Jul 31
 |
 |
|
| Everyone can be a part of the Be the Change Movement!
People all over our globe are submitting their Acts of Change – |
 |
|
 |
||
| Notice: What needs to change in my community?
Choose: What can I do to better the situation? Act: What will I commit to doing? |
||
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:33 am
2008 was the most difficult year of my life, thus far. I spent it dwelling on the pain, hurt, and mistakes. I have been staying with a great friend for the last few weeks (whom I met through Challenge Day) and she has been showing me and reminding me everyday of what am amazing person I am and also what amazing people I am surrounded by. Thanks Amb!!
All my love~Iz~
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
PAM and TONY you two made me realize that differences don’t matter, especially with friends, and that we should focus on the things we have in common with each other. My teacher has a poster of Ghandi that says “be the change you want to see in the world” but it never seemed possible or ever meant anything to me until you said it at challenge day. So I’m going to work on myself and BE the change, I’m GOING to drop my water line one step at a time so I can be more honest with myself and others. THANK YOU!! Thanks for coming to Provo, Utah. GO INDEPENDENCE HIGH!! woop woop.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
i never want to lose the inspiration i took from challenge day… reading all of these acts of change reminds me of it at times when i have forgotten it
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
we had challenge day yesterday and everyone was emotional and it was very touching and it made a
hhhhhhuuuuuuuggggggeeeeee change at our school which is lansing middle school!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:43 am
We bought dinner for a homeless person at Buger King - He seemed very grateful!
January 21st, 2009 at 7:35 pm
DELSEA Middle school Franklinville, N.J 1/15/09-As I told Angela that day ‘You changed my life and I know will help me be a better father to all my children. Vinnie you are the best and I thank you both .I have been asked to speak to our school board on behalf of “the program” and will be shortly to hope to help to have this every year. I can’t think of a single thing thta would be more important then have every student involed in it. Again thanks, Sincerly Raymond brown
January 20th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I am excited I am in Lindale High School In East Texas By Tyler and Lufkin and we’re moved here from The Colony and Dallas of North Texas we’re moved to the old house in Lindale and move to the new house on July 2007
I got good day
January 20th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I love my school Lindale high school i went to challenge day and all the sophmores made a packed to stick together and be the change in our class and have each others back through
anything and it was just amazing how our class can go from having nothing in common to having a lot. It’s just such amazing thing and we are going to keep the sprit that we have and the love for each other that we had at challenge day with us all in our hearts and we have sela and kekoa to thank for that!!2
January 20th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I am ALLOWING LOVE in my life.
January 19th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Go Fisher Middle School!
Kudos to Elisa and all of the staff and students for continuing to Be the Change!
I attended Fisher’s Challenge Day and will always remember that amazing, eye-opening, wonderful experience! THANK YOU!
January 19th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
We had a free hugs week which included: a return of the hug demonstration, free hug booth, getting and giving as many hugs as possible daily, hug t-shirt making booth, Yukon’s biggest group hug in beach attire. It reakky o8ucjed everyone up before exams and after the -40 temperatures!
January 18th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I made an effort to notice who was sitting by herself at my daughter’s hockey game and we ended up having a very nice conversation. I have also been making an effort to look (and really see) people as I talk to them - especially my own family. I offer hugs more frequently and it isn’t as scary as I thought!!!
January 17th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Challenge day was just awesome. It made me realize that I don’t appreciate and love my younger brother as I should. When I got home that day I gave him the biggest hug ever! I also started taking my dog for daily walks to make her life that much more enjoyable!
January 16th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I am so proud of our school! Fisher Middle School has started a food pantry and a program called, “Send Hunger Packing.” Students volunteered to fill the food backpacks for other students to take home. WAY TO BE THE CHANGE FISHER!!!
January 16th, 2009 at 7:40 am
oh my gosh i realized how many people r like me … everybudy got inti depth and 87 out of 90 kids were crying cristi..b and jake were great ……….. there stories made me cry
ive made many mistakes but i said sorry and it felt great i got closer to my friends and teachers ! it was the best expiereience of my life
January 16th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Today I went into all of my homeroom classes and asked the kids to sign a contract to commit to continue to be the change. We’re going to post the contracts in our rooms to remind us. If we do this it’s going to be one of the best years!
January 15th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
challenge day changed my life. it changed me. thank you so much. Pam and Chris are awesome. I had such a great time and realized so much. i had one amazing day, at pemberton township high school. Pam you were so cool and awesome. Chris nice hugs hahhaa. thanks guys. i will remeber that day forver
January 15th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Thanks so much for visting our school. this exprience was:
-AMAZING
-WONDERFULL
-EYE-OPENING
-and so much more
Vinny and Angela were great. they made you feel as if they were your best friend since kindergarden.. i felt that i knew them and they knew me too.
Thankyou so much…
“you cannot change the world, unless you chanfe yourself”
be the change
January 15th, 2009 at 8:14 am
hiiiiiii i love pam and chris
January 14th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Challenge day was such a success at my school! I have been having a lot of trouble keeping my head up lately and it felt so good to be able to get things off my chest and talk to other people who are like me. I just want to say that this has helped me so much and I am eternally grateful. I know that I speak for everyone who went to challenge dya when I say that this was an AAAAAAmazing day!
January 14th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I went to challenge day december 3rd at my school Dennis Yarmouth Regional. I remeber walking into the gym thinking it was just a day to get out of classes. I honestly didn’t think it would get so emotional. I love the music they played during our family groups, Auntie Nola and RayRay were amazing. They really helped pull classmates and teachers together for the three days they were here. They made us laugh and feel like we were all family. They opened up and let us in and were always there to give you a hug if you needed one. They made us feel like a big family. I’m definitely doing it again next year.
January 14th, 2009 at 7:10 am
I went out of my way to pick up some bottle I found in the bushes and recycled them
January 13th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
The CMS Be the Change Club is always working to do something for others….
Jonathan complimented his dad for his knoledge of random facts.
Ebria gave her sister gum.
Alina complimented her mom for a meal.
Elysia gave 5 compliments.
Subham told a friend, “nice shirt.”
Brian complimented his mom’s scrambled eggs!
Rashika held the door for a boy with a lot of books.
Mrs Scibienski wrote a note thanking a friend for her great friendship.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Today I purposely went to Starbucks to bring my coworker a Carmel Apple Spice because I know how much she loves them but never splurges on them herself. She was so appreciative (even though she already had her own coffee). HUGE SMILE!!!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I told the public bus driver in my neighborhood “Thank You” for being such a good driver. People hardly ever interact with the bus drivers around here, so I could see by the smile on his face that he really appreciated it.
January 12th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Today was my first challenge day, and I must admit it was AMAZING.
I was told it was going to be a little ‘cry fest’ and I figured I would just get the day out of class. :/
Well, after today I sat down and thought over everything I have said or done that I think I should change, and now I am going to try to put it into motion.
I really feel that this challenge day was my motivation. :]
January 12th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I took the time to help my little sister with her ipod that she’s been asking me to do forever. Evereytime she had asked me I was busy. Today I was busy also, but I decided to take time out and show her how to do it.
January 12th, 2009 at 11:58 am
One of the angel-participants at our Next Step Workshop made and wrapped cookies for us all to take home with us. I gave mine to the lady behind the hotel counter when we checked out. She gave me the biggest smile and asked me three times “are you sure these are for me?” I assured her they were and thanked her for the job she does. Who knew that a couple of cookies could be such a big deal! I’m gonna do more of this!
January 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
For the first time in a long time I actually had enough money to get Xmas gifts for all my family members. When I was leaving Wal-mart the salvation santa was outside and I thought about how much I had spent inside and then just as if I was tipping a wait person I multiplied how much I had spent on my family by 20% and put that much into his container. I decided then and there that when ever I see a homeless person or donation booth set up I will do the same for them. What ever I spent I will tip them 20%.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:46 am
My nephew was having some serious issues @ home & needed a place to stay, to be loved up, to find himself SOOOO I took him in!!! Now I have 2 17 year olds living with me… I’m thankful that they looked towards me & my family as a place to run to in such an important time in their lives.
January 8th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Today, in the staffroom, I sat down with a teacher who I don’t often interact with. I avoid him as he is a bit grumpy and often negative about kids. I looked for something to talk about that we have in common. Our sons are the same age and go to school together so I started in on that. I listened to lots of negative, but without judging or even trying to change the subject. I just kept listening as he had lots to say. To my surprise, he emptied his balloon and made a u-turn into the positive. If I really knew him, I would have known this side of him. Now I do.
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Today when I went to the grocery store there was a couple outside collecting money for a homeless shelter. I am very intentional about my giving and always research the organizations I give to, so I didn’t give them any money, but I talked to them and told them to have a great day. They were so appreciative that someone took the time to chat with them even though I didn’t give. It was a good feeling not to brush by them in a hurry and to share a smile!
December 30th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I used the new acts of change cards and paid the toll of the person behind me. It was fun to see the toll keepers reaction to the cards and the gesture
December 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Yesterday I made a sincere effort to connect with every cashier or working person that we ran across. I know what it’s like to work retail during the Christmas season, and I can’t imagine that it’s been a lot of fun for them to come to work and hear so much bad news about sales (and see it, too). It felt really good to chat with people. At one store, I asked a woman (cashier) how she was doing and she turned to her co-worker and said, “I really love it when customers ask *us* that!” Then we chatted for a few more minutes. It felt great.
December 24th, 2008 at 4:58 am
I worked with my family to create Good news celebrastions! Rich
December 24th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Today was my birthday, and for a present all i asked for was a kitten. At first my mom thought about it, but she didn’t quite give back a reply. Well, because of health issues in my household, to get a kitten, was not exactly an option. For me, a kitten was more of a friend. Someone i was garrenteed to be there for me. So, for my birthday, she got me the same exact kitten i asked for, but in stuffed animal form. I opened it and just bursted into tears, i don’t quite know why i got emotional about it, but i just ran down to my room .. and my mom took it offensively. But i came back upstairs, apologized, and told her he was wonderful. I knew that I could have stayed in my room, and just went to bed, without even saying goodnight .. but i also knew that if something happened to her, and i would have never seen her again, i would have not been able to live with myself for that. I would not have been able to live with the fact that i didn’t say thank you, or i love you before i went to bed. Thank you Challenge Day, for making me realize, that everyday, can mean a lifetime.
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I bought lunch for a friend who didn’t have any money on her after we spent four hours doing a gift wrapping fundraiser at Borders. She insisted on paying me back, but I happily resisted!
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 am
my name is ian and i go to Franklin high school in elk grove CA and at the moment i am a leader in
the be the change group at my school and so far ive been to three challenge days and i no that each
one has changed my life in more then one way, my first challenge day i went in with a poor attitude
bc i really didnt want to be there but as the day went on and i began telling my story and heard the
lives of the others in my group, i began to relize that im not much different then everyone i thought
was. i admit that i had some bad habits, i was never out going, i never talked to anyone, i even was
hurting myself, but after my first challenge day it all changed, i let it out. i cried so hard that i
didnt even know who i was anymore i was really a changed person and now i feel like my life is just
better. i hope that every kid gets some kind of chance to see challenge day for themselves.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I went out of my way to share more than 10 intentional true compliments today. It was fun to see people’s reactions.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Last week my students brought so much food to our end-of-semester party, that we couldn’t get through it all. One chocolate cake was left completely untouched. My students have to take the bus and didn’t want to bring it with them, and so they gave it to me. I wasn’t sure what to do with it, either–how would I polish off an entire double layer chocolate cake? Then I thought of the photocopying dept at my school. They process so many photocopy orders and they largely hear nothing but complaints because the machines, which are old, break down often. (This is, of course, a budget issue–not their fault!). So I enlisted the help of a custodian and set it up so that they would have the chocolate cake with a note from me in the morning. I felt like a Secret Santa! They appreciated it.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:16 am
I went out last night around the city of San Francisco and since I didn’t have much to offer out of my pockets, when I saw homeless people, I gave them hugs. I even sat down with 2 homeless people after dancing last night around 2am and listened to their stories and them held onto them real tight when we hugged goodbye.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Today while I was shopping at the mall a guy in line behind me at Chipolte came up and gave me a coupon for a free burrito. There’s a saying: “You get what you give.” Maybe all my little acts of change that I’ve done for people are suddenly coming back to me.
December 20th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
challenge day is awesome. highland highschool will be changed for the better and i want to thank jon & katie for being the amazing people they are! yous have the biggest hearts in this world and yous are awesome thank you for coming to my school!
December 19th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I gave a listening ear to a friend in need, even when I should’ve been studying for finals. I stepped it up and supported her in a way I didn’t even think I was capable of. I’m proud!
December 19th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I brought my religion teacher a present and a card today telling her how schools and students like me need more teachers like her, how she has engaged me so much in her class and in education in general. I dropped the water line and gave her my full appreciation, I can’t wait to hear her reaction; she deserved it
December 19th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I didn’t make my son feel bad when he wasn’t able to attend an event that I had been looking forward to for months, even though I was disappointed. I told him I loved him and I understood, and look forward to being able to share his company real soon. I’m glad that I made it easier for my son to live his own life, without nagging or throwing guilt around. I must say, I’m a great Mom.;o)
December 19th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
One of the things I love about being a Challenge Day Leader is that I get to see the students in the rooms find thier voice, let go of the stories that have held them back, and walk in thier power with love and humility. It is so awesome. To see them apologise for some of the things they may have said to hurt others and to make these heartfelt commitments to do it different from now on, just warms my heart and inspires me to continue doing this work, no matter where it takes me. Thank you Rich and Yvonne for being the first stone and creating a beautiful ripple that is ever growing and spreading love all over the world. I love you and I am so glad that you are my playmates in this beautiful sandbox called Challenge Day.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I feel honored to be part of the St.John family.
Thank you Auntie Kim for including me in your prayers.
Love you,
Nat
December 19th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I am waking up with delight everyday. That’s an act of change for the people around me.
Also, because I know my roommate likes when I do nice things for her, last night I cleaned the house. I straightened up, cleaned the bathroom, did all the dishes, put them away, and swept. I kept the Christmas lights on this morning so when she gets in this afternoon she will be filled with light, love and the Christmas spirit. I really love her and like that I get to do these types of things for her.
December 19th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Yesterday at Hammonton High in New Jersey I went to challenge day thinking I would not cry and it would be dumb. Turns out I was the dumb one. It was amazing and I cried so much. I have never felt so many people for no more or less then the others around them and now know I’m not so alone. I blieve it may hve even saved my life. Thank ken and Ray Ray. I will try to be the change and won’t forget what I have learned. <3 Smile and hugs everyday =]
December 18th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
A couple of month ago i was the same old haylei i walked around the school with my head held high. And thats good to alot of people. but not for me. I walk around and i judge i look at what they look like and what there wearing before i get to know them. I gossip and i tease. A few months ago challenge day came to our school. I was involved. I walked in the gym and judged i looked around and i was ready to walk back out. I was thinking “oh wow what did i get myself into, what did i agree to” thorough out the day i hugged people who i couldn’t even tell you the names of. people i look at in the hallway and the first thing i do is judge. When i walked out of that gym at the end of the day my head was pounding from all the crying. the day was intense. and as hard as it was for me i can now say i am different. I am willing to be the change. to make a difference and stand out. I want to thank everyone at challenge day. you changed my life forever. i don’t look at people the same. I sit down at tables with people i have never talked to before. I smile at people in the hallway who i use to make fun of. Thank you . and i hope i get an experience like that again.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Wow! Northern High School in Greensboro, NC, just finished the last of 4 days of CD. What an unbelievable experience for the student body. We are a new high school of just 1 1/2 years. Juniors, sophomores and freshman make up our student body. The parents and PTSA that helped bring this to the school have been working on it for almost 2 years. The students were amazing, the adults were fabulous and the CD instructors were phenomenal. The students cannot wait for CD to come back, especially those that were not able to attend. Hopefully it will happen sooner rather than later. What an exciting time in the short history of this new high school. I believe that this
school “can be the change we wish to see in the world”. Thanks to everyone that was a part of this wonderful experience.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
wow…….
thats all i can say!!!
we held a Challange Day at Northern Guilford High school
I would go all over again…..
I AM THE CHANGE!!
December 18th, 2008 at 9:20 am
my school has had challenge day come here for 3 years now and all three years i went.every year my eyes open to something else.every year so far iv met up with old friends that i used to be tight with that i have gone separate ways with and now are friends with them again.its REALLY opened my eyes to everyones hurt.challenge day has taught me how to confort people when they most need it and what to look for if someone is down and they try to hide it.sence challenge day came into my life im more open with my feelings,and im more real.my school just had a challenge day recently and my girlfriend and i were in a fight.it helped us calm down and clear our minds and talk it out.im sooo thankful for this like you have no idea.its inspired me and encouraged me to not settle being the victim in my life anymore and to take control of my life.
December 18th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I volunteered to lead thre programs for a very active Circle of Change. It felt great to support them
December 17th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I am making extra special time to spend with my birthmother for Christmas this year. This will be the first Christmas since our reunion.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I wrapped ALL of our Christmas presents this year to save my mom and my sister time.
I had a blast doing so.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
David P., witnessed my car accident on Friday Dec. 12. He said that his daughter was in an accident about 6 months ago and no one stopped. He made a promise to himself that no matter what….if he ever witness a car accident, he would stop. Although he was running late to his business meeting, he still stopped for me. Thanks David. You are awesome!!!!!
December 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
challege day was so amazing.can’t wait for next year’s challenge day.made new friends and became a better friend.i told most of my friend that didn’t do it so they would try it next time around. =]
December 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
On December 16th, 2008, I was apart of challenge day at Fisher Middle School. Ill admit, when we first walked in, and everyone was cheering and jumping, i thought it was going to be something stupid and something just to get us out of class. In the beginning, we played games and everyone was just crazy but then when it came to breaking into groups and talking about our past, i felt i little weird. then once it came to that line. The first couple catergories weren’t that bad but once they got pretty serious, the tears began to flow. I witnessed so many people crying that i never would have been able to imagine. I never thought so many people around me had gone through just as much as me, and maybe even more. I hugged people and comforted people that ive never even talked to before. And i have to say thank you. Thank you for coming to our school and putting us through this new experience. When i do look back on my life, this is one moment i know im always going to remember. Challenge Day changed my life completely and changed how my outlook on everything and everyone around me. I hope this has effected everyone thats ever been through it because it is definitely something miraculous.
Love always,
Courtney from the 8th grade at Fisher Middle School.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Last Friday I was in the Drive Thru line at Tim Hortons, getting a tea. I was thinking about different acts of kindness that I could do, and being as it is getting close to Christmas, I thought I would buy a gift card and give it to the car behind me. Well, as it turned out I think the cashier at the drive thru line was more exicted! I handed him back the gift card and the Pay it forward card and explained what I wanted him to do, (give the gift card and the pay if forward card to the car behind me), he got so excited about what I was doing and asked me how it worked and thought it was very “cool”. He was thrilled that he was going to get to be a part of this movement! I have no idea how the card behind me felt, I am hoping that they enjoyed my little gift as much as I enjoyed giving it. My gift was seeing the cashier get as excited as me in doing these acts of change!
December 17th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
The other night, my friend wanted me to come to her house and meet a potential roommate, so I did. She said that I could use her computer to do some work that I needed to get done. As the night progressed the potential roommate didn’t show. She asked me to go to dinner with her which I declined because eating out isn’t in my budget, so she offered to pay for my dinner. We went to get some dinner at a Mexican place up the road, so good, and after paying for everything, we forgot that we didn’t get our other friend her burrito. We looked at the clerk with concerned faces because it was closing time. We asked if they had a BCR back there… while they were putting together our burrito we had a really great conversation with the lady at the counter. She ended up giving us the burrito for free. Look, one act of change leads to many more.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I called Mine and Yvonnies mother to day just to tell her how wounderful she is for taking such great care of our father and that I will always be here for her. I send prayers to my my sister Bonnie,Richy Dray , Loli, Rock, Natily and the rest of my family at challengeday!!!I love you all…KimSue : )
December 17th, 2008 at 11:48 am
baked 6 of my special ” Indo, German, Hawaiian, Brazilian coconut FLAN & delivered ( with a pay forward card) to dear unsuspecting friends. YUMMY
Nadia
December 16th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Since attending my third challenge day, I have written cards to some of my “family” members and intend to write to each one yet. I also pledged to write a card/note to someone special in my life at least once a week! It makes me feel better at the same time - yay!!
December 16th, 2008 at 12:16 am
The other day I had the best day! Everywhere I went I was positive and loving my life! I had great conversations with store clerks, and I even made some grumpy ones smile. That’s the BEST! I came home so grateful and feeling my blessings 100%. And knowing that I didn’t keep it all to myself, but rather shared it with everyone I ran across made it even “more better.”
December 16th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Friday I stopped by a construction site down the street that I drive by every day. All the neighbors have really appreciated how they have kept the site so clean and organized and created very little traffic disruption. I told the guys locking up what a great job they’ve been doing, and that I want to tell the boss how grateful we are. They were so excited that they ran after me to give me a company card. Today I spoke to the president of the company to pass all of this along, and he was so delighted and said that I made his day! I wrote a letter to the company saying all of this (so they’d have it “in writing”!), and wrote a side note telling the president about the Be the Change movement. I told him that this act of change was really EASY for me and I was excited that he said it made his day. I sent him a Pay It Forward card and told him to check out our website!
December 15th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Volunteered for Challenge Day at Dewey Academy in Oakland! Amazing, inspiring, and humbling experience today.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!
It was an honor to hold space for the students today, hear their hearts speak, and see them come together
December 15th, 2008 at 8:20 am
When I first saw the Challenge Day episode on Oprah I was very moved by the experience emotionally even if it was through the television. Despite being out of high school for almost nine years, I may suggest we have our own Challenge Day at our 10 year reunion.
December 14th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I “adopted” a needy child from a shelter for Christmas and went to Toys R’ Us to buy some toys from their wishlist.
December 14th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
on december 10th i was prevlioused to attend challenge day in upperlake calif. it was the most reward
ingexperience an adult or child could possible have i loved it it was an emotional roller coaster all day
day i would do it again in a heartbeat i highly recommend you to check it out
December 12th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I went to Challenge Day yesterday at Warwick Vets and it was one of the best days of my life. Pam, Vinny, you guys are so inspiring and you truly moved me. I wasn’t happy with who i was or who i was going to be, but now i am because of Challenge Day. It opened my eyes to see that every person deserves a chance and no one deserves to be judged. I did so many things I was afriad of at Challenge Day, I hugged a person I’ve never talked to, I sat on my teacher’s lap! I can barley put in words how much power I feel and how much I want to do now. Challenge Day saved me. Thank you so much, I will remember it for as long as I live.
December 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Yesterday I printed out a huge amount of the Be The Change Movement Cards and put them in all of our staffs mail slots. I then sent around an email letting them all know what the cards were and what I asked them to do. Already, our staff is giving them out to their friends and other staff members, once they complete an act of change. I had one co-worker come up to me and tell me that she got one in her mail slot from another co-worker, just letting her know how much she was admired. Very cool. In addition, I talked to a complete stranger in the grocery store line yesterday and ended up giving her a card. I explained what they were for and the message behind them. She was very moved and then she shocked me by asking me if I would give her a hug. Well of course I did! You should have seen the faces of everyone else in the line. It was awesome. The cashier asked me for one as well! Isn’t it wonderful to see acts of change all across the world!
December 11th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
challege day was so amazing. i wish they can have it agian in a few months. i go to warwick vets memorial high shool, vinnie, pam u guys are amazing. thank you. much love.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Yesterday I attended Challenge Day at Upper Lake High School. Wow! I feel blessed to have been part of it and grateful to have witnessed the amazing changes that took place. It was a day filled with laughter and tears, but most important it was a day filled with hope, kindness and compassion. It was day filled with love and everyone in that room became aware of one very important thing; that we are all connected equally and are more alike than we are different. It was a beautiful day that gave me reason to hope again when everything in the world feels so hopeless and the best part is that our kids, our future, really understand that now. I am so proud of everyone who attended and took part, even those that had a difficult time are sure to take all the love that filled that room and put it in their hearts. They too now know that the future is so bright we gotta wear shades. They too now know that they are never alone in this long and difficult journey called life. Thank you for all you do and a special shout out to Auntie Nola and Randy for being the most positive, loving and awesome facilitators and being vulnerable enough to share their stories.
My love to you all,
Debbie Rivera-Collins
December 10th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Challenge Day was a beautiful, amazing experience. I stepped into it shaking out of fear that I could not do the challenge, which was to open up and share who I am to complete strangers. I proved that fear wrong by just making the choice to be a part of it. I walked out of challenge day with more love and appreciation for myself and life. I want to help others as much as I can!
December 10th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I also forgot to say that Challenge Day was the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE !
December 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Today I had Challenge Day come to my school in Warwick, RI USA. It was a lifechanging experience for me. Me and my old worst enemy are now friends! Isnt that crazy. Vinny and Pam were the head of Challenge Day Today. And i would like to thank them with my whole heart thank you so much. I Love You! And I will start being nicer to people starting today. This has changed my life. Thanks so much!
Sincerly,
Karissa Ginaitt
Warwick, RI 02889
December 9th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Today I simply smiled at someone because I’ve learned that one smile can save a persons life.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
My mom and I sat down and talked about all things we want to do together. The first two:
1. Look each other in the eyes for one uninterrupted minute every night.
2. Start reading a book out loud together for 15 minutes every night like we did when I was little. What a great way to let my inner child out to play!
December 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
i participated in challenge day today at my school, and i have got to say that it was one of the best days of my life. it was a fantastic experience, and i wish i didn’t have to wait until next year to do it again. i loved everything we did and got to say, and i felt comfortable talking about me and “lowing my water level” which really surprised me because i have always had trouble with that stuff. i was so proud of myself and everyone else there, it was something that i will always remember, but never be able to fully explain! i would like to thank everyone who made it possible, and who was there with me today. i would also love to thank the girl i got the apology from today, because you had hurt me a lot over the years, and although it stopped bugging me years ago, you still hurt me, and it was a really great thing to hear you apologize today, so thank you. i really hope all of the thank yous and apologies given today were sincere b/c they meant a lot to a lot of people.
December 9th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I left a packet of hot cocoa on my co-worker’s desk because I know she loves it!
Go CMS Be the Change! The Change is GOOD!
December 8th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Today I went to a Challenge Day for the 3 time this year. I had made a appriciation speach to someone who help make me the person I am today. I aslo challenged my high school fellow student to do the same because it means alot to people mor than we think. I felt really good today because of Challenge Day.
December 8th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hi my name is stephanie and i go to lowerlake highschool and my act of change is that when i walked
out of that room i had resepct for other people and i made new friends even though i was to afriad before
Iam here to thank each and evryone of you cause this day today has been the greatest day of my life
and i will be the change i wish to see in this worls sicereley always stephanie trout
December 8th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Today Andraya, my best friend and co-worker did all of the dishes in the Challenge Day kitchen sink. She hates doing them and she did them so I wouldn’t have to (cuz I usually do them :))
Thanks so much Draya… you are the best in the world!
December 8th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Oops I forgot to tell you what act of of change I did today. I came to my work place where no one hugs and hugged everyone I came into contact with this morning. A couple of people even said that it made their day!
December 8th, 2008 at 10:19 am
WOW what a life changing experience that had this weekend. I miss all of you already. I never understood how difficult it would be to come back to the real world after this but it has been quite a shock. But I just keep repeating to myself, “BE the Change, Be the change, Be the change.” Love and miss all of my friends from Challenge Day Dec. 5, 6 & 7.
December 8th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I have jumped up and helped people when they needed some one to be there
December 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Challenge Day was simply the best day of my life. I went in there thinking oh man what did I get my self in to I dont wanna be here. I changed my opinion real quick. I didnt know why I was sad they helped me figure out what really botherd me and helped me open up to peole and see that I am not the only one has the same problems as me. Thank you Chriss and katie.
December 5th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
It’s the first day of Next Step in Oregon and took the opportunity to once again practice what I preached. I left $5.00 extra to pay for some of the groceries of a couple in line behind me - I left the pay it forward card and both the checker and the couple beamed with appreciation and promised to do the same some time! This stuff works!
December 5th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Challengeday was a great experience And i challenged everyone to go meet new friends and basically start over
December 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I have picked up trash to help our planet stay safe for others
December 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I have let people know its ok to be yous self and enjoy life
December 4th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I decided to celebrate my birthday by giving back a bit–I made some Courageous Cards, little cards with affirmations on them. They said things like, “You are Enough” and “The World Needs your gifts” and “You give the world more than you think.” I spent 45 minutes passing out these cards during rush hour at the Powell Street BART (I wore a little sign around my neck saying what I was doing). Several people HUGGED me, which was amazing and such a great gesture. Others took their affirmation and then came back and thanked me. Lots of people wished me a happy birthday. Several seemed genuinely touched. It really felt more like a gift to me than to them, because I felt connected to others in the world.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
On my way out of my classroom last night, the janitor smiled big and said good evening. It occurred to me that he does that every week when my class is out at 9:30, and that when he does this, I always feel energized and happy even if I’m really tired. So I went over to him and acknowledged him. We introduced ourselves and it was a great, connected conversation. Then I gave him a cookie leftover from a bevy of cookies a student had brought in!
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
challenge day really changed my life. in language class, we are writing a “stop the hate” essay, and i included challenge day.
i had a huge fight with my friend for doing something mean to her (i dont know what), and i was nice to her today.
i luv you, aunty nola!
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I just arrived home from a challenge day at my school. it was the best day of my life. so much love, so much support, so much support, so. much. change. i would recomend anyone thinking about booking a challenge day to go for it. its worth it.
~Aj
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’ve been looking people in the eye, wherever I go. I notice that when we first make eye contact, their eyes kind of dart away and then they check back to see if I’m still looking. Then I smile. Then they smile. It’s really this nice moment of connection between myself and another human being, and it feels like giving something and receiving something all at the same time, even though it’s just this tiny little thing.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:48 am
I have encouraged my Mom to volunteer as an Adult Facilitator at a Challenge Day in WI. And a friend and I are going to Jersey next month to volunteer for at least one day, maybe two!
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I coordinated a Challenge Day yesterday and i called each adult facilitator last night to say thank you and how much i appreciated them attending the day.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
We are doing many kind acts here at CMS Be The Change Club, espicially during Thanksgiving.
There are many students that stepped up and became the change.
Ambika made ThanksGiving cards to her parents.
Ayushi made Thanksgiving cards for her grandparents and helped make part of her Thanksgiving dinner.
Alina thanked her mom for being a great mom.
Jonathan thanked his parents for making a fabulous thanksgiving dinner.
Mikhaela thanked her mom for buying her wanted items and listening to her.
By the way,our club’s new slogan is: “Be the Change, The change is good!”
December 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I babysat my five year-old brother so my parents could enjoy their date night and not have to hire a babysitter. My parents never go on dates anymore so it was a win win situation… I made my parents happy and they got to spend time together.
November 29th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I went out of my way to make sure I called and celebrated a few people for their birthday’s this week - I knew how good it felt to me and I returned the favor!
November 29th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I went shopping with Yvonne and bought dinner for the entire family!
November 29th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I baby sat my grand son so our kids could clean up their house from a flood - Another win win what can I say?
November 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I played Star Wars for hours with my godson - We both had a great time!
November 28th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I called my best friend and told her how amazing she is, she was busy and had to go, but I didn’t let the critters come and she called back in an hour saying how much that call had meant to her.
November 27th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Today my dad, little brother and I went to visit some homebound elders at a nursing home in the city who have no one to spend thanksgiving with. We brought them each a turkey dinner, and the organization that we were working with had some extra dinners so we took two more. We brought the two extras home with us and stopped at People’s Park in Berkeley and gave them to some homeless guys. The smiles on their faces were so big because they were so grateful.
November 27th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Last night was me and my best friend’s birthday (how rare, right?) and we went out to dinner with this big boquet of balloons in tow. Turns out that there were two younger girls ages four and five also celebrating their birthday’s in the same restaurant, so at the end of the night my friend and I gave each of them a balloon from us. Loved sharing the birthday spirit.
November 27th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
sometimes ive been a bully but ive really changed in that
November 26th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I said a quick prayer for the stranger inside, as the ambulance passed me on the road.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
My Challenge Day family called me and sang me a Happy Birthday song. I love this community!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
My Act of Change for my family this Thanksgiving is to make Hawaiian Food for them instead of the traditional turkey.
One of the hardest things to get for our Hawaiian meal is poi. I remembered an Oriental Food store that sometimes has it frozen, which is the next best thing, so after breakfast, I went to the store. I was grateful that it was still there and when I went it, I noticed that their van was unloading food items flown in from Hawaii. And you guessed it, he had 3 bags of FRESH POI, straight off the plane from Hawaii and now all 3 bags are sitting on my kitchen counter waiting to join the Kalua Pork, Raw fish, Chicken Luau, Mac salad, Chicken Long Rice, Lomi lomi salmon and sweet potatoes that wil be part of our Celebration of Gratitude. Wahooo!!! Ummm ummmm good!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
On a recent trip to Orlando Florida (and being led by God,) I asked a young woman if she would allow me to hold her in my lap for a few minutes. As soon as she sat in my lap she just put her arms around my neck and laid her head on my shoulder and cried and cried. I just rocked her for a few more minutes and told her that in her young life she has to be strong for everyone (Dad in jail, Mom in Hospital, siblings in foster care) and she’s doing an excellent job of dealing with it all… but just for a few minutes, she can just be a little girl again because I’ve got her. She said that she hadn’t been rocked like that since her grandma died, and it really felt safe and loving and she hugged me really tight and said Thank You.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I had breakfast with a girlfriend today. We share the same birthdate and so for her birthday, I wrote her a “What I Love about you letter. She loved it and cried. We spent the rest of the morning listening and loving.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I am sjowing people that its ok to be your self and you don’t have to be someone your not.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Last week, I delivered a package to a teacher that I am not close to. It was something she had ordered and it had been in the teachers’ room all week. When I delivered it to her, she broke down unexpectedly, saying she was having trouble at home. I offered her a hug, which she accepted. Later that day, she sent me a card and a little gift.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I have kept really busy at work, volunteering for the Be The Change group, chaperoning the prom and homecoming dances, various other things. Friday at work, my friend and co-worker gave me a thank you card and a cute little gift of paperclips shaped liked the number 1, thanking me for all I do for the students and the school.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I got my hair done tonight. My stylist is in her 40’s but has health issues. She has been feeling poorly for several days now. When her boyfriend called, I raised my head to the phone and told him he needed to take her to the doctor. Then I asked if she had walked to work. She lives a few blocks away from the salon. I was her last appointment, so insisted in driving her home. She did not argue. In all that, I forgot to pay her, so called and left a message for her at her station.
I do hope she gets to the doctor, but was glad I could help her in some small way.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I received a thank you note in the mail today. Never think your acts of kindness are not worthwhile!
As you know, Amy and I planned to pay the toll for the car behind us. This we did, and he stayed behind us for quite awhile. When he passed us, he waved and smiled. The end, right? Read the below.
“Ms. —–,
Imagine my surprise and pleasure when coming up to the toll booth, preparing to pay the $4 toll, and being told my toll was paid by the driver in front of me. Police officers deal with horrendous situations weekly and become hardened and cynical over time. I am no exception to this. I wanted to take the time to tell you that your one seemingly random act of kindness had a distinct mental and emotional impact on me. It is heartening to know that there are people out there like you who do things out of the kindness of their heart just to make someone’s life easier and happier. THANK YOU.
If you ever drive through Scotts Valley, please give me a call so I can take you to coffee. In the meanwhile, please accept this Starbucks card as a token of my appreciation for your thoughtful and caring gesture. The world needs more people like you.
Sincerely,
John W.”
Enclosed was his business card, showing he was lieutenant for the Scotts Valley Police, and a Starbucks gift card. Wow, huh? You should have seen how excited I was as I read the note to my husband and son!
Keep sharing the love. It works!
November 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Amy and I lead a BE The Change group at our high school, Lower Lake HS in Lake County. The students came up with a logo to represent Peace, Love, and Equality. We have a teacher on staff that silk screens t-shirts. He took the design and now we have t-shirts for the group. Amy and I wore them to Next-Step and since they liked them so much, we are sending Rich and Yvonne one each.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I made the varsity football team (Fremont HS) dinner after work and took it down to them and served as well. Paid for it and all.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Recently my partner was diagnosed with a recurrence of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The hospital where she’s being treated is always so supportive, to both of us. Wednesday I am taking cookies for all of the doctors, nurses, secretaries in the oncology department to let them know - they are angels on earth.
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I told two new friends about Challenge DAy when they came over for dinner last night…and then showed them the 15 minute Be the Change video! They were so touched. The male friend was crying and Andy did a great “Act of Change” by admitting that he was crying, first to create some safety and get those guys out of that “Be a Man!” box. xoxo Love you guys!
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
@ the Pleasant Hill Park today my son found a cell phone on the floor. It belonged to a gentlemen that asked my son to play with his son. We did not know him. He had left and had completely forgotten about his cell phone. We waited & waited to see if he would come back. finally I picked up the phone & started calling till we talked the his wife and she said they were new to the area. I got her address and drove to deliver her husband’s cell phone <3
November 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
It has been a long beautiful week. We finished leading Challenge Days in Lake Tahoe than came home to work on our book. Rich was so tired at one point his head started nodding as his eyes closed, falling asleep sitting up. I pulled him on my lap and rubbed his back and told him all the things I loved about him. I am so lucky to be his wife.
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 am
I paid the toll of the unsuspecting car behind me on the bridge and left a Be the Change Pay it Forward card which inspired the toll taker as well
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I just want to say thank you to Aunty Nola and Vinny for coming to Fairmont. It has changed my life and is slowly changing the school. I have not been as judgemental since Challenge Day. I am being nicer to people. The shocking thing is that the person I thought was the annoying jock is one of the coolest people I have ever met. THANKYOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 am
I picked up a bag of spilled groceries for a woman holding a baby
November 21st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
challenge day was very inspiring and memorable.I will never forget what you guys did that helped me soo much.I saw at school today that kids were actually changing a little bit. Thank you!!
<3
November 21st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I bought a gift card for $5 and had the cashier give it to the person behind me anonymously along with a pay it forward card.
November 21st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
After going though challenge day I learned a lot more about people then they were showing. For once I was happy to see that people were finally letting everything go and feeling better. I think it’s better to be yourself because people know more of who you are and they respect you more. I thank challenge day for letting me see the other side of people.
November 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
My godson has to have a heart transplant and he is only 5months old. And since my best friend has been at the hospital every single moment,and has been eating SO much fastfood, Im going to go and spend a few hours at the hospital with my godson so she can go to her familys house for Thanksgiving for some real food!
November 20th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I e-mailed friends asking them to donate blood @ the blood drive @ NAIA GELATERIA in WALNUT CREEK this coming Sat the 22nd.
So what about you ?!
ONE PINCH of BLOOD = 1 PINCH of GELATO. I also shared this idea with COCO’S SWRILL in Pleasant hill and turns out the honor loved the idea (he also donates blood every 3months and saves 3 lives every time he donates)
November 20th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I said thank you to, (and hugged!) my boss today.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
i was at the mall at foot locker and this lady with a baby were walking through and they dropped the baies bottle the baby started crying a little bit and she couldnt find the bottle and i picked it up and gave the bottle to them and they said thank you
November 20th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I found a pair of car keys out side El Zarape when I went to eat there. I took them into a
worker at the restruant and they said, ” Thank you, a guy said he lost some yesterday.” When I got
done eating I asked the worker if they found the owner and he said, “Yes.”
November 20th, 2008 at 10:39 am
My friends were getting in a fight and I helped them come to a resolution!
November 20th, 2008 at 10:36 am
my dad gave me 20 dallers for keeping my room clean and at the end of the day i earned money for
baby sitting so i gave the money back to my dad
November 20th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I am going to start stoping the fights that go on at school and out in public.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:25 am
My name is Arie and I cleaned my teacher’s desk for him and left a Pay it Forward card for him!
November 19th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I found a organizer with someone’s credit cards and cash - I turned it in to the hotel office in Tahoe - I sure I made someones’s day
November 19th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I bought my son a gingerbread house kit and kept him company while he put it together! It was a warm-up for when his aunt comes over to show him how to make a “real” one!
November 19th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Challenge Day was probably one of the best, if not the best, day of my life. I learned so much about all of my friends and even people I don’t know. Friendships were repaired and strengthened. I’m so glad that Challenge Day came to my school. I never thought it would actually work, but now everyone wears their shirts, we have a club (which I am proud to be a part of), and people are giving hugs left and right. Thank you so much Challenge day team. Hugs!
November 19th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
i made an effort to help stop people who bully
November 19th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Challenge Day was so Amazing. I loved it. It was just so amazing to see how many of my friends go through rough times to. My mom died when i was 9 i didnt know any of my friends mom have died but i found out so know i can be a help. i love and care for everyone now. I say hi to people all the time and most of all i come out of my COMFORT ZONE how awesome is that.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I usually like to get off the phone and end my conversations with my father as quickly as possible to deny him of his nagging or save myself of the chance the conversation might turn ackward. When I started to actually listen, his nagging turned into what I heard as a father conserned for his son’s well being and an attempt to being included into my life. So I let him in, we started talking, it was a long time since we talked for over 20 minutes! And it felt great to let him give me his gift of carring.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Yesterday at work the District Mangaer was at our store and the tension with my co-workers was really high since our Store Mangaer just got fired and everyone was feeling like they were next… There’s this one sale’s associate who feels like she is in direct competition against me in sales that said she was having a hard time catching her breath. I talked and breathed with her until her panic attack passed. I remeber how embarrassed I had been from panic attacks, so I shared some of my experiences with her of my past panic attacks. She thanked me, and we continued working… She was much nicer to me for the rest of that day then she ever had been before.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Today while getting gas a man asked me for money. I gave him a 20 and he looked at me in disbelief. Then he said ” you are going to be blessed”. For the rest of the day I thought to myself all the ways I already am. I figure we reminded eachother….
November 18th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I went out of my way to spend special time with my god kids! It was a great adventure!
November 18th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
challenge day i can say made a positive infulence in my life. I learned so much.
thank you
November 18th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
My boss got fired yesterday. He has a girlfreind, who he is madly in love with and is expecting his first child with her in less than a month. I called him on my lunch break. Before I had time to speak, he was already appologizing to me about how sorry he was thta he couldn’t be there to finish my training, to help and watch me become a great sucess at work and that he had faith that I still will even with out him, but he was still so sorry that he couldn’t be there for me now. I remember how I felt when I got fired, and told him something like “I’ve never told you this before but I was meant to met you and you’ve done far more than just train me at this new job, but you have inspired me by being the man that you are. Your courage to love your girlfreind as much as you do, and by just being around and allowing me to witness your love for her has inspired me in ways that I cannot describe. You are a huge man, with a huge heart. You are still that man even if you are no longer my boss, you are not any less of a man just because you got fired.” He cried on the other side of the phone and said “Thank you so much, that means so much to me.”
November 18th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I collected money for Hoops for Heart, I earned $55
November 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am
i saw someone in the hall being bullied so i haelped them she was very happy and she gave me a hug
and walked way
November 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am
BE THE CHANGE”:) Today we played a game called “Guess Who?” You put a blank peice paper on each
person’s back then you write a nice thing on each of their backs. LMS BE THE CHANGE ROCKS!!!!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
i helped clean an elderly neighbors yard
November 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
BE THE CHANGE”:) Today we played a game called “Guess Who?” YUo put a balnk peice paper on each
person’s back then you write a nice thing on each of their backs. LMS BE THE CHANGE ROCKS!!!!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Today my students each had a paper taped to their back. They went around the room and wrote a positive comment on everyone’s paper! They came up with some great messages. My favorite was “You have a beautiful soul!” Good job LMS 5th grade!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:25 am
one time i was walking down the hallway and i saw someone being bulled. i went over there and asked
what was going on and they said that they were going to beat she or he up. i asked what she did and
they said that she had done nothing ,and i said why
November 18th, 2008 at 9:24 am
i cut 18 inches off of my hair and sent it to locks of love AND MADE THEM WIGS.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
I earned “prizes” for being the change:->
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Please stop bullying at school! If I see someone bullying, I’m going to tell them to stop!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:21 am
My friends fight a lot at lunch and I’m going to start telling them to stop fighting and think of nice things to say.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I wrote nice stuff on other peeps back in the classroom and they wrote nice stuff back. :):):):):):):):):)::):):):)
November 18th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I have wrote complements about people today!!!!!!!!!!
November 17th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I don’t know if my act of change is really relevant to another person but it is to me. My mother’s brother is in town. For a long time til probably this moment i feel he could really careless for me. I also feel that we have no connection whatsoever except in blood. I can remember a time when i admired him and was glad to have an uncle. Then there was a fallout and it seems since then that there is no uncle in him for me. Well i still feel that BUT, i could hear my aunty Nola in my heart. so, he is here in hawaii visiting and I went to go see him. Now here on this island 30-40 miles is far. Anyway i went out to the other side of the island to say hi. Exactly what i thought would happen, he said hi, i said hi, he asked how i was and vice versa then we said bye. All of 3 mins. Now here is the change….. before i would never go. I would think why go there? he doesn’t care? He talks to the other cousins more… yada yada just downing myself. Not this time no downing on Elizabeth. I went and for 3 mins it was ok. Nothing extravagant just ok. I am good with ok. I was the change for me. Something that is sometimes harder than making a change in someone elses life. I hope the minutes get longer next time.
November 17th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
We started a Be the Change Club at my son’s school today!
November 17th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I was feeling really tired and a little down today, so I bought myself some flowers! When I got home, I realized that my bright yellow, happy daisies had sparkles on them - BONUS!
November 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I saw a word war on the doors at work today, one person’s door said “Fat” under the name. The other said “Stupid”. When nobody was around I crossed them both out and re-wrote them to say,”Perfect” and “Brilliant”.
November 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I just gor home from the Be the Change workshop and I gave my parents the card I wrote for them at the workshop and I bouhgt my mother flowers. I have never been close with my parents or told them how much I appreciate them and love them and I finally DID IT!!!!!! And I FEEL FABULOUS ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Yvonne, Rich and everyone at the workshop in Concord.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Rich, you deserve your birthday wish. 5000 Acts of Change blogged on this page, comming right up! ARE YOU READY?!! GET READY!!! Because here they come!!!
November 16th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I was standing in line to get dinner, and struck up a conversation with the woman in line behind me. I offered to buy her dinner. She was completely surprised, flabbergasted–and thankful. She didn’t quite know what to say. I paid and we stood chatting, waiting for our food. Then she said, “You know, it’s kind of amazing that I would be standing in line behind you tonight. You see, I’m gay and my partner and I got married a few months ago. We’ve been pretty heartbroken and sort of ‘down on’ humanity since Proposition 8 was passed. I don’t understand why there would be so much hatred in the world; that people would hate me just for being gay.” We talked for awhile longer. I felt convinced that it was no accident (there are no accidents!) that I would be standing in line next to someone who needed that little reminder that there are people in the world who are about love, love, love.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Challenge Day is awesome, ^__^!
These guys come to my high school just about every year, and it was awesome. I wish I was still in high school. HPHS, Class of ‘08
Keep it real people, ^__^! Be down with the real you and always show respect, =)!!
November 16th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
When my two best friends and I went out to dinner last night, we wrote a note to our waiter saying how he was so accomodating,and just appreciated what he does on a daily basis. Right before we left, we tucked the note in with our tip.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
hey guys ! to whoever reads this, I am a senior in a school in Long Island, NY. we have a class called “Lead” and it is basically a class full of leaders and people who are willing to change something in society for the better. we tackle important issues through doing skits, and today we were brainstorming, and we LOVED the idea of Challenge Day. We are thinking of putting it in our own perspective to change it up a bit, but we really think it is going to be ground breaking. I just am typing away because I think it’s amazing you guys are stepping up in the world. We need people like you<3
November 14th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
So many wonderful changes here is a few….. I live in a home with my sister and parents. We are all adults and we have assigned chore days. Normally i get upset when i have to pick up the slack. Well, i did dishes without being asked on a day that was not mine…. I have this neighbor who i really did not like, or so i thought. Well, long story short we were both waiting downstairs at the apartment building for our rides, she asked me how my daughter was. I said fine. Like i said i at the time did not like her. Anyhow, i for some reason smiled at her and decided to continue the conversation. 10 mins. later we were laughing. In 10 Mins I made a person i thought was a “Meanie” a friend. I say hi to her everytime we run into each other.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I intentionally stopped looked my wife in the eyes and told her how much I love her and how incrediably beautiful I think she is.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I played tag with my GodSon even though I really didn’t have time
November 14th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I took my daughter to dinner and just listened and loved
November 14th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I collected toilet paper and paper towel rolls for a co-workers daughter who was building log cabins at school
November 14th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I made an extra effort to stop and really listen to co-workers
November 14th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I smiled and acknowledged everyone I passed for a full day - It felt great!
November 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Today I picked up glass that was dangerously close to a nother persons tire
November 13th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I have had the blessing of being a part of the Challenge Day Community for almost 10 years now. I was inspired by my first Challenge Day, and then I went to my first Next Step Training and I realized that my passion in life was to improve the world for young people. The last ten years have been bumpy but the passion I found in Challenge Day stays with me. I recently had a complete stranger, a 16 year old girl, find me on Facebook when I asked her if I knew her she said, “No, but I saw you in the Challenge Day group so I knew you gad to be great!” I had forgotten the influence and affect that Challenge Day can have on your life. Challenge Day truly was the first Community that I ever found that I fit into perfectly.
R&Y, thank you for your passion, love, dedication, and support over the years.
To My Challenge Day Community…thank you for showing a 14 year old girl at the time what her passion in life would be. I have been working with kids ever since, and am currently getting ready to get my Masters in Education.
Much love to all~Iz~
November 13th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Today my sister Yvonne(bonnie) sent me a email thanking me for making sure that our Mother finished some very inportant papers that hade to get done. Thank you Bonnie that made me feel very supported. This weekend my husband James and I are taking our oldest granddaughter so to give her mother a break. Thank you again Yvonne and we love and miss you bunches!!!!Kim and James..Hi Rich we love you too!!!!!!!!!!
November 13th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I brought my freind over to use my washer and dryer.
November 13th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
You know when it is around 5:30 pm and you loading your groceries in your car and that same homeless person comes to ask you for $$$ ? We are always in choice. Being busy and getting on with our lives or stopping taking the time to do an act of kindness. That’s just what I did today. I took him to the Burger king just in front of the Safeway I was shopping & treated him (whatever he wanted). He had that kid @ a Candie store look… He might be 50, 55. I left him and he said : ” God bless you ” To what I answered: ” He just did “.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Challenge day was a great experienced. I was able to tell my peers and my teachers about how hard my life is. I was able to let everything out because i hold in everything. I absolutely loved challenge day. It was an awesome experience and it challenged me to make changes around my school. Ken and Jay Jay were awesome.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I learned so much from Katie and Randy they made me think long and hard about some of the things i have done and the things i want to do. I think every teenager should experince this program. I never new what students my age have gone through and have to go through every day. I will take this with me the rest of my life and i thank god that i am healty and have time to change the person i have been and be the young lady i want to be. Thank you so much katie and randy and all of the team that take there time and go school to school and do this.
Love, Peace, & Happiness to everyone all around the world.
-Ashley-
Mott High School
waterford, Michigan
November 13th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I took my first ever “mental health day” off from work. I slept, read the Bible, read a book, and made some over due doctor appointments. Now I can go back to serving the children I love.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
After my moms birthday party my BIG BRO and my BIL. washed ALL the dishes and cleaned the kitchen! It was a party for over 100 people. :0)
November 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
My cousin is struggling and trying to get back on her feet and she needed a place for her son to live. So my husband and I offered to house him so he didn’t have to transfer schools. YUP he lives with me now.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
My baby brother GEE bought dinner for a homeless guy who was asking for a dollar to get him something to eat. Instead of my baby bro. giving him just the dollar he actually took the guy to the taco truck and bought him how ever many he wanted. WHAT AN AWESOME BABY BRO.!!!
November 12th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I was on my bicycle on roadway when my back rack disconnected, spilling out my backpack and the bag I carry my rainsuit in. The stuff fell to the side of the road, away from traffic, but still the car behind me slowed down to a stop, stopping traffic behind him so that I could safely I retrieved my things. As I finished, cars stated to slowly go and another one slowed down. The driver leaned over and said, “I think there’s something else back there.” I checked and there wasn’t, but I am thankful for him beind kind. Dear drivers, I don’t know you, but thank you!
November 11th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
We are doing many kind acts here at CMS Be The Change Club.
We are celebrating Mix It Up Day this Thursday, November 13th.
Ambika held the door for 4 members of the staff and read stories to preschoolers.
Rashika helped a student peer edit their work.
Alina comforted an upset classmate.
Kaivalya helped someone pick up their books.
Mrs.Scibienski picked up trash that she saw.
Kristal spread the word about Be The Change and made sure her friends did the daily challenges.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
This experience has taught me that life throws many problems at you just to see how you can overcome them. When people of many different situations come together and help eachother and just sit and listen, someones life can be changed. Today, i changed into a more understanding and non-judgemental person. I know i can be who i want to be and not have to please everyone else. I learned that expressing feelings need to be a part in each of our lives and that there is always someone who will listen to your story. Thank you challenge day team, thank you.
November 9th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
In my Challenge Day follow-up class my students write in their learning journals at the end of class. One young boy wrote that he had cold feet and needed new shoes. Nothing fancy. I realized how blessed I was to live a life where my kids always have warm feet, so I went shopping and bought shoes for my student.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I have bought lunch for a few of my co-workers more than once this past week.
I paid for someone’s toll on the bay brige twice and I got my step-mom a gift for no reason. She really liked it.
Then because I work on the weekends at night I often have to find a place to sleep thats not too far from my work because I get off so late. Well there have been 3 people who are making me keys to their house so I can crash on their couch or guest bedroom if I need to. I think that that’s the nicest thing EVER.
November 8th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Donated a lot of beautiful clothes from Brazil. Yes ! I am 43 and it is time to dress accordingly. Making room for the new me and the NEW in my life
November 8th, 2008 at 8:50 am
After my surgery on Thursday I had to drive to a pharmacy to get prescribed meds. It was rush hour & I was a little tired and driving fast (not a good combination). I “cut” another driver on the traffic light(I really did not see him). It turns out that he was also going to the same pharmacy. I apologized to him & gave him my place in line even though I was in pain.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
challenge day at VMS ROCKS!!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I saw someone being bullied in the hallway and stood up for that person. They thanked me with a hug and said I was a great person. It felt awesome! (:
November 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I saw that someone in my class was struggling with the assignment the teacher had given. I asked him if he’d like me to help him, in the end he said I was a really great person and friend, its felt really good! (:
November 6th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
i let someone go before me at the grocery store - she was really grateful.
November 4th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
To You SHIANELE from England… The best of luck and support. We start a journey taking one step… you Just did it !
Connect with the Challenge Day office and ask for ideas in how to bring your dream to fruition.
Blessings
Nadia from Brazil, living 15 minutes from the Challenge Day office aka ” HUG CENTER ”
November 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I just got back from school where Challenge Day was held. It really made me realize how much people can hurt, and no matter how ‘popular’ or ‘cool’ they are, deep down inside they could be hurting very badly. During challenge day, I let out all of my feelings, and cried very much. It’s ok to cry though. There are times when you’re NOT able to cry, which holds in it, and can hurt you emotionally and physically. We spent a quanity of time in family groups. Groups of 5 or 6. We then each shared each emotion and feeling amongst our group. But Challenge Day is not all about crying and sadness. It’s also fun. We played games and got to know the people we normally don’t talk to, which is a really great feeling. There was alot of hugging, and as for me, hugging is not a daily thing, so this sort of felt akward at first, but later, i got so used to it i almost want to hug my friends whenever i see them. Challenge Day is a great experience, and i can tell you right now that it has already made the change.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Two challenge days back to back was an awesome thing. I spent so much of the first one crying and left with a terrific headache. Yeah not enough water. for me the tears began with Aunty Nola’s talk about her life. and they hardly stopped all day. I made the decision to change my habit of talking badly about people I don’t agree with when my friend stood up and spoke at the second day and made his decision to come clean with his sister after 40 yrs. It hurts knowing how long she went without her brother’s love. He is a great guy and I learned so much about him. He is a good listener and a great friend. Thank you Aunty Nola, Sean, Jon and Chris and of course Amanda and Cathy the two school contacts for allowing us to serve the youth as adult facilitators… I do think we learned as much if not more than the youth. BE THE CHANGE…hey guys are we ready to play another GAME?
You guys ROCK! Aloha Aunty Nola. thank you
November 4th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
We are doing many kind acts here at CMS Be The Change Club.
We are celebrating Mix It Up Day on November 13th.
Ayushi held doors for people out of the act of kindness, not for recognition.
Priyanka held doors for several people, helped her friend with her homework, and talked to her friend’s teacher because her friend was shy.
Mikhaela said thank you to her bus driver, said nice things to people in between classes, gave random people high-fives, and held doors for people.
Ambika held a door for an elderly lady, nine children, and an elevator door for an elderly man.
Ciara helped pick up someone’s books when they dropped them.
Julia held the door for someone with a walker and helped make PB&J sandwiches for kids.
Alina held doors, and helped a teacher get up that had slipped on a puddle.
Rashika held a door for someone who was carrying a lot of boxes and helped her friend carry her books.
Ebria heald doors for peple at the fire drill and said thank you to her bus driver,helped peple pick up there books.
Shiv held doors for kids during fire drill.
Jonathan held doors for lots of people.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m from England, and in the UK, unfortunately there are no Challenge Days like in America, so I am willing to talk to my teachers about it, and hopefully be the first School in our county or, even better, the country to do something like this. Being inspired by Oprah’s show on Challenge Day made me think that if it worked in Monroe High School, and so many others, then why wouldn’t it work for my school?
So soon I’m hoping that our school does make a change.
Wish me Luck!
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I voted!!! Yeah!!
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I am so proud of my niece Elizabeth (Liz) from Hawaii and for her Act of Change. Huuuiiii!!! Aloha!!
My cheeks are hurting ’cause I am smiling so BIG!!! I love you all.
Blessings on everyone who are creating Acts of Change and especially on those who take the time to share it here with others.
Aloha
Aunty Nola
November 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
At the middle school in Yoder, WY on 31 October Jon gave me the microphone and I told the kids that 40 years ago I had a fight with my middle sister and have not talked with her since. I found out a couple days earlier that she was in the hospital in Illinois with a problem with her heart and had a 50-50 chance of making it out alive. I told them that I was going to call and make things right between us which I did on the following day. She accepted and told me that when I had my motorcycle accident in Arizona that she was with me in the operating room watching the surgery and that when I came out of recovery the first thing I asked my father was “Where was my sister, Pat”? He said she was not here but when he called her in IL. she told him that she was there watching me in spirit. That was spooky. I am glad I did this and my Commander of the Squadron has also said that she will treat the Wing Commander with more respect from now on and will ask our cadets to do the same. We are changed people now. Still with our baloons but working on deflating them and coming out of the box a little more often. Thanks to Chris and Jon.
October 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
My aunty lost her car keys and I found them and put them in her purse with a Pay it Forward Card!
October 31st, 2008 at 7:20 am
My school counselor gave me Pay it Forward cards and challenged me to do random acts of kindness. I helped my next door neighbor fix her bed and left her a Pay it Forward card on it. When she went to lay down in her bed she said “it feels so much better!” and found her Pay it Forward card. I felt happy for helping my neighbor.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Elizabeth “Liz” from Hawaii, you made me cry with hope & Joy.
Take care care
spread ALOHA
October 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I gave my comfy seat at a coffe shop to an older woman so she could be comfortable. It made me feel GREAT!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:39 am
We started a Be the Change Team at the high school where I teach. We showed the video from the website and got over 120 students signed up to come to the first meeting!! I can’t wait to get started! We have been spreading the word and now it is time for ACTION!
October 28th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Aloha, I am from Oahu, Hawaii. I had attended a challenge day with my ohana. It was really nice and to me started an awakening that took some time to blossom. It planted a seed. If you thought you knew who i was i was a troubled child. But if you really knew me, today I want to step outside the box even though i may get lazy. I believe in a higher power(hp) greater than myself and with my new seed blossoming and my hp this is my act of change: Here in Hawaii the weather has been really junk so on Mon oct. 20th, I bought a nice DC jacket, i recently gave my niece my old one when she came to visit in July, on Sat. oct 25th i went out in the rain to get some things for my nephew. His birthday party was that afternoon. Any way there was a homeless man in chinatown who was getting poured on, i noticed him. I then heard something inside to give my jacket to him. Now at the time i was like “your kidding right.” However the more i looked at the guy i seen he must be in his late 20’s, too young to be homeless right. Then i remembered my seed growing in me… i had a choice. So what did i choose i chose to give this man my new jacket. I have others at home. I have a home. These thoughts raced. I acted… I gave him my jacket. At first the man would not accepted it, i insisted. He finally took it and i made my way home. I was cold and wet but warm inside. I noticed, chose and acted. Yes, i was hard and i was at first like your joking but i stepped out of the box and remembered an act of kindness can really help someone in a way you may not understand. I have not seen that man since. I am back to wearing my old walmart blue sweater jacket. I am warm today in it. And i hope he is warm in his jacket.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
for the past couple of week i have hung out with diffrent people and when my friends start to make fun of some one i tell them to please stop saying stuff like that and then i go say hi to the person that they were making fun of
October 27th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I am going to one of the teachers that organize the events that go on in my school and try to bring the challenge day to my fellow classmates and peers.
October 27th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Posted NEXT STEP info (flyers) @ Borders, PANERA, Jamba Juice , @ the Gym, and talked to other “soccer & Karate moms” about it.
October 26th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I recieved a phone call from my niece who was having a particularly stress-filled moment. I gave her the gift of listening and validated her for reaching out. She is an amazing young woman and a very loving mama for Krystal. I’m so glad that she called ME and allowed me to encourage her and lift her up. She shared a story with me of an Act of Change that she did and I encouraged her to log it in here. We ended the phone call both smiling from the heart.
October 25th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Yesterday was our daughters best friends birthday. I believe some of the best acts of change happen when they seem impossible to do. Our weekend was totally full, and we had our weekly datenight, but we knew how much it would mean for our daughter and her friend to have the entire night together to celebrate. So Rich and I took our grandson for a sleep over. We got very little sleep, yet felt good inside to give that gift.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I attend Swartz Creek schools, there is a lot of name calling, bullying and teasing going on. When i heard about Challenge Day I knew it was something i wanted to be involved in. It deffinitly got me out of my comfort zone. I am a very social person, and I’m not gonna lie, I’m in one of those groups who used to tease people. After having Kyrie and Auntie come to our school, I never will judge anyone again. It was a life changing event, and i wish eveyrone could experience it. What they do is amazing, and its good to meet knew people and find out that maybe your not the only one going through something! Keep doing what your doing, your really changing peoples lives!
We love you all.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Yvonne and I moved our date night so we could take care of our grandson. Not only was it a gift to our daughter and her friend Natalie who was celebrating her birthday, it was also a gift to ourselves
October 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I went out of may way to intentionally call and appreciate my family members - It felt great to hear their reactions.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I treated myself to a candlelit bubble-bath and a long hot soak after completeing 3 Challenge Days andd a 4 hour drive home. It was delicious and so extravagant… and I’m so worth it. ;o)
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I just signed up for the Next Step to Being the Change workshop, after participating in two challenge days. I’m SO SO SO excited to go to this, and possibly learn more about myself, and how I relate to the world around me. I’m truly looking forward to taking all of this new knowledge and bringing it back to my school community to show them how Challenge Day could really help us change some of the issues on campus. And undoubtedly, missing a day of school to gather with like minded people for the weekend will be great!
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
My change is to help change the world.i want violence,crime,racism,bulling,drugs,drinking,and a whole lot more to be stopped.For me to accomplish this i will do all in my power and pass on the word.Ill make speechs to make communitys understand that we are in the state of being that this world is out of control!! We all need to act now and help take back control.A world without any wrong is safe world help me make it that way.Its for the greater good of this world to make it better place for everyone.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
One of my daughter’s high school teachers sent an email to the class parents notifying them of a Challenge Day next week. I have been looking for a way to give back to the community, particularly kids/teens. Her AOC was a gift to me! I have signed up to be part of the Challenge Day and will encourage my friends to join me as well.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Challenge was one of the best days of my life! I was so lucky to be able to participate in this great program. I was changed for the better and i know most of the school was too. The days and weeks after the event was strange, but it was strange because people had changed and it was out of manys comfort zone. That day I thought was going to be dumb full of people telling us to change with no reasons why. I was wrong and i beleive i wasn’t the only one. The emotion that i felt was felt by the people i had hurt and the ones who hurt me and that day almost felt like i was getting a fresh new start and thats what i have done since that day. No longer will you see me putting someone down and no longer will you see me doing the things that make someone question the reason they are here with us. I am a changed person i I give all that to the Challenge Day program. Thank you PEACE LOVE HAPPINESS!
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 am
Although I’m in between jobs right now, I gave a homeless man all the change I had so that he could get himself something to eat. It felt good.
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
im very happy that challenge day came to our school it really made me realize just how much each of us have in common i hope now that i can be a better person to everyone in my life love you auntie nola and rayray
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I thought that challenge day would be dumb, but when i was finished i came out as a new person. I look at people differently and i just wanna say thank you. The people that came to my school (Kalaheo High School) were awesome. They were Sean and Pam. They really are just good people.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
My act of change is honoring diversity. Starting a trend of honoring people will help our community.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I have been teased like many of you have been. I have been through tough times and I am putting a stop to it. I challenge you guys to be a friend to one another. To not be afraid to talk and show emotion… to know you’re not alone. Challenge day was a great experience and I think it is just what our schools need. You see things from a different perspective, it is a breath of fresh air. And it is true that tears don’t mean a person is weak, it shows that we are all humans. You realize that you have more in common with people that you have never really gotten the chance to know. And like they say it is all about… Notice, Choose, and Act. (: Love and Peace!
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I let a little boy have some money so that he could cover his meal at McDonalds.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
We had our second Be The Change Team meeting today and started planning our first big AOC for our school. Everyone is so excited!
October 21st, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I payed dinner for a co worker and was present listening to her worries and doubts. She is decided to take the NEXT STEP
October 20th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I stopped and helped a couple take a photo so they can both be in the picture - they were very happy
October 20th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I just wanted to say thank you and i’m really glad Challenge Day happened to me because it was one of the most positive and greatest days of my life. It really opend up my eyes and changed my life. I’ve come to realise how much we all have in common and that in this life,i’m not alone even if i’ve believed so for a long time. I was always afraid to cry or open up before and i just let all the pain of everyday life get trapped inside me. At challenge day i let it all out and it felt amazing! From feeling lonely and left out,from feeling like an outcast i went to feeling loved for a change. And i want to give that feeling BACK! I’ll do anything to stop the teasing,violence and so on. I’ll d anything to stop the tears because i know how bad it is to deal with horrible things and not have any friends to be there and support you through it. I don’t want anybody to feel what i felt and i’ll do my best to help others in any way they need me too.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I just wanted to Say That Challenge Day Changed My Outlook On Life. I never looked at People The way I will From now On. I experienced Compassion from People I didnt even think would give me a second look. Come to find out Many of The People That Expressed themselves Are going through similar things. I just wanted to Say Thank You to John and Katie.. They came to Stoney Creek High school ( Rochester Michigan)and Made a huge HUGE mark On the Students Who participated in challenge day.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachael Peace…. lOVE…Happiness.
October 20th, 2008 at 9:29 am
After watching a woman struggle with her bags and baby - I helped her roll her baby stroller and carry bags at the airport
October 18th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I was on the way to the high school where I teach to volunteer at an evening event when I was approached by a man on his broken-down motorcycle. My children and I were at the drive thru at McDonald’s and he was in need of a tow to a nearby garage. His coverage would not allow the mileage to reach the garage and he had no money. He was clearly distraught and at the point of tears. He was a proud man and did not want anyone seeing him like this. Fortunately, I happened to have some money with me and I gave him what I had and he wanted to give me his license and credit card as collateral. I just knew it was an opportunity for me to help another person that I would most likely never see again but would make his day better and could help my children see that there is more than simply making our own lives better each day.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Khayree and I validated our waitress in Michigan for being so sweet and pleasant and we both surprised her with 50% tip instead of the usual 15 to 20%!!!
October 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I wrote a letter to the producer of the Teen Files video to thank him for giving us that wonderful tool that we can use to share Challenge Day with the world!
October 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I stole Rich’s idea and gave my housekeeper & her husband $100 and told them to pay it forward. Fun!
October 17th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
My friend Peter is noctorious for loosing his house key. I told him that I would go get a new one for him. He insisted that he do it… so I paid for it.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I got a new refidgerator donated to Challenge Day. My dad was kind enough to let us have it. Thanks DAD! You are the best… I guess it’s more of his act of change than mine.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
My friend was in Maui for 10 days. I told her that I would feed, water, and make sure her cats box was clean. In addition to that, I cleaned her bathrooms, swept the floor, straightened her room, did her laundry, and wrote her a really nice note on her bathroom mirror. She is an incredibe friend and I wanted her to know how much she means to me. She also did an act of change by letting me stay there on the weekends so when I get off of work, really early in the morning, I wouldn’t have to drive all the way to Oakland. Thanks Linds.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
On Monday I watched my godson with last minute notice so his mom could get some “personal” time in. I washed all the dishes in the sink and straightened up the kitchen just to make her life that much easier.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Our coaching staff and area coaches donated all our baseball camp proceeds to our our high school Challenge Day (Defiance, OH). We were able to donate over $1500.
October 17th, 2008 at 5:42 am
When I walked into the Teacher’s lounge this morning there was a gentleman who has just put his only dollar into the pop machine only to lose it. He was sooo bummed and said it “ruined his day.” No worries! I snuck off into my office and found $1 in change in my purse, tried it (in the same machine) and it worked! When I walked into his classroom and handed him the pop, he said “You’re awesome!!! Now I’m not depressed!” How easy was that?!
October 16th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
It is DV Awareness month and we held a Domestic Violence Awareness Training at the Challenge Day Office today. Let’s create a safe world for everyone.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I opened the door for an elderly woman yesterday and when she saw that I was pregnant, she then opened the door for me. Then I saw a woman with a stroller and opened the door for her and her partner then opened the door for someone else. It was a sweet exchange of Acts of Change that left everyone smiling.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
A co-worker in my office was selling cookies for her child’s schooling, so I bought four and gave them to people in the office.
October 15th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I saw that Adam from challenge day had no where to sit at lunch today, so I invited him to come sit with me and my friends. He is a really nice guy and I plan to have lunch with him in the future.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I said to my little brother I love him. I stop calling people names, starting rumors, and have a better relationship with my mom now that i have been in Challenge Day.
It is really helpful for everyone. They show you that you are not the only one that suffers.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I went out of my way to give my housemates an emotional release session
October 14th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I brought a shopping cart all across the lot to help the staff at the local grocery store
October 14th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I am inplementing to 5th graders to make the change because they can comprehend and are aware of the judgements and prejudice daily in elementary school. So, my daughter being a part of student council is aware ot the teachings of Challenge Day and will start this and share with her friends at an earlier age to promote understanding at an age that may prevent the torture ot torment from ever occuring later in the future grades and this act of change is necessary as some children do not have the necessary teachings that will prevent the acts. Hugs are necessary and should be honored but already are misunderstood. Thanks for listening to our attempt to make a change…All it takes is a day and a group of people to change this world!!! We are ready to do it!
October 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I let students hang out in my classroom during their lunch hour/my prep hour because they don’t want to get in trouble. I’ve given them food items and money for lunch when they didn’t have any.
October 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Acts of Change
Change is hard to do
It’s something new
Most work toward it
Yet others throw a fit
I learned to show all of myself
…
I’m a person who likes to love
And doesn’t like to shove
But I wouldn’t show it
I would just be invisible and sit
In my little dark corner; invisible
Trying my hardest to act civil
Ignoring all the put-downs
And all of the frowns
Now I’m just myself
…
I am now a living being
Everyone’s opening their eyes and are seeing
All the hurt they put on us
And that we wouldn’t even fuss
We take it and move on
But no longer
Now there’s no reason to hurt
No reason to hate
Nothing but love
Compasion
And change
by Victoria Romes Challenge Day 14 of October
October 14th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Community Middle School stdents are doing good deeds everyday to help others.
Stanford has dedicated more than 60 hours of community service at Mercer County Community College.
Jonathan helped his younger brother with difficult homework.
Alina helped her sister out when she was sick.
Shiv helped his friend open his locker.
Jey saw someone in the hallway who was depressed so he decided to hug her to make her feel better.
Ciara babysat a little baby for 6 hours and gave half of the money she earned to charity.
Matt played American Girl dolls with his younger sister despite the fact that he was busy.
Colin helped his mom take in the groceries.
These are just some of the hundreds of phenomenal things students are doing.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I’m a school counselor and had lunch with a student that no one would let sit with them.
October 13th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
we had a challenge day at our school today and honestly it was a self motivating activitie
this activity really broudend my eyes to relize others have problems such as i do and i feel bad for those who dont have people to go to talk to … but right after i was dont with the challenge day i text my cousin telling him thanks for everything he has done for me and when i got home i gave my mom a hug and thanked her too …. so thank you
October 13th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I went out of my way to make sure to reach out to old friends.
October 13th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I am advising the first Be the Change club at Community Middle School. We will be promoting School Violence Awareness Week starting next Monday with daily announcements, posters, and challenges to students and teachers. Our club will work to change the culture at our school with baby steps so that all students feel safe, loved and celebrated. Stay tuned for more about our baby steps…!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am
what I have done to be the change is not judging people when i first meet them. i always try to be nice and treat people the way i want to be treated sometimes i know it is hard to do but it can be done. When I went to challenge day this year I just let all of my bottled up emotions go and i felt so much better cause i made friends i thought i would never be friends with so i enjoy going to challenge day because i have more to let go than the year before and this year Ray Ray and Pam helped me step out of my comfort zone.
October 12th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Yvonne and I offered to watch both our grandson and godson to give their parents a break - Not to mention we love it ourselves!
October 12th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Yvonne and I prepared birthday meals for two of our closest friends and made sure they recieved special attention
October 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Yvonne and I decorated the house with candles - music for a friends birthday party - It was fun to see their reactions
October 11th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I gave money to a young main trying to raise money for a leadership trip to washington - He was very grateful
October 11th, 2008 at 10:19 am
On my way back home from a challenge day I found myself in a hurry on CA-24. As I got increasingly impatient with the traffic (it was DATE NIGHT after all!) I remembered myself and for the rest of the ride home I yielded to anyone who wanted to get over in my lane. Slowing down let me get centered. I felt a lot better, and when I got home I was in a much happier mood for date night! We kept the slow pace all evening, staying on the beach a little longer, watching the sun set, enjoying life.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:30 am
well ujst a day ago i had the oppertunity to go to a workshop before challenge day, challenge day is really on friday october 18th for us but our teacher wanted to take the lucky people out and go threw what happends that day….. im so happy you made this program because it really has changed my perspective and i’ve mets many new people thank you so much <3
my change was i met this guy his name is matt… hes been threw rough time to …. i cared for him so much.. and now we never stop talking thanks so much., once again
October 10th, 2008 at 9:50 am
This is ANOTHER Act of Change that was done to me!!!! I have been selling bottled water to supplement my income here at work and Denise Staricco bought ALL the water bottles that were left, and then gave me one & all the girls in our office one!! She’s such a sweet heart.. LOVE YOU Denise!!!
October 10th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I played with a little girl on the shuttle bus so her mother could make an important phone call to her husband. It was definiately a win-win situation. I had fun!
October 10th, 2008 at 8:43 am
YVonne and I collected all teh extra food from a lunch provided for a recent Challenge Day at the Coca Cola company - We brought it to a homeless shelter.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I tpped our maid extra big and left a pay it forward card teling her to do something nice for someone else
October 10th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I bought dinner for a homeless man who was hungry
October 10th, 2008 at 8:37 am
On our last plane flight - I lifted the bags for three different people struggling to get on a plane. I also helped an woman with her stroller and baby.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
This whole thing, really changed my life. I can’t believe how many people I treated sooo badly!! And I didn’t have the courage to stand up and apologize to everyone, until this day. You guys changed me life! I’m so much nicer to people now, and I accept people way more then I ever did. Thank you so much!
October 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
What my community needs is more acts of Being kind to others.
Today I went to lunch with co-workers and on the way out of the restaurant
(Mecca Yummy) a homeless man was walking in and he held the door for me. I said “thank you very much”he d
he said “no problem little lady”.I was then standing out side with a coworker and this same man came
out side and was indicating towards my to go box of left overs. He said where is mine( in a kidding
manner)I looked at my coworker and said her “you go and have a great day”.He said thank you so much.
He was so kind to me even though he was down and out and I thought he deserved a act of kindness in
return.(SMILE).
October 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
This is an ACT of Change that was done to me. I was selling cup cakes to help w/ the load of Day Care expenses for my baby girl and Susanne Renner and her BEAUTIFUL daughter Veronica baked a GRIP of cup cakes, decorated them oh so nicely, and then delivered them to the office to help me. They both did that on their own, and with their own money. Thank you SO much Sus & Veronica. I LovE you both!!! God Bless!!!
October 8th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Something that needs to change here in Whitehorse Yukon is the bullying and drug abuse. In my school, im going to stop the bullying.
Today was Challenge Day at me school. Today, everyone in that room realized how much this ONE kid god bullied! almost everything, including myself, made an apology to him. That is were im going to make the change! If i ever see anyone bullying him im going to stand up for him, and not put him down like i used too! I was bullied like he is when i was in elementary. Now its high school! Now, im the one making him feel bad.. I know how he feels and I just couldn’t belive what I had done to him.
That is where its gunna stop and a change begin!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:43 am
We’re hosting our 2nd annual Challenge Day this November at my son’s high school, and I’ve spoken with the Middle School administration about bringing it there as well!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I was driving up over a highway overpass when I saw a minivan with smoke coming from the engine from hitting (and almost breaking through) a telephone pole. I remember the brief conversation that was in my mind…. “you should stop….. BUT I DON’T HAVE TIME TO STOP….” the car pulled itself off the road.
I approached the female driver and opened the door as another woman motorist who had seen the accident was on her cell phone dialing and speaking with 911. I explained to the female in the accident that she was not to move but that I was going to reach around her and turn her engine off. As I was pulling back from that act, she finally looked up at me (almost angelically!) and said, “Kerry?” I had no clue who she was bent went with her and stayed with her to help process her emotions and her thoughts.
Fortunately, she is OK. No major injuries except to the mini van!
I mentioned the work “angelic” because in a moment I understood why my car had pulled off the road. It was a God thing!
October 8th, 2008 at 3:09 am
I wrote a support to letter to a person who is in jail.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:56 am
I sent letters of appreciation to everyone in the office.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I bought pizza for the whole varsity football team for an inner city HS in Oakland this past Saturday.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
This weekend I helped organize a campus cleanup day at our local high school. Over 400 students, parents, staff & community members showed up to make the school sparkle. It was a beautiful thing to see people coming together for a good cause. The next night the 4 Go Green-Go Clean team members & our spouses gathered at my house for a celebration dinner! It was awesome!
October 6th, 2008 at 9:25 am
The public school system in our country needs change. There are many of us who can testify to the changes that are needed. I’m committed to getting my ideas for change into writing and to enrolling others in doing the same.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Challenge Day came to Heron School in Sacramento (North Natomas), CA on Friday, October 3, 2008. My son (Nick)and his entire 7th grade class went through this Challenge Day. My son came home and was overwhelmed with emotions (good emotions). We talked and talked about the entire day…. I could not believe the words that were coming out of my son’s mouth… all positive remarks. He embrassed me and told me he loved me so much and appreciated everything that I do for him. He told me he was sorry for not telling me enough and not hugging me enough. I cried tears of joy. Although Nick always gave me a hug and told me he loved me…. he was always “rushed”. I guess he felt it wasn’t sincere. He told me he cried alot and hugged alot of his friends. He told me he thought alot about Sela, because she said she lost her mother to Lupus at a young age. I have Lupus and that hit home for Nick. After school that day and all evening… we talked and talked about Challenge Day. He couldn’t get enough of it. It was very good for him and I thank all those who came out to Heron School. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Tonight, my daughter Anela and I went to dinner. We noticed this women who was by herself, and asked if she would like to eat dinner with us. At first she declined, saying that she didn’t want to crowd us, but I reassured her that it would be an honor if she joined us. So Cecelia sat with us and at the end of the meal we felt like we were old freinds. When we were about to leave I asked if I could give her a hug, and she just gushed. Since she lived alone, she doesn’t have much physical contact with people. So I decided to just hold her and hug her. I kissed her cheeck and hugged her again. Then she whispered in my ear…”You never know when God is going to use you.” We exchanged numbers and I look forward to creating a new freindship.
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I offered to car pool to a workshop in San Leandro. “waited till was my turn to talk…” . Listened to my coworkers giving them full attention.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Hi. I went to the Challenge Day on the 1st October, 2008 in Fernie.
Once, I had really psychological problems and it helped me to see, that I’m not the only one, that I’m not alone.
I’m now talking about my problems instead of being alone with them.
I’m more open to people, I don’t know.
I huged people, I’ve never seen before.
It was a real emotional moving event and I hope, that you can help other people as you helped me.
Thank you so much.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Being a Big Sister has changed my life in so many ways. If you have any time at all that you can spare to spend with a child in need, it is worth it. I wish I could be a big sister to three or four, but one is a good start!
Listen to him…he is there guiding you along your way!
October 1st, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Rich Dutra is the best boss in the whole world! I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else.
LOVE you Chard!
October 1st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Every time that my co-worker, Greg, goes to get water he offers to fill my glass up. It’s the nicest thing, especially because I am working on drinking more water everyday. Thank you Grar! You are an incredible soul.
PEACE man.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Today Andraya went and got some food that I had in the Cafe next door for me. It was really sweet because I was in meetings all day. I really appreciated her generosity.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:47 am
Being older than “Younger”, yesterday, I saw a 3rd grader walking by herself, head down, very sad looking, I went out and approched her, asked her if there was something I could do to put a happy face on her face?, her answer: no, and the sad face continued, I made sure she was not hurt, and physically OK, and then started to sing, ‘You can SMILE when you can’t say a word, YOU can SMILE when you can NOT be heard, Your SMILE if it’s cloudy or fair, YOU can SMILE anytime anywhere”,:):):) she looked up with a huge smile on that cute little face, and asked please sing that again, I did so, she skipped away singing; YOU CAN SMILE….
To make someone put a smile on their face, young or older, is a free choice to ACT out at ANYTIME.:)
It’s so easy. And it reduces the sckall lines in the forehead and cheecks. It take 72 muscles to frown, and 7 to smile!(?)! :):):)
October 1st, 2008 at 11:06 am
I filled up an ice chest this morning with waters and gatorades for the landscapers who are planting in my yard. They dont speak English, but thier smiles said a lot!
September 30th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I thanked my neighbor (the other one, not the ones with the Rap music) for honoring my request and smoke inside her garage. They are 6 “non STOP smoking people”. I talked to her and used “I messages”. She totally understood and apologized for the 4 years that I passively put up with her smoke coming inside my home.
Amen. Awomen
September 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I walked to and from my hotel to the location of our Challenge Day (1/2 mile) to save gas, be kind to the environment and to get some exercise. Yeah Me!!!
September 29th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
We had come upon a 4 car accident that had just happened. A man lost control of his truck and flipped it after hitting a few other cars. He had just crawled out from the cab of his overturned truck and other people were calling 911. He was shaking, in shock and bleeding from various cuts. I grabbed a bottle of water and walked over to him and gave it to him and stayed with him, gently rubbing his back until the emergency vehicles began to arrive. Before I left, I gave him a hug.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
One morning I got up early and went for a walk. I gave my cup of hot tea to another young homeless man and noticed that he had a guitar with him. I asked if he could play a song for me and for the next 45 minutes I had a nice visit with “Sleepy”, listening to his music and the stories of his life. I got more hot tea for him, also some danish and orange juice. It was a beautiful start to another amazing day.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
The next morning, Ray Ray and I were finishing up breakfast when we saw Tom ( a homeless man) walking past the restaurant we were at. I quickly asked Ray Ray to invite him to breakfast. We had to leave, but I gave the waitress instructions to add extra money to my bill and give him whatever wanted to eat and I would pay the difference if it came up short.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
After doing Challenge Days at Arcata High School in Humbolt County, California with Ray Ray, we took
the left over sandwiches and apples from the day and distributed them to the homeless people in the
area. They were really grateful. I especially was looking for one particular man that I had seen going through the dumpster behind the hotel that we were staying at. His name was Tom, and I was so happy to be ablee to give him a fresh sandwich and apples and I gave him a hug as well.
September 29th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
i learned that it’s important to not judge ppl by their first impressions and to get to learn and understand them
September 28th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I keep reminding myself that my neighbors (with whom I share a wall by my computer where I type my clients reports)that “blast” their HIP POP/RAP music, just do not know BETTER. I send them love and sometimes I just have to leave my home. I use my tools and use “I messages” when communicating with them. God give me more understanding & patience.
September 28th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Went to the Sunvalley Mall with Theo & saw a half full Starbucks cup lying on the parking garage. I picked it up and took it to the trash. My son said : “Mom, that’s another act of chance”.
September 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The Girls Awareness Program at Trinity High School in Euless Texas rocks!!! They hosted their second annual pet fair today and it was amazing. 3 dogs and 1 cat got adopted from the local shelter preventing those animals from being euthanized. They also raised funds for spaying and neutering with a bake sale, pet photos, snow cone machine, and a dog wash for donations. it was a great day and I’m so proud of each and every person who contributed in some way to the pet fair!!!! Go GAP Girls!!!!
September 26th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Yesterday I had a routine meeting with my high school counselor. He asked me why I was so stressed out with school, and instead of telling him the usual laundry list of thing — hard classes, my job, a lot of extracurriculars– I actually opened up to him more and told him what was really stressing me out. I spent a solid fifteen minutes crying, but it was genuinely liberating to be able to “let air out of my balloon (that’s a Challenge Day-ism). He helped me to understand what I have control over, and is now going to work with me on finding a strategy and creating an action plan. I now feel motivated to actually have a real conversation with my mom; one that isn’t only about the surface details of my life. It’s going to be hard, but I know can do it.
I love Challenge Day! Thank you so much for the truly inspiring work all of you do on daily basis.
-A two time Challenge Day alum from CA
P.S. Big hugs to Jon and Bernice, the best leaders ever!
September 26th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Yesterday on my way to the museum I was running a little late and was caught in a crazy mess of traffic, I remembered to be patient and was courteous to the other drivers and let them into my lane if they needed to get in. I got to the exhibit right on time; the patience and courtesy really paid off.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I paid the toll for the two cars behind me on the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I said hello to everybody I passed by, even people I didnt know. Gave some of them high fives!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
This Sunday I will cook a vegetarian meal for a friend who had a member of thier family just diagnosed with terminal cancer. I’ve never cooked a vegetarian meal! - I am so willing to provide support. I am ready for the vegetarian learning expierence that comes along with the gifting of a meal.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I wrote a card to my aerobics instructor thanking her for her commitment and consistent energy in providing us with a fun and motivational class. I told her I always looked forward to coming on Mondays and Wednesdays and wished she could teach Fridays as well. I included a $5 Starbuck gift card as I know that she loves Starbucks. I also included the pay it forward card!
People noticed the card while we waited for class and asked me if it was her birthday, I told them what I had done - which led to sharing about Challenge Day with 4 women from the class!
September 25th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Today I reached out to a friend who became a grandmother for the first time to celebrate her joy — the life of a new baby firl who will be part of the calsse of 2026. Imagine that! peace & blessings, sm
September 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I helped out a lady who didn’t have money with her at Starbuck’s.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
This is going to be bit different, but please humor me. I am 42 years old and I am a survivor of
bullying. Life in Jr High and High School for me was the worst experience of my life. It has been
over twenty-five years now, but the memories are still very clear. We did not have programs such
as yours when I was in school. Boy I wish we did! I want to say to the victoms of bullying….
you can be a survivor and you can turn the experinece into something possitive.
I want to say to those who do the bullying…please remember…the person you are picking on is
is human and has feelings and needs and a desire to be accepted and to belong. Challenge Day can tech you a gret del. I would have loved the chance to show those who bullied me what I was feeling. I just want to say you have done a great job…and keep up the good work. Today I am the change I want to see. I am a social worker and I work hard every day to make other people’s lives a little better. I have risen above my pain and become a “survivor”. Thank you for all you have done!
September 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
This weekend I went to a workshop that was in someone’s home. During a break, I went to the kitchen and the sink was full of dishes and the counters cluttered with even more dishes. So during the break I washed up all the dishes and wiped off the counters so that at lunch time, people could start in a clean space.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
After a great dinner at a local restaurant, I thanked everyone in the kitchen for putting so much care and love into the food.
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Today, I gave the gift of listening and also the gift of eye contact.
MISS YOU RICH AND YVONNE!,
-Steph from RI<3
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I randomly called 10 friends just to send love
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I pulled over and spent 10 minutes cleaning up the garden outside the local park
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I again paid the toll for the person behind me on the bridge - This time I left a pay it forward card - The person jetted up beside my car honking and holding up the card - With a thumbs us she agreed to pay it forward!
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 am
Carla & I went to see “Simon Buccaneer” and after that we went to “ESPETUS” the best Brazilian Restaurant in San Francisco. We had so much fun with the waiters (5,6 handsome Brazilian men bringing the skews with delicious meat). Each one of the waiters would line up and stay talking to us, bringing everything that we requested . They would leave with big smile on their faces. Even the manager came to ask what we had that everybody was not leaving our table. Turns out he also stayed talking and laughing with us. We totally over tipped the waiters. Priceless JOY. Payed the tool for the car behind me , but the boot employer refused to pass the pay forward card. I wished him a good day.
September 21st, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I had a good idea and it made EVERYONE happy…including me!
September 19th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
For Maui Hero’s we do activites related to Challenge day to keep our school connected to one another. Today On September 19, 2008 me & my maui hero family had to stand up infront of our whole 8th grade & do “If You Really New Me” you dont know how hard it was for each and everyone of us to have the guts to stand up infront of them, because as an 8th grader, you know the others are cruel. they laugh & judge about everything. But we new, if Kekoa & Sela could do it, So could we. We did it for them
there is 11 of us Maui Hero’s, i call them my second family. Today each one of us 11 Maui Heros got on that Mic & shared something deep down from the heart to our fellow peers. It was so touching & so deep, we all cried together as each one told a rough part in their life. (just like Keoka & Sela did) As we were all on stage standing hand in hand with eachother, as we looked out, there wasnt a dry face in that audience. No laughter, just Respect. Something we were willing & hoping for all along came through. We connected with our peers just by telling a little peice of our 90% under the water line. Our 8th graders showed us the international i love you sign & respect sign to us throughout our activity.
That activity made our 8th grade closer. now all you see is hugs & laughter & happiness swarming around our school. nobodys left out. were surviving together<3
i love you Kekoa & Sela.
Come back to maui, you know your in our hearts.
Love Always,
Pele
-Maui Hero.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I let everyone in who needed to get over in my lane while driving today. AND…many were sooo
touched by my generosity they gave me the “You’re #1 finger!”…at least that’s what I made it
mean
September 18th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Rejoined the GYM after a year & 1/2 of paying & not motivating myself to break a sweat. Yes ! me the greatest motivator of all. Went to the Farmer’s Market and treated myself to Teriaky Stick, churros and kettle corn (I know no act of CHANGE here). To “crown” my romantic date with myself bought flowers and “strolled” like a bride. @ the traffic light on my way to my car a homeless lady ( That I see for years everywhere, Pittsburg, Antioch, Bay Point) approaches me and asks for $$$. @ first I had the attitude OK, I know you. You are always around. She said:”Yes I have been homeless for many years. I get into shelters and get really depressed , loose everything and am on the street.” My light was green. I told her. : ” I do not feel comfortable in giving you $$$, I would love to by you dinner @ the farmers Market. She said you do not have to explain , God bless you and thank you for the time. Yes , she chose the Teriaky. While I was waiting for her food I looked @ her & thought : ” What chances defined that you are where you are and not me where you stand and vice verse?.” I thought you could be my Mom, Aunt, sister… And YES we are sisters. Bought flowers for my neighbor that used to have her hip pop (Rap) music blasting (we share a wall). Thanked her for all the times that she put her music down when I asked her to. Turns out she is also ADHD. I am still eating Kettle corn . Good Night
September 18th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I made some delicious soup and shared it with co-workers.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
this one is for Kekoa , & Sela ;;
i have NEVER in my whole life felt so strong ;
i really want to thank you for that opportunity that i got to have .
i went through ChallengeDay in 6th grade , ient through it in 8th , for half of my schools 7th graders ,
*as a MauiHero* then for another half the next day .
Personally , i feel like ChallengeDay changed my life .
i really hope L0KELANi ITERMEDiATE gets another opportunity like this one .
Kekoa , Sela , i want to thank you with all my heart for giving me the chance to do this amazing day again .
im not sure if you’ll remember me , but im J0Y , the girl with the bright Blue shorts on the 16th of September ,
& then wearing Yellow shorts on the 2nd day .
i L0VE & RESPECT both of you , & all these wonderful people who do this ChallengeDay miracle as a job ;
Love , J0Y TAB0N of L0KELANi INTERMEDIATE (:
* also , a MAUi HER0 (: *
September 17th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I paid for the road toll for every person behind me all the way from Miami to the Florida Keys. It was fun to see the toll taker’s reactions.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
While in Florida I bought a homeless person a sandwich
September 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Today I picked up all the dirty paper towels in the men’s room at the airport. I hate it that so many of us leave a mess for others to pick up
September 17th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Yesterday some students at the high school where i’m interning found a beautiful little black and white kitten. I arranged for him to get a complete workup at the vet all his shots, neutering, testing for leukemia, and other animal diseases, etc… Then once he’s out of the vet, he’ll be fostered until he’s adopted. I named him Trinity after the high school!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Just wanted to say kudos to Kerry Walker from Pilgrim R.I. I was very touched by your post on the 7th of September. I too have multiple sclerosis and was really touched that although you have no idea who I am, you have worked so hard to make a difference in my life. Thanks for all of your hard work!!!! You DO make a difference!!!!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Hi, im Tyler Koppel from PCNorth High School i just wana thank those people Jennifer and Kayree cause if it weren’t for them i swear i probably would have ended my life soon theve changed me. i thought that this thing was going to be a blow off to get out of school and i took that and so i really didnt care. but when i played the line game thats when i really started to feel so stupid to end my life then cause i new it wasnt right. i never ever new that there where so many people that had the same problem as me and some other worse…. than me. i thank you with all my heart Jennifer and Kayree cant wait to see you again =’) (no more depressed cause of you) =)
the next day i felt different like i could make a change and i did i sat by this girl who wasnt so popular with anyone it seemed like she had no friends so i sat down with here and ask what her name was and what she likes to do and we sat together until i had to go to lunch nd i was not embarrassed about it at all!!!!
thanks bye
September 16th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I have never been to a challenge day, however my son just completed one and he was quite thrilled. He could not stop talking about it. He even told me that he cried and wanted to take responsibility for his own actions. It is tough for a 14 year old boy to admit to crying in front of his peers. He also told me that there wasn’t a dry eye among any of the students. He spoke very highly of one of the leaders that I only know as J.R. I was so touched by his story and “Acts of Change” that yesterday when my neighbor ran over with a small bird needing to be taken to the Bird Sanctuary here in the Keys, I didn’t hesitate to take it for her. (She was in the middle of clean up from Hurricane Ike). It made me feel great to do such a small favor for her. My son went along too.
Together he and I are renewing our bond as mother and son. It seems he is able to open up to me more and without fear or shame. Congrats to all of you for such an amazing program. It has touched me so much, that I am going to volunteer my time in the future!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Challenge Day was soo amazing!! I just wanna thank u guys for teaching me and my fellow classmates soo much about each other.. i am now friends with people i never thought i would talk to! u taught me to be respectful and that everyone has feelings and everyone should be treated equally. so thank you so much! steph.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:43 am
I worked in a school that hosted a “Challenge Day”. I was a leave replacement and therefore not allowed to participate in the event because I was only there for the school year. That didn’t stop me from learning about what Challenge Day is and what it does for schools. While I worked in that school I encouraged the Challenge Day participants to continue the work that began on their Challenge Day. I now work in a totally new place and try to bring those lessons with me. I encourage the kids to empathize with others, make genuine apologies to people, and pay kindness forward. I hope one day to participate in Challenge Day and be part of the change but until then, I will work on passing on the little pieces of your message that I have learned from my former students.
September 14th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Last week The Greater Nashville Circle of Change, loved up on our wonderful leaders, Berenice and Ray Ray by having care packages waiting on them in their hotel room (healthy snacks, water, a few goodies), took them out to eat at the famous “Loveless Cafe” where they had their pictures made with the “Biscuit Lady”, brought them Panara Lunch on one of the Challenge Days so they didn’t have to eat “school food” (thanks for the idea Pam…we will get you next time)and bought them a gift card to Cracker Barrel for dinner so Ray-Ray could try some PECAN PANCAKES…that man seems to love pancakes!! Southern Hospitality for all those who come to visit!! (for our previous 4 leaders…we owe you a few treats!)
September 14th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
A couple of weeks ago, the 22 year old resource officer from my daughter’s middle school passed away. I knew that Monday was going to be so stressful for a lot of people and was frustrated that I wasn’t there to help. So I “noticed” my frustration, “chose” to do something and I “acted”/ took all the counselors, principals and front office staff in Starbucks in the afternoon, to give them a little boost and support. I was right…it had been a long day for all of them and they really appreciated it.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Passed out cards asking people to
Pick ONE person
And for ONE minute
At ONE o’clock
to pray for that person.:)
September 14th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Today I brought a stray grocery cart in with me to use for my shopping. After grocery shopping, I returned my cart to the corral and straighted out the rest of the carts in the corral so additional carts could be brought in without overflowing out into the driving lane.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Yesterday talked to a stranger @ Borders. She said she was not used when people were nice to her. I just stood up and got her some iced water. I got her a gift card and asked the cashier to give it to her. (she does not know it was from me). I payed for the root beer of a boy and he was really thankful. He wanted to pay for some candy for myself. I said know and I handed him the card. He went to get his mom and we talked a little, shared some ideas and I took her to the Self Help shelf and left her reading ” I can do it ” by Louise L. Hay. I gave the boy my last”NOTICE CHOOSE ACT” bracelet . So that means I am stooping @ the office aka “HUG CENTER” early next week.
September 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am
At Cafe Oasis, I bought the man behind me his coffee. He was shocked and couldn’t stop saying “Thank you”. I told him that it was no problem but he now has homework … PAY IT FORWARD!
Yeah for him and ME!
September 12th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Richie brought me a bamboo plant with a note in it that said “Thank You”. I felt so appreciated by him.
September 12th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Today, Mandy called me for a morning wake up call. She left me the sweetest message and it totally touched my heart!
September 12th, 2008 at 9:41 am
This group came to my town in 2008, and boy was it fun emotional, and learnative. I learned that I wasn’t the only kid in my school, that didn’t have the stereotype life on T.V, like everyone wants. I shared a big part of my past, and how it effected the way I saw things. I will always be greatful to these people, and how afterwards, things slowly are changing around our school, for the better. I have had alot of sadness, as a child of molestation, bipolar disorder at a young age, and still effecting me, and my historyu of being both Jewish and Christian, and being made up of many cultures. But for that day, I was like everyone else, and they were like me. God bless, and thank you.
Livi
September 11th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Our Challenge Day Leaders Ray Ray and Bernie were on their way to the airport in TN after their 4th Challenge Day this week and they spotted someone with car trouble on the side of the road and pulled over to help them! Way to Be The Change!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Today I called a student down to my office who has been accused of bringing drugs to school. When
he arrived in my office he was defensive, angry and said he didn’t need “counseling.” His hair
was over his eyes and he refused to look at me. I explained that my intention was simply to know his heart and heart and hear his story. He looked up, pushed his hair out of his eyes, gave me the biggest smile
and said “I love music.” We did several “If you really knew me’s…” and he walked out of my
office grinning from ear to ear.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I am donating blood again this coming Sat in Pleasant Hill, CA (every 3 months). My act of CHANGE is to invite each one of us to do the same (if you can & wish to). Each time we donate we save 3 lives.
Blessings,
Nadia
September 10th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Today my friend was looking at a paper, she told me it was for a peer mediation sign up sheet. She kept looking at the sheet and I knew somethign was wrong. I gave her some suggestions on how to improve the paper to make it better than what it was. Like for an example she didn’t restate the question in her awnser. After that tip she was super excited to hand in the sheet to the teacher. I was happy to help!
September 10th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I was very intentional with my appreciations today
September 10th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I spread love by bringing plants to important support people in my office
September 10th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Everytime I go to the post office - I make it a point to clean up the trash just outside the door
September 10th, 2008 at 8:39 am
While walking at the marina I smiled and said Hi to every person I passed.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Payed lunch for my friend and her mom and she immediately said: ” Next time it is my turn, I want to do something nice for you”. I told her : ” Not so fast. Just accept and know that this is my pleasure and… here are some pay forward cards for you. Scatter kindness wherever you go.” We finish our lunch ” brainstorming” , ideas, places, opportunities to share some LOVE.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
While leaving the grocery store I found a wallet on the ground. Determined to find out whose it was so I could return it to them, I searched the wallet for some way to reach the person. While looking I also saw about 7 credit cards, ID, and about 900 dollars in cash. Finally, I found a business card, sure enough it matched the name on the driver’s license. So I called and left message after message. When he finally answered his phone he sounded so relieved. I told him that I would meet him at the same grocery store that I found it at. (Always good to do things like that in a public place) Standing by the checkout lines, in a fairly small grocery store with only about 4 registers and 6 isles, recognizing him from his ID picture I saw him walk in. I walked up to him and said, “have you missed it?”. He seemed surprised by the fact that I was so young, and was probably preparing himself for all the cash to be gone. When he looked and saw that everything but his business card had been untouched he tried offering me 100 dollars. Refusing to take the cash, we were making quite the scene in the grocery store with a conversation of “no, really, please, take it” and “no I really cant”. By this time he had told me that that if he had not gotten his ID back then he wouldnt have been able to fly home because he was on vacation. After refusing time and again to take the 100 dollars, I told him the way he could pay it forward would to be to give it to charity. So he then walked over to a jar at one of the registers and put a 100 dollar bill in it to donate to the American Cancer Society. I think we both left with a great feeling of doing something good, and setting a good example for everyone that saw it transpire in the store.
it was a good day
September 9th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I bought someone a Be The Change bumper sticker.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I volunteered to help the Make A Wish Foundation rush a wish to a boy with only 2 weeks to live. We met at the zoo and threw him a big party. He then got a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo, fed the giraffes, and got toys and cake and ice cream, all his favorite stuff. Really touching. He was sad at first, but then started having fun, smiling and laughing.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Yesterday I had some arrands to run for work and Yvonne let me use her van. Yvonne thank you for being so generous. I learn from your every action. I love you like my own Ma!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Being the best buddy ever, Mandy calls me every morning to make sure that I am awake… she knows getting out of bed in the morning has been challenging for me in the past. I thank you so much Mandy for taking the time to support me like that. It really lets me know you care and that you’ll have my back when I need you.
Thanks Mandis… I love you!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am
My moms boss and his nephew came to my moms and helped her plant close to 20 plants that needed to be in the ground. They also took two loads of things to the dumps and came back to her house and helped her put a new chair together. I mean, they really went out of their way for my ma! Thanks so much!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Over the weekend I took a friend, who doesn’t have a car, to run all the arrands she needed to run.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:53 am
This morning at Starbucks, a guy who had only been trained on the register, was working the coffee
bar. He was nervous (due to the crowd) and commented how he hated “the bar”. I grabbed my drink and head taking a sip while I exited. It truly was the perfect drink! I went back in and told him that
it was the BEST iced latte - it was perfect…..He smiled BIG!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:27 am
I am a high school teacher. I will try my best to treat all students the same no matter who they
are or how badly they have behaved in my class. Like Aretha Franklin sings……..R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
I promise to remember how many students stood up when they acknowledged difficult situations they
have lived through.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I’m practicing turning off the water in the shower when I don’t HAVE to have it.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I sent a note to our director of music at church saying, “may your day today be filled with joy, creativity, productivity and the peace that passes all understanding.” He was seeming stressed about our new schedule for the band, etc. I hope it makes his day! Also, I wrote on my own wall on Facebook: Here is a challenge for you: Each day this week find ONE thing you can do to make the world a better place. Maybe you call a friend you’ve been missing. Maybe you take a meal to someone who has been sick. Maybe you pick up trash on the side of the road. YOU decide, and YOU can make a difference!
September 8th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I went back to a trash can full of bottles and cans - took them out and recycled them
September 8th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I paid for a man’s food that lost his wallet
September 8th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I saw a bunch of trash off of the side of the road. My first thought was to just leave it because I could not see an
immediate place to park. But then I flipped around and found a place directly on the other side of the road. I picked it all up.
I even ran after the peices that were flying in the wind from the trucks going by.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Our HOA has communal pools and hot tubs, one set of which I have been maintaining all summer (filling and cleaning on Saturday mornings). I do this for everyone, but expecially the kids.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Natalie went out over the weekend and bought a new part to fix our office toilet then came in and replaced it too! Thanks Natalie. Way to Be The Change you wish to see in the office.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:25 am
As I was leaving a nail appointment, I said goodbye to the receptionist, who I had not seen before. I thought to myself she had such a beautiful smile. I got outside and decided to turn around, go back in and tell her! She smiled even bigger!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I gave away half a sandwich to someone in need in exchange for the promise he would do an intentional act of change outside of his comfort zone.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I took the bus to work today to benefit the enviornment and my health!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:39 am
A woman who appeared to be homeless was asking for money outside the grocery store. She looked really unhappy and stressed. I asked her if she would like a hug. Her eyes lit up as she said yes. As we hugged she said “this is better than money… it’s contact”. He shared a nice long hug – she said: “I don’t want to let go” – so we hugged even longer.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:07 am
i sent notes to friends thanking them for being in my life!
September 7th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Driving to my daughter’s soccer game in Hayward , got lost, impatient, frustrated. Took an exit, stopped. Deep breaths and shared with my daughter Gabriela : ” I am so sorry that I am lost. I am feeling frustrated and angry. This is how it is in life … once you notice that you are not going where you want to BE. Stop, ask for directions and @ your earliest convenience, make a detour and get back on the road.” So we did. We reached the field on time . My daughter’s team lost the game and we both won a new approach when things do not go they way we planned.
September 7th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
If you really knew me… you’d know that I spent this weekend on the Cape for the MS Challenge walk. This is a 50 mile walk over 3 days. (there are 9 across the country) http://challengemam.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Challenge/MAMChallengeWalkEvents?fr_id=8862&pg=entry is the website for the Central New England chapter.. so far, this year’s challenge walk has raised $997,028.00 with a goal of $1,500,000.00)
I did not walk this year instead, I was a member of the CREW supporting the walkers…. we packed luggage in trucks, set up tents, table and chairs. we set up sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. we cheered the walkers on as they entered and exited the lunch stop and cheered them on again when they crossed the finish line at the end of each day (some who have MS and others who are out there walking for the cause). we hung up walls for the tents to prevent the rains from entering the tents, picked up items and moved other items to get them out of the rain (tables, chiars, benches, coolers, food, etc.). I also took over 1000 pictures as the LUNCH BUNCH CREW photographer. The pictures are printed and given to the walkers… There is also a nightly slideshow where random pictures from the day are displayed at the night time celebration (an opportunity for all to enjoy some of the pictures I took). we were busy for 80% of the day, which lasted from 6:30 am til 10:00pm. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!
If you really knew me, you’d know that my brother has MS, he was diagnosed in 2004. He struggles at times with vision, mobility, stability, confused neurological signals, caring for his daughter and many other things we take for granted… He along with so many others… some of those people were at the Cape this weekend with me. Some people couldn’t be there, but their family members and or friends were there to support them. Some people just came out to support finding a cure for this challenging disease.
from nmss.org: In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—with 200 more people diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.5 million people
On Saturday. We heard the personal story of 4 people with MS and how it has affected their lives… One who hid it from her family for years, one a spouse supporting her husband and 2 individuals who inspire us to keep going…. we also had a candle ligth vigil (yes, in the winds of Tropical storm Hannah) the candles represent the “light of hope” to finding a cure… as we sat in the tent, all of the people who have MS stood up and lit their candle… then spouses or partners of someone with MS lit their candles.. then the parents… then the siblings… then the other relatives… then friends, co workers… then those who are there just because…. we all held our candles as high as we could to create one light… WHAT A POWERFUL EXPERIENCE…
every year, this event brings hundreds of people to a campground on the Cape for 3 days, some bring friends and/or family, some make friends, after the vigil, we become one united family, who go back to see “their family” year after year. this year there were over 800 people from 22 states at the event… from New England to as far away as california and florida…
I challenge everyone to attend an event like this as a participant or a crew (remember both are equally as important) at least once in their life…
3 days, 50 miles, closer to a cure…
September 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
It is Sat and it is HOT. I am home giving away books, miscellaneous, clothes, toys, office supplies, etc.
Making ROOM for the NEW in my HOME & LIFE. It feels GOOD
Amen, Awomen. I am in gratitude, sweaty and joyfully peaceful.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
This is a huge one for me… (IYRKM…)I have been single for a couple of years and today I said “NO” to a handsome, sizzling hot 35 years old single man that wanted to have “wild sex” with me. My mouth is still watering and I said “NO”. Because I want more and I deserve more. My old tools were dying to jump out of my “box”. Also payed the toll to the car behind me(Benicia) & Starbucks coffee for a stranger (American Canyon). Passed the card the cards except to the first one.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Girls Awareness Program at Trinity High School. I am amazed at this group of young ladies, their hearts and their desire to do community service. One of the projects that they are wanting to do is paint over grafitti. Another project is doing a hygiene product drive for a local battered women’s shelter. We’re doing lots of stuff for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Also, these girls go twice a month to walk the dogs at the local animal shelter and are putting on an Animal Adoption Fair on September 27th to raise funds for spaying and neutering. They also visit elderly people in nursing homes and write to soldiers overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan!!!
I am in total awe of these young ladies and can’t wait to work with them this year on their service projects.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
My husband spent the night at our neighbors while they were out of town and took care of their dog since they did not have anyone to care for him.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am
My boss brought in one of my favorite drinks and left it on my desk today!
September 4th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Today, I dove head first into the toilet tank in the birdie bathroom at the CD office…Alone, this may not be an act of change, but the fact that I played Ms. Fix-It and repaired the faulty toilet-flushy, broken-chainy device, assures me a spot on the “Act of Change” Hall of Fame!
September 4th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I am a high school vice principal in the beautiful state of Rhode Island. Recently we had a Next Step workshop here and aproximately 35 of my fellow teachers and students attended. The workshop was phenomenal, as anyone who has been to a Next Step training can attest, but the best part has come in the week or so following. As the vice principal, who has been through four Challenge Days and two Next Step’s I was so excited to have the support of a dozen or so teachers when I decided to run a mini workshop with all of my faculty, approx. 120 teachers. The focus was getting to know, really know other teachers, many of whom they had probably worked with for many, many years. The end result has been the personalization and interaction activities that dozens of the teachers have been using in their classes and advisories. I would estimate that approx 400 to 500 students have gone through these activities in the first week of school. The climate in the school has never been better amongst students, teachers and administrators alike. I very much look forward to this year and will blog again as the Change continues.
September 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Bought a $10 gift card @ Borders Pleasant Hill and asked the cashier to give it to the next person in line with a pay forward card.
I RESPONDED to anger and aggression with PEACE & LOVE.
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I sent e-mails to my far away relatives to tell them I love them! and how much they mean to me.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
A couple of ladies were here visiting from Washington State and they specificially wanted to volunteer to help the American Red Cross with evacuees from the hurricane. They didn’t have much of an opportunity being as it was only a couple of hours one day while they were here. But they made a BIG difference helping to set up the command center. Thanks Lyn and Kiersten!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Go Rich!!!! I’ll make sure to log at least 3 acts of change. If you let me know a specific date, I’ll do double duty on acts of change on YOUR birthday to help you celebrate the day you were born. YOU ROCK!!!!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I went and volunteered with evacuees from Hurricane Gustav. I committed to volunteer 4 hours 3 times per week for the next 3 weeks to help evacuees find all the services that they needed while in my hometown.
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
My mom did all of my laundry and suprised me with it today. I didn’t even ask her to help me.. she just did! I am so blessed with the most GIVING mom EVER!
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I have recently gotten the office a new mailing machine.. well the scale is broken and we have had to take trips to the post office to get our “packages” posted and mailed. I am under a deadline and asked one of our newest Challenge Day laeders, Michael, if he would do an Act of Change for me and for the organization. Not only did he accept instantly but he went above and beyond what I neeeded. I really appreciate acts of kindness like this. I feel honored to have Michael as a Leader and to have the opprotunity to watch him dive into life like he has. Michael and I went to High School together and barely talked with one another. Now we see eachother everyday! YEAH! Go Michael! Thank you so much.
You are walking act of change!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
At the last Next Step workshop in Rhode Island, I ran into the secretary from the school. I acknowledged that I know who really does the work at the school and holds things together. We talked for a short while. Each day of the workshop, I’d stop by and connect with her. On the last day, I brought a miniature rose bush and left it on her desk with a “pay it forward” card. Positive rumors reached me later that said “she smiled through her tears”. My challenge is do keep watching for the people who are behind the scenes and let them know they are seen.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
The last few times I shopped at the neighborhood Safeway, I made donations to the Muscular Dystrophy campaign.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:05 am
Even though I hardly use it and am very stubborn about cleaning other people’s dishes, I cleaned my kitchen last night. I did everyone’s dishes, cleaned the counters, the little nobs on the stove, the hood
AND did the dishes in the sink this morning AND put away half the dishes in the dishwasher.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 am
when running yesterday morning -and on most of my runs, on the way back i intentionally pick up trash from the street………..especially things that go in our recycling bin.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I called my wife and told her how lucky I was to be in her life. Man I am blessed!
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I stopped and went out of my way to pick up trash on the way into school - I said hi to every one I paqssed along the way
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I asked my friend to organize my 50th birthday party and instead of gifts asked my invitees to log at least three acts of change - Look for a big spike in November!
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I double tipped a waitress tonight and wrote her a note that told her to pay if forward she came over and told us how she bragged about teh note - she was very happy and promised to log her acts of change
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I filled all the ice trays in my friends house - The wife is pregnant and really lovesz her ice
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Shared the process after experiencing it in Tn. with colleagues in Md. The first impression they had was to ask whether the schools in Montgomery County used the tools and to see how they could bring the program in to help their community. Keep up the mission and the vision.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I paid for the person behind me on the bridge!
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I went to the beach all by myself! AOC for me!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
My neighbor across the street is from China. I went to her house to pick up my kids and found out she didn’t know how to cook and was trying to bake some cookies for our kids. One thing I’ve notice, our kids were so Surprise and Excited just to see us together helping eachother. My heart was so overwelmed with joy!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
Recently after having breakfast at a restaurant I tipped my waitress 100% and left her a note
letting her know how amazing I thought she was!
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:26 am
A fellow circle member was flying into my hometown for a conference this weekend. I made sure to pick her and her friends up at the airport and take them back to the airport. On my way out of the airport I gave them extra money and told them to take care of the cars behind me.
August 31st, 2008 at 8:32 am
I bought lunch for a stranger at Subway the other day. It turns out he was the pastor of a church. Who better to buy lunch for than someone who serves the community in this manner.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
i made the greeting on my mom’s phone “be the change”.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Today the firefighters were outside collecting money for muscular distrophy. I told my aunt to stop and donated $23 dollars. I wanted to give more, but it was all the cash I had! It felt really good to make a difference!
August 29th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Yesterday I payed the toll for the car behind me ,gave the card to be handed to the driver and run as fast as I could so he could not say THANK YOU. He tried his best, but he couldn’t catch up.
Today I cleaned my mirrors and wrote loving,encouraging, up lifting affirmations for myself and my childre.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I went to a Chinese Restaurant and saw a homeless guy outside asking people for 50 cents to buy him a burger cause he’s hungry. SO I took him into the Chinese Restaurant and bought him dinner, and then paid for 10 more dinners for him for the next 10 days so that he wouldn’t have to worry about where he was going to get his next meal from for the next 10 days. Also made sure I was paying for food, so I worked it out with the Restaurant Manager on how this homeless guy would be able to redeem his dinner each day/night.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I had SOOO much food left over from my daughters Bday Luau that I took about 8 BIG Pans of food over to the homeless shelter.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
i love when ever we confese everything in our heart on agusut 27,2008 on the mance park.i wish that every one could have an appotunite 2 do this fun acttivite
August 27th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Mailing postcards weekly to an acquaintance that was diagnosed with cancer just to let him know he’s being thought of.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I sat with a student at my internship today that was 18 years old. She had made a lot of mistakes. I focused on connecting with her at a heart level and understanding where she had been. I was able to encourage her to acknowledge herself for the changes that she’s made in her life instead of beating herself up.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I started my internship today. i went to lunch with another intern. I told the server to find a table of one with a child and bring me their check. since their wasn’t one, I bought the other interns lunch today. She was so impressed with what I was doing that she was going to something nice for someone else expecting nothing in return.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:09 am
today, I woke up early and cleaned up the house for my mother,
I’m still patiently waiting for her reaction!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
In the drivethru at Tim Horton’s (a coffee/donut shop in Canada), I paid for the lady’s order in the car behind me! I left a message with the clerk to tell her to pay it forward. I would have loved to see her face when she pulled up to the window!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
ok i was in it 2 day and i really got 2 do thing that i would have never dramed at school but i wont 2 thank all yll yall really helped me 2 day
August 25th, 2008 at 5:53 am
On my morning walk, I picked up all the newspapers and brought them to people’s front porches.
It was really fun to see people look at me on the main street near my house.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
i gave some money to a homeless person today!
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I thought of a good friend who I have not seen for a long time. I called her to tell her that I miss her and that she is always in my heart.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:50 am
I wrote notes to everyone in my house telling them how much they ment to me.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:34 am
Last night we went to dinner after Next Step - We had a great wiatress named Kim - Kim totally went along with our loving her up - She joined us in giving thanks and through out the meal consistently recieved and shared our appreciations. At the end of the meal we decidied to give her an extra large tip we gave her a hug and went to find the manager and praised her love and service.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I used one of those cards and took it out at the 360 burrito and the guy behind the counter was like “wow that doesn’t happen very often” This guy walked in with all these tattoos, someone that stereotypically would be scary. I said “I would like to buy your dinner.” He said “why?” I said “just because. All you have to do is do something nice for someone else.” He said “I’ll do that!” and I handed him the card. He said “What is your name? I’m going to write down this website and check it out.”
August 21st, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I bought a $10 gift card at Panera and told the cashier to give it to the next person in line. She was so surprised she forgot to give me my number and handed the gift card back to me. I had to tell her a second time that I wanted her to give it to the next person in line but not to tell them who it was from. Lots of fun!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
I called my best friend and had an “If you really knew me” conversation with her.
It was great to connect on this level with her.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
Today I swept my sister’s kitchen floor.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:16 am
Wow, I loved reading these acts of change. It’s great to see this movement spreading. It’s totally contagious.
Today I agreed to help someone write a constitution to charter a student organization and to be a part of the student organization to help it get going.
August 21st, 2008 at 7:47 am
At my work I told a woman I would help her with her groceries…I went beyond what I was suppose to do and tied them up ..put them away and threw out the trash in her cae and didn’t accept a tip. She was pleased and went home very happy.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:54 am
Preventing my friends from using words like gay and other words. I no longer say it.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
After Challenge Day - I changed - I interrupted racist and sexist comments my friends were making - I told them it wasn’t right.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I wrote and read an appreciation note to my brother - He was moved to tears. I felt proud of the risk I took. I love my brother.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Walking through a parking lot - I stepped over three pieces of trash - I saw the custodian trying to clean up and I intentionally went back and did my part to clean up.
August 20th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Tonight after Next step we challenged participants to do an act of change - mine was to enroll our table at dinner to do a standing ovation and to applaud our waitress. The group agareed and since it was a Japanese Steak house the servers were used to this kind of attention - Our waitress on the other hand was moved. She said we were now her new favorite customers - Over and over she came back smiling asking for more - It was great fun!
August 19th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Today I told our mechanic what a fabulous job he was doing and I referred two friends to his business.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Today I brought iced tea back to the secretaries in the office after I ran out for a minute. They have been working so hard to get ready for the school year and deserved a fresh drink and a few minutes to talk and laugh.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Yesterday I took my neighbor’s dogs on a walk since they were going to be gone all day.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I helped someone in need find a doctor and helped them figure out payment that was affordable for them.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I was at a store yesterday and noticed a young lady crying and a guy/man that was standing by her. SO I just watched for a bit and saw her crying and then he snuck a punch upside her head. There were at least 5 other people around watching but didn’t do anything. So I slowly walked towards the couple ’cause I wasn’t sure if they were a couple or if he was just harrassing her. If you really knew me, I’m NOT the one to bud into people’s busines. But I looked she was crying and he was kind of pushing her and hitting her. So I stepped up, yelled HEYYYYY, and then asked her DO YOU NEED HELP? She said yes, with tears in her eyes. He hit her again, and I stepped in, kind of shoved him to the side and told him if he hits her again I’m calling the police. He walked away and I asked her if she was ok and she just kept crying. I called the police EVEN though she didn’t want me to. Then told her IT IS NOT ok for ANYONE to be putting their hands on you like that. Then went about my way.
August 19th, 2008 at 11:11 am
My Mom has been in the hospital for a bit now and the nurses & Dr.’s have been AWESOME. They have been so LOVING and CARING towards my mom and have been taking really good care of her. So yesterday after work when I went to visit my Mom I bought a good size box of brownies for the nurses station.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I went through the office trash and recycled any cans or bottles I found
August 18th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I bought lunch for a homeless woman and her son. We sat and talked about life and relationships. She shared her story. At one point she was a high powered business woman who lost her job when the economy changed - she was brillant and grateful for the conversation
August 18th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I paid for dinner for the man behind me. He was shocked and committed to do the same. I also told the person behin dthe counter all about Challenge Day and the Be the Change Movement - It was FUN!
August 17th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I read book after book to my Godson 7 while at the same time baby sitting my grandson 8 months - Honestly I don’t know who got more out of the deal
August 17th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I go out of my way to make sure to call my mother everyday - since she is my shero for looking out for my dad who has Alzheimer’s
August 17th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I washed dishes and cleaned house for my friends while they were out of town - They were shocked and grateful when they came home
August 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Started a buisness selling peace buttons in support of a peaceful world
August 17th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I showed someone poison oak so they didn’t catch it - It waas a fun hike
August 17th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I told my mom I loved her and hugged her ectra long
August 17th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I wrote a love note to my wife on our bathroom mirror
August 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I sent a just because appreciation card to a friend I was thinking about.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Driving into a crowed parking lot I was the first person to a spot - sweeing the driver of the van also approaching had kids in the car I thought it would be nice to give her my spot - As it turned out I had to park in the next lot - I laughed at the fact that I guess I needed the exercise - It felt good to do it!
August 17th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Everyday I go to the gym - I buy 2 papers and share them with the group of people who gather out front - It’s become a joke that I’m the paper boy - Today one of the group did an act of change for me - they stopped me - looked me in the eyes and said thank you for being so loving - he said my generousity and sense of humor touch his heart. Talk about pay it forward!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
My act of change was giving a call to a person I’ve been thinking about, and really connecting with them instead of just thinking about how they were.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
One more act of change - Coming in from Challenge Day trips I often make it my practice to stand up every suitcase that comes down the belt so that they are easy to grab. This last trip if I saw the person grab it I handed them a Be the Change - pay it forward card - It was great I met at least 5 new people in the process. They all committed to Be the Change!
August 15th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
On our last trip to Texas - I decided to pay the tolls for the person directly behind my on the toll roads. I left pay-it-forward cards with an invitation to join the movement
August 15th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
My wife and I took our usual walk in the woods close to our house. As we walked we found that the liter on the side of the path was starting to be a distraction - We decided to Be the Change. In addition to enjoying our walk - We decided to collect all the trash we could hold. It felt great to make a difference.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I had a great time - the first day we had our Be the Change Pay-it-forward cards - I took one to the cafe next store to our office - I gave it to the cashier and said give it to any customer they want. I would be back to pay the bill - Impressed and happy she said she would.
When I returned to pay the bill - she said she had not used it yet - seeing a man in front of me in line - I gestured to use it on him - The man was delighted and promised to pay the gesture forward.
Perhaps the best part was the owner who came out and asked if she could get cards to use in her church youth group. The movement is on!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I have decided to get more involved in motivating young and old people too make a change in our community and schools. I truly realize the change must start in me. I”m committed to help our youth realize they do matter and that life is worth the living. Incouraging popular youths to start showing compassion toward the youth who feel left out or lonely. We are promoting challenge day every tuesday morning before classes start. Love you!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Today I bought some pomagranite ice tea for my co-worker. I know she loves it and so I suprised her and put it on her desk for when she came in.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Yesterday I was getting my car washed and a man in a big gray Dodge truck drove up next to me. He had a cowboy hat on, a long pony tail and an Oakland A’s t-shirt on. I immediately loved him. I felt and immediate attraction. Not like “attracted” but his energy was really warm. As I go inside to pay for my carwash, I notice that my coyboy is in line in front of me I immediately tell him that I want to pay for his car wash. He is shocked and keeps asking me if I am sure and I keep reassuring him that I am. I ask him his name(Rich) and hand him a “Be the Change - Pay it Forward” card and explained the purpose of the card. I told him that this is a reminder for him to do something totally nice and “intentional” for someone else. Once he had done that for someone, he would then give the same card I gave to him to the person he did and act of change for. He was sooo excited and told me that it made his day. What I told him is that HE made my day. I knew that I liked him from the very first time I saw him. There was a twinkle in his eye. Any-whoo… that’s my act!
Cheers,
Nat
August 13th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
While having lunch with my grandchildren at a local fast-food restaurant, there were 3 Jr. High girls who were having a good time, but getting more and more boisterous. As I passed them, one of the girls was taking the ketchup and mayo from her burger and smearing it across the table while the others laughed. Then they started throwing ketchup at each other. I grabbed some napkins and stopped by their table and said, “You might want to use these. Your Mom might be embarrassed if she saw the table this way” and walked away. I left for a moment,then came back to their table and sat down. I said, “Hi, My name is ______ and I just wanted to introduce myself so you don’t think that I’m just another crazy lady hasseling teenagers. What are your names?” After they introduced themselves I continued…” Looking at them I said,” I’m sorry if I embarrassed you in any way, but I know you are all smarter than that. I know sometimes smart people do stupid things, but you’re not stupid. You are better than this. Know what I mean.?” They looked at each other in agreement. They revealed that they were really good friends of my grandaughter and asked if my grandaughter could join their table. I agreed and as I walked away I heard them tell my grandaughter “Your grandma is so cool.”
August 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
So as a new single mom I really needed to get away and go on a mini vacation. while I was gone I had childcare arranged and planned on picking up my baby at a specific time. While in Tahoe in a Casino my purse was robbed the night before I had to leave. I had to return to the casino the next morning a spend a long while with security. The good news is they found my wallet. The bad news was I was going to be late to pick up my baby and it was going to be a problem. Without even speaking with my best friend Natalie to ask for help she took the initive to go pick up my baby bring him home, feed him and completly take care of the whole situation without me even asking. If that’s not a selfless act of change I don’t know what is! Thanks Natalie!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I bought a man lunch last week.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I returned a stranger’s shopping cart for them at the grocery store.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Last night my friend and I took some extra time to validate our server at a pizza joint.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The other day I drove my bosses van. The gas tank was nearly empty. I filled it up and ran the van through the carwash before I returned it.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Today I logged an act of change to support this incredible organization!
August 13th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Yesterday I helped post flyers for an event a friend of mine is involved with.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
This morning I surprised my sweetie by doing the dishes.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
today, i helped carry my neighbors garbage in
yeah me!