“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall
Dear :
Welcome to our third FREE KINDNESS newsletter. We are SO excited to be on this journey with you.
Over the last month, we have made great strides in connecting with people and projects to help spread kindness in the following areas:
People
Animals
Environment
In addition to project work, we are creating #AOK (Acts of Kindness) Learning and Development based on the Roots & Shoots 4-Step Formula to Create a Community Project developed by the Jane Goodall Institute.
If you want to learn more about the Mission, Values, and Goals, visit our About page.
Let us know what you think. We welcome your participation as we spread kindness around the world.
Kindness Ambassador Member Community
The members of the Kindness Ambassador Community received a Cup of Kindness, handcrafted by Jacqueline Stanford, and a limited edition Kindness bracelet custom-designed and created by Laurel Ryan of Nautically Northern.
It was great fun to see these gifts arrive and to be able to share our gratitude for your generous contribution to Kindness Adventures.
And a special THANK YOU to those who were able to make our first Kindness Ambassador Member Community call last week. (WHOOPS! Forgot to take a screenshot!) We appreciate ALL of you and look forward to working, playing, and giving back together!
If you were on the call, we invited you to the Kindness Ambassadors WhatsApp Group. If you were unable to make the call and would like to join us on WhatsApp or if you have ANY questions or comments about the Kindness Ambassador program, contact Carolyn Info@KindnessAdventures.org
To learn more about becoming a Kindness Ambassador member, visit www.KindnessAdventures.org/Community
Vermont Disaster Relief Volunteering
In mid-August, Jacqueline and her son, Tom, traveled to Vermont. Tom is beginning his studies there and Jacqueline helped with the move-in. Having a few days to spare, Jacqueline volunteered with All Hands and Hearts - Volunteer-powered Relief.
"This summer, Vermont faced a devastating challenge as severe floods wreaked havoc on the community. I had the privilege of visiting Cabot, Vermont, and joining the dedicated volunteers of the All Hands and Heart Disaster Relief Organization. Together, we worked tirelessly to bring relief to the homes most severely affected by the floods. Our mission involved the daunting task of clearing debris and removing thick, stubborn mud from basements, crawl spaces, and lower floors. With unwavering determination, we donned personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety while scrubbing every wooden surface, eradicating any lingering mold. After thorough cleaning, we used sanitizing spray to restore a sense of cleanliness and hope. Witnessing the gratitude of homeowners overwhelmed by the generosity of both volunteers and the All Hands and Heart non-profit organization was a truly humbling experience. I highly recommend this organization and see an opportunity for our Kindness Adventures community to participate in the future."
A few kind words from those we served at All Hands and Hearts
"Take the time to really experience giving and not just write a check. Go to the places you are helping, because it will give you a different understanding of life, and a new dimension of joy and gratitude.” ~ Petra Nemcova, Co-founder
KINDNESS + ADVENTURES
Where we combine kindness in service and adventure in travel.
At Kindness Adventures, we are committed to fostering a culture of kindness and compassion, and to creating a supportive and inclusive community of like-minded women who are passionate about making a positive impact.
Destinations are chosen to provide a service of KINDNESS + a spark of ADVENTURE. Our non-profit brings together women to donate their skills in service and to enjoy their lives more fully through travel and adventure.
DESTINATION: Tijuana, Mexico & San Diego, California
November 8 - 15, 2023 -- Our first home!
Kindness Adventures heads to Tijuana, Mexico to build One Small House.
SOLD OUT!
We're excited to celebrate World Kindness Day in Tijuana, Mexico, followed by a Kindness Community Program in San Diego.
Follow us on social media to see the new home built and presented to the homeowner.
If you are interested in participating in our next project with One Small House in 2024, add your name to our list.
DESTINATION: Morocco - April or May 2024
We are VERY EXCITED about supporting young women in Morocco in 2024. We have identified a partner that will work with our Kindness Adventures team to
KINDNESS:
Helping community in Atlas Mountains.
ADVENTURES:
Hiking. Cultural Immersion. Traditional Spa Day.
Details available in October. Subscribe to the mailing list to be the first to hear.
DESTINATION: Morocco - Interest
Kind Recommendations
What to watch
Mission: Joy - Finding happiness in troubled times. Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama
Documentary available on Netflix
Though they came from very different worlds, faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds, they shared a kinship based on compassion and joy.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
-Desmond Tutu
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
- Dalai Lama
What to cook
If you garden, you’re probably wondering what to do with all that zucchini! After making numerous breads, soups, etc. I have found this wonderful vegetable can be easily shredded and frozen. A scoop of frozen zucchini added to a smoothie adds nutrients while thickening your drink. If you have dogs, a bit added to their food is also very healthy and low in calories. Throw some in when making pasta sauce and it adds some extra vitamins and velvety thickness. For kindness: If there’s a farm sanctuary nearby, I donate mine for the pigs, sheep, and goats. They love them and the sanctuary really appreciates it. I also bring some to my yoga class and there are usually grateful takers there as well!
Recipe:
Super Easy Zucchini “Butter”
Makes about 2 cups
adapted from the kitchen
Ingredients
2lbs zucchini (more or less depending on what you have)
1/4C olive oil
2 minced shallots or garlic or both
salt and pepper (I add a few herbs from the garden like basil, thyme, rosemary, or combo)
Instructions
1. Coarsely grate the zucchini & let it drain in a colander for a few minutes or squeeze the water out by hand.
2. In a deep skillet, heat the oil and sauté the shallots briefly. Add the zucchini & toss. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until the zucchini reaches a spreadable consistency. Salt and pepper to taste. The zucchini will hold its bright green color and slowly caramelize into a nice vegetable jam that lasts about a month in the refrigerator. Enjoy on toast (I add it to my avocado toast in the morning) or just as a side dish/appetizer with some cheese and crackers.
Kindness in Action
"Sunday proved to be a wild and windy day. A massive, overgrown Eucalyptus tree stood in front of my house, extending onto the city sidewalk. As fate would have it, that day the branch finally succumbed to the elements, partially landing in the street and partly encroaching on my property. Determined to clear the way, I ventured outside, attempting to move the enormous branch myself. However, its weight proved too much for my efforts. At this moment, a passing man caught sight of my struggle. He promptly executed a U-turn, parking his car before approaching me with an offer of help. I couldn't help but wonder if this was for real – such encounters were rare in bustling LA. Yet, his kindness shone through as he assisted me in lifting the branch to a safer position. Adding to my surprise, his young son, who had been seated in the car, eagerly joined in the effort. The man mentioned living just down the block and possessing a chainsaw. He was on his way to take his son to school but proposed returning later that day to cut up the fallen branch. The sheer generosity of his nature left me amazed.
As I arrived home from work, my eyes were met with a heartwarming scene: the branch had been neatly chopped into manageable pieces and stacked, ready to be utilized. Anticipation filled me as I looked forward to baking homemade chocolate chip cookies that evening. The following morning, I made good on that plan, delivering the cookies along with a heartfelt thank-you note to the man and his son. This experience was a poignant reminder that kindness resonates in powerful ways. The man's selflessness, the collaborative effort, and the subsequent gratitude shared, all contributed to a positive chain of events. It underscored the impact of even the smallest gestures, emphasizing the significance of compassion and community in our lives."
~ Jill R., California
Send us your thoughts, ideas, and stories of kindness. Hit reply and send us pictures, videos, and stories of kindness.
Closing Thoughts on Kindness from Jacqueline
Kind Thoughts
Be kind to yourself in what you tell yourself
You are enough. You have enough. More than enough is on the way.
Kind Words
Your words have the ability to change someone's day.
Call a friend. Tell them what you admire about them. Make someone laugh.
Kind Intentions
Small acts of kindness go a long way.
Open the door. Let the other car merge. Take a hike with a friend.
"Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity to make a difference." - Kevin Heath
Travel with us as we combine Kindness + Adventures. Visit DESTINATIONS
Become a Kindness Ambassador to travel along with us -- from wherever you are! Visit COMMUNITY
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How will you spread kindness?
