MY TURN-I don’t know about all of you, but even as a political junkie ... I’ve had enough! Enough nastiness. Enough recriminations. Enough political pundit analysis.
I was in a quandary what to write about this week, when I received an invitation in my email from good friend Warren Holden, Chair of Council District 3 Public Safety Coalition. It was so completely opposite of what we have been exposed to... in what seems like an eternity... that my curiosity was piqued.
Did you know that there is a World Kindness Week? World Kindness Day is on November 13, 2014.It is a day that encourages individuals to overlook boundaries, race and religion. According to modern psychology, altruistic acts increase our own happiness in a profound way.
The World Kindness Day was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries, including Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates.
Kindness is the act or the state of being kind – i.e. marked by goodness and charitable behavior, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions according to Wikipedia.
In conjunction there is an International Kindness Day celebration called “Dance for Kindness” occurring on November 9. Apparently it is being celebrated in seventy Cities across the world. It will take place in LA at Westfield Mall in Century City? I had never heard of this event, or movement but it is a bit ironical to have it so soon after the U.S. election.
In 2012, the event took place in 30 locations simultaneously, spanning across 15 countries including: Mexico, India, Russia, Australia, Singapore, Chile, Canada, and in over 10 locations in the US.In 2013, Dance For Kindness took place in over 40 cities spanning across 25 countries with national and international news coverage, It was watched by millions. Over 25,000 dancers and spectators took part in “Dance for Kindness” all over the world.
What is Dance for Kindness?
According to their web site www.lifevestinside.com “To some, the world is filled with war, hatred, violence and hopelessness but together we have the power to fill this world with kindness, trust, hope and love. In honor of World Kindness Day, Life Vest Inside (LVI), a New York based non-profit organization initiated Dance For Kindness.
Participants range from all ages, genders, cultures and various walks of life. Those supporting the participants are also an integral part in this inspiring event, including: family members, friends, educators, college students, elementary and high school students, professionals from all industries, members of organizations and the public who join together to cheer on the dancers.
Where Dances are held
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The Dances takes place in various cities and countries across the Globe in honor of World Kindness Day. All Dances take place on the same date; this year the Dance will take Place on Sunday November 9th. All Dances are volunteer-run, and each event location is determined based upon response/ demand from local volunteers.
All unite under the banner of kindness and join together to perform a Kindness Freezmob/Flashmob to the same song, same dance, all happening on the same day.”
LVI IS on a mission to empower and unite the world with kindness. They set out to effect global change through inspirational media, technology, education, and on the ground social engagement.
The reason for the formation was to attack a problem: Lack of Self-Value. At the heart of all of the issues plaguing society today is a lack of self-esteem and empathy; people not recognizing just how amazing they truly are!
LVI is built as a means to combat these various social and emotional issues; from bullying, substance abuse, depression, peer pressure, and suicide, to name a few.
While there are programs developed as anti-bullying, anti-drug, and so forth – these programs only deal with the problem once it becomes a problem. LVI acts to prevent such issues from materializing by taking a proactive approach and empowering people to recognize their own value.
The Solution: Kindness is a universal language that transcends race, religion, ethnicity and nationality.
Through kindness, LVI has created connections and opened dialogue with people across the globe, including parts of the world torn apart by conflict.
This sounded like one of these “New Age” movements but after checking them out...they are the real deal. After all as it is said, “if you can make it in New York...you can make it anywhere”.
Founder/CEO of LVI Director of Kindness Boomerang Orly Wahba is an educator, entrepreneur, and community activist, passionate about inspiring and motivating people to be the best that they can be. She is an executive member of the World Kindness Movement.
Wahba began her career as a Middle School educator at the Yeshivah of Flatbush in Brooklyn, NY, teaching the children to embrace unity, build their self-esteem, and use the power they have to influence the world for good. Often quoted as saying, “Kindness, don’t just do it … LIVE IT!”
Yearning to make a larger impact with her philanthropic work and after having been inspired by a sign on a plane labeled “Life Vest Inside” She founded (2011) Life Vest Inside, a non-profit organization with a mission to encourage people to embrace the incredible power of giving and recognize that in times of hardship, kindness, like a life vest, keeps the world afloat.
LVI shot to national attention when Orly’s film Kindness Boomerang went viral, receiving more than 20 million views and coverage in national media outlets.
I asked Warren why he got involved in this movement, especially since he had just completed with his team, the FEMA Neighborhood Council great “shakeout” in Tarzana.
Warren is one of those community activists who does not grab the spotlight. He is always giving credit to the people working with him. He is passionate about developing ways to keep Angelenos safe in case of disaster. In his other life he is a long time music impresario managing hip hop, alternative music and rap groups throughout the U.S.
He said, “It really isn’t an oxymoron because keeping people safe in case of disaster goes hand in hand with keeping our society safe from ignorance, prejudice, selfishness, hate and superiority.
“Dance for kindness comes at a good time after the bruising U.S. elections. It is good to remind ourselves of our humanity and our obligations to our fellow humans for taking up space on this earth.”
How uplifting to be able to tell you about good things occurring in our world. I don’t know about you---but I really needed that!
As always comments welcome.
(Denyse Selesnick is a featured CityWatch contributor. She is a former Publisher/journalist/international event organizer.)
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue 90
Pub: Nov 7, 2014
Sidebar
CityWatch Los Angeles
Politics. Perspective. Participation.
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