In our own backyards: Shifting a Culture to Kind

Small signs are appearing all over that hint a door may have opened for much-needed culture change right here in our own backyards.

Just yesterday, a couple of surprises popped up alerting me to possibilities of change.  Our Nextdoor online community which enables discussion threads focused on neighborhood concerns, offer/want ads, lost and found pets, and safety notifications, had an atypical posting that caught my eye:  A member posted: “… I realize there are a lot of neighbors who would like to get to know each other….. So, I’d like to propose hosting something in early June…Who might be interested in coming over?” In just a day, there were 33 replies from around the neighborhood with expressions of gratitude for this act of kindness.

Then, yesterday, my friend Olenka Villarreal, founder of the The Magical Bridge Foundation, described how her daughter’s college applications are indicating a shift in emphasis on pure academics to kindness.  Indeed, colleges are making this shift:   Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern For Others And The Common Good Through College Admissions

The question that arises for me is what can we each do to continue to nudge this movement toward a kinder community that embraces openness and connection and recognizes that differences can unite instead of divide us.

The answer comes through a beautiful story I heard during a talk with Janet Klees, entitled:  “Be the Community You Wish to See“.    Please make 15 minutes to listen to Janet’s story.  It’s one you cannot forget; you will look at the world differently.  It’s not just about being generous in giving but also generous in receiving.  It’s noticing the tiny sparks of kindness that make this world better and going with subtle new tides even though it might feel awkward and mean exercising new muscles in our hearts and minds.

And by stepping into these quiet tides of kindness, you will be contributing to the movement to shift our culture together.  You will help us build a kinder world for the Jeffrey’s and for all of us.