and son-in-law invited us to their home, some thirty miles from ours to stay for six consecutive nights, even though they are very busy, awake at 5:30 a.m. for jobs, etc.
*I left a favorite sweater on a chair on the deck of a cruise. When I went back to check, it was gone. I asked a worker if it was found. He said to ask if it was turned in at the Service Desk. When I went back in the evening, the same worker asked if I was cold. I said, “Yes.” He handed me the sweater. When we were getting off the cruise, I found the worker and gave him an envelope with money. He refused to take it, saying it was from his heart. I replied, “It is from my heart to give this to you.” We both felt great!
*I am giving out $5.00 to the freeway homeless people, instead of $1.00. It is a little more painful, and, of course, a little more fulfilling.
*At a cafeteria that I frequent, whenever I paid my bill, I said to the woman there, “Keep the change.” She smiled.
*A conference presenter was talking about the value of nonviolence. After his presentation, I gave him the book: “Nonviolence Comunication: A Language of Life,” and said it was a RAK. He smiled!
*I received a phone call asking me to complete a survey on funding for community colleges. Internally, I groaned at the thought of it. I did the RAK and sat through about ten minute of questioning. The caller was so appreciative!
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We are celebrating The Season for Nonviolence by doing random acts of kindness as often as we can from January 30th to April 4th. If you would like one of our kindness buttons, come to our February meeting to get yours.
As the culmination of the Season for Nonviolence, we are excited to show the Michigan premiere of the film "Gandhi's Gift". We are honored to have the producer, Cynthia Lukas attend to discuss the making of this historical documentary. It will be shown on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 2 PM at the Livonia Civic Center Library. Refreshments and table displays of peace groups will start at 1:00 PM.
We are also having book discussions. We will be reading "Life Is So Good". Carole Kersten has the book, and you can get it at our February meeting. The Citizens Action Committee will be reading Stephen Dinan's book "Sacred America, Sacred World".
We are committed to learning and practicing the principles of nonviolence all year.
Join us as we create a culture of peace by using our thoughts, words and actions to express love, forgiveness, compassion and kindness!!
Members and youth groups are invited to utilize Social Media to communicate historical RAK quotes gleaned from www.randomactsofquotes.org.
As you research the history on The Season for Nonviolence, we hope you join the RAK campaign. You may wish to join our planned events or you may wish plan your own way to honor Gandhi and King during this time.
*The purpose of the SNV is to focus educational and media attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action. It was inaugurated by the United Nations in 1998 after being introduced by President Michael Beckwith, D.D. of the Association of Global New Thought, along with Arun and Sunanda Gandhi of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. The SNV, Jan. 30 through April 4, marks the assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
CITIZENS FOR PEACE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS 2018
*I keep a box of used books in my car, so I can donate to the “Little Libraries” around Detroit, such as Belle Isle and the River Walk.
*I was wearing my RAK pin when I was at my doctor’s appointment. One of the nursing assistants commented that she really liked it. Then she asked me if I had any more. I said, “No,” but “here, take mine.” She appeared surprised.” I replied, “You just made my day.” She then smiled and said, “Oh, I get it.”
*I am being a “kind” driver. I let drivers in ahead of me when turning left; I let people cut in with a smile; I let people pull out of a side street or driveway and move into traffic.
*I was having my address painted on the curb in front of my house. I paid to have my neighbor’s address painted on their curb. My neighbors are renters.
*My neighbor was in desperate need to have someone sit in her house, where her one and one-half year-old daughter was napping. She had an emergency call from the elementary school to pick up a seven-year-old who may have been involved in an accident. I immediately went to her house. She returned in thirty minutes. No major accident, but needed.
*I saw a man in a wheelchair with an oxygen mask connected to a tank and a sign saying, “Vet—Please Help.” I was filled with compassion. It was cold and windy, and he didn’t have his hood on. I stopped and gave him money, and said, “Put on your hood.” He said, “blessings,” with a raspy voice. I send him blessings every time I think of him.
*I give generous tips every time I go out to eat. I am grateful for the service I receive.
*I was at the checkout of Joann Fabrics to learn that I would not receive the 40% discount in their ad because it had to come from a smartphone. I said that it was unfair to those of us who did not have a smart phone. A few minutes passed, and a lady behind me gave the clerk her smartphone that had the discount opened on it. I thanked her and said, “Now I must do a random act of kindness for another person.”
*While struggling to get my groceries into the back of my car, a nice gentleman stopped to help me. I asked if he did this for many women. He answered, “Only my wife.” I felt special.
*Every Friday during the school year, over the past several years, I have read books and told stories at a public elementary school in Dearborn to children who come from Arabic and non-English speaking homes. This year I increased the number of classes to five.
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS BY CITIZENS FOR PEACE - 2017
*I was glad to open my home to a friend who needed to leave an abusive relationship. She stayed with me for almost two weeks.
*I made lunches at Temple for a soup kitchen at Central Methodist Church.
*These windy days prompted me to pick up trash in my neighborhood and the Kroger parking lot.
*As situations come to my attention, I give people rides home who can no longer drive themselves.
*I put my bags of returnable bottles in my car until I see someone collecting bottles. Last week I saw a woman going through garbage cans and asked her if she would like my bottles. She said, “yes,” and was very happy to have two large bags.
*I shoveled my neighbor’s sidewalk on our last snowstorm.
*I donated to Marygrove College and Wayne State University a book on Peace Jobs to guide students in their job search.
I donated to the Domestic Violence Shelter twenty bags of candy kisses for the twenty families in the shelter.
*A RAK that I learned about today is about a classmate of mine who was talking and praying with newly-met people at a restaurant. They paid for my friend’s meal, including the tip, then left a note to pass that act on to someone else.
*A friend of mine who was out of state asked me if I could help her daughter with a write-up for publicity for an upcoming art show. My friend wanted me to look over what her daughter wrote and give my opinion if it needed editing. The request came at a busy time for me. However, I knew my friend would not have asked if it wasn’t important. I gave my friend’s daughter some edit suggestions and researched various papers, both online and print sources, as well as several art galleries, to find names and addresses. I put together a sample PR release and contact sheet. The artist thanked me and said that the information I gave her was far more than she had expected. I was glad that I could help. It came to my mind, that my own daughter lives out of state and, no doubt, has relied on the help of others, too.
*We received an act of kindness. The windstorm of March 8th knocked the area’s power out until March 14th. Our daughter and son-in-law invited us to their home, some thirty miles from ours to stay for six consecutive nights, even though they are very busy, awake at 5:30 a.m. for jobs, etc.
*I left a favorite sweater on a chair on the deck of a cruise. When I went back to check, it was gone. I asked a worker if it was found. He said to ask if it was turned in at the Service Desk. When I went back in the evening, the same worker asked if I was cold. I said, “Yes.” He handed me the sweater. When we were getting off the cruise, I found the worker and gave him an envelope with money. He refused to take it, saying it was from his heart. I replied, “It is from my heart to give this to you.” We both felt great!
*I am giving out $5.00 to the freeway homeless people, instead of $1.00. It is a little more painful, and, of course, a little more fulfilling.
*At a cafeteria that I frequent, whenever I paid my bill, I said to the woman there, “Keep the change.” She smiled.
*A conference presenter was talking about the value of nonviolence. After his presentation, I gave him the book: “Nonviolence Comunication: A Language of Life,” and said it was a RAK. He smiled!
*I received a phone call asking me to complete a survey on funding for community colleges. Internally, I groaned at the thought of it. I did the RAK and sat through about ten minute of questioning. The caller was so appreciative!
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CITIZENS FOR PEACE: SEASON OF NON-VIOLENCE
January 30 through April 4, 2015
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS 2014
R.A.K. #1 & #2
· My son went to his bank and said, “I need one hundred dollars.” Another man handed him a one hundred dollar bill.
· My brother went to pay his bill at a coffee shop and was told, “Someone has already paid it for you.”
When I heard each of the above stories, I reminded the receiver to pay it forward with some R.A.K.
R.A.K. #3
· I was in the gas station and a very “proper” lady was in front of me. When the attendant asked her how much. She said, “All I have is $15.00.” When I got my change, I gave it to her.
She was overjoyed.
R.A.K. #4
· A cashier from Ace Hardware called to say I had left one of my recent purchases and did I want it? Three weeks prior I had purchased some bird supplies and I left behind a $1.79 suet block. Because I had used my Ace Reward card, they were able to look up my phone number.
I was impressed at the employee’s R.A.K. so I gave her a R.A.K. button! I loved doing this.
RAK #5
· When shopping at Aldi, where shopping carts require a 25 cents deposit, someone gave me a cart and wouldn’t take my quarter.
I felt grateful and passed it on.
I decided to keep on passing it on.
R.A.K. #6
· While on vacation, I made a decision to compliment and express gratitude to everyone I met. I received so many smiles and expressions of joy and surprise!
I felt a connection with so many people. I was joyful.
It was so easy to be open and loving.
R.A.K. #7
· I had a slumber party with some of my friends. When my mom was driving me back home and I saw a homeless man with nothing but a cardboard box, I felt so, so, so bad for him. I said, “Mom, please stop the car.” So, my mom did, and I reached in the back of the truck and pulled out my sleeping bag from the slumber party. I opened the door of the truck and gave the homeless man my sleeping bag. That was my R.A.K.
R.A.K. #8
· Sent a calendar that I liked and a leaflet to a friend.
It was much appreciated--and I experienced a wonderful feeling of connection.
R.A.K. #9
· I was sitting alone in the Food Court at Beaumont Hospital, while my husband was undergoing aorta valve replacement surgery. I carry stress in my neck/shoulder area, so I was doing a stretching routine for my neck and shoulder. A woman at a nearby table came over and asked if she could give me a brief neck and shoulder massage. I said, “Yes,” with delight and surprise!
R.A.K. #10
· Driving on the Lodge from Downtown Detroit, I exited at Eight Mile Rd. On the curve, I stopped at a light where a man was standing and begging for money. I reached in my pocket for a bill and gave it to him along with a logo R.A.K. pin.
His smile opened wide, while he put the pin on his jacket. I smiled all the way home!
R.A.K. #11
· I left the close parking space for those who need it more.
I felt good.
I realized that we are greedy for these kinds of things.
R.A.K. #12
· My neighbor, who walks 1 ½ miles daily, always brings my trash can to the house on trash pick-up day.
On those cold days, this act of kindness is so appreciated.
When this happens, I think of ways I can do R.A.K. for others.
R.A.K. #13
· Exiting Hilberry Theatre, I stumbled on the first steps. Behind me, a woman reached out, with her arms, to prevent me from falling.
I was relieved and so very grateful for a stranger’s help.
I gained a very positive feeling from this incident. Yes, people are intent on helping people in trouble; they are not self-centered, but do care about others.
R.A.K. #14
· I was pumping gasoline and saw a young man going through trash for deposit bottles and cans. I gave mine to him.
I felt good.
R.A.K. #15
· After a church supper, a couple walked me to my car.
I felt safe and cared for.
I realized that I should reach out when others need caring attention.
R.A.K. #16
· As I crossed a parking lot, I heard someone sneeze emphatically. I called out, “Bless you!” He returned, “Thank you!” with a big smile.
The feeling of connection was strong and wonderful.
R.A.K. #17
· I was having dinner at a restaurant with my family. A very attractive lady came to our table and gave us a coupon for 50% off the second dinner.
I was very grateful. After dinner, I expressed my gratitude, and all of us felt happy and connected.
R.A.K. #18
· I had a {bad} family experience when a member insulted me. I waited over two years for an apology! To lessen my burden, I decided to write a note saying I have forgiveness in my heart over the incident, so let’s leave this to history and move on.
I felt so much lighter in my heart.
R.A.K. #19
· I stopped at a McDonald’s Restaurant to have a bite to eat because I was early for
my appointment. I sat in a booth next to a woman who was taking very loudly on her cell phone. She was saying that she only had a dollar for food for her family this week. When I got up to leave, I dropped a $10.00 bill on her table. She replied with a strong, “Thank you,” and said she would stop and buy food for her family. She was smiling. She commented on a brass pin I was wearing on my jacket. I took it off and gave it to her. She was so surprised. I told her I would pray for her.
As I left, I said to myself, “This is the right time for me to do this.
R.A.K. #20
· While in my car in northwest Detroit, I saw a man with a sign asking for funds. Without judgment, I rolled down the window and gave him $5.00. He thanked me.
I reflected on how fortunate I am that I do not have to do that.
R.A.K. #21
· I spoke with a stranger following a class in which we both had attended. She was especially grateful and said that I was so kind to talk to her—the only person in the class who had done so. I found out that she was living with her children and grandchild and did not drive and that she spent much time alone. We exchanged phone numbers and emails, and I invited her to several groups in which I was involved, including our Citizens for Peace meeting. When traveling to the various meetings, I got to know her better, and I realized that she was quite lonely and depressed. I then invited her to a party during the holidays and shared information about a senior exercise class. I took her to these activities and more.
When I first spoke to her, I was just being friendly and kind; however, as time passed, I realized that taking her with me to different functions was really important to her—a kind of lifeline. I was blessed to be able to include her, talk with her, find out about her life, and make her a friend.
I was able to learn different things about this person’s life and culture. I found out we shared a bond in reading, including a favorite childhood author, as well as other interests: writing, art, education, and involvement in peace. She is a truly lovely woman, whose friendship I treasure. She also expressed her gratefulness in more than one way. She reciprocated by buying me lunch, providing me with some cooked meals, and giving me several other gifts, most of all, which is the unexpected blessing of her friendship.
R.A.K. #22 and #23
· While on vacation in Florida, I was approached by a man and woman who asked me for money for a hotel. The weather had turned chilly. They told me they had about $40, but needed another $20, to get a room. I gave them a twenty dollar bill. They thanked me. I told them to help someone else out if they were presented with an opportunity.
I felt that this was a good opportunity to be kind and practice a random act of kindness.
I was grateful that I had enough money to stay in comfortable quarters while traveling. I started to be more aware as my trip continued of the number of people who appeared homeless. Also, because of my action, later that week, my husband gave money to someone who approached him. We are truly fortunate.
