What is a random act of kindness?
The term random act of kindness is generally attributed to Anne Herbert. The term refers to selfless acts, both large and small, that are committed unexpectedly, without prompting, and without expecting anything in return.
Center Challenge: Purposeful Acts of Kindness
I challenge the New Orleans Job Corps and Wind River Job Corps to practice purposeful acts so kindness for the next week (March 6 -10). Each staff member on center, no matter what role, should show kindness to at least 2 students per day. Make it meaningful and a priority. I also challenge myself and our corporate staff to do the same with people we come in contact with, on or off center.
Benefits of Acts of Kindness
Being kind has many benefits, both psychological and physical. According to author Nicole DiGiose (https://www.1800flowers.com/blog/make-an-impact/benefits-of-performing-random-acts-of-kindness/) there are four benefits to performing acts of kindness. These benefits have been tailored to fit our Job Corps centers since purposeful act of kindness can make our centers a better place to work, live, and learn.
1. Performing acts of kindness boosts our mental health
When we do something kind for our students it lifts our mood. Dr. Rachel Goldman, clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine says, “Participating in simple acts of kindness without expecting anything in return stimulates the reward center of your brain and releases the feel-good hormones, serotonin and dopamine, as well as endorphins.” When we do something nice for one of our students it just makes us feel better.
2. Performing acts of kindness improves our physical health
When we are kind to our students on center (and our fellow staff members) it builds a sense of community and belonging and can lead to us living more fulfilling lives. When we love the work we do and enjoy coming to our centers each day, we are happier and healthier.
3. Performing acts of kindness can help the center retention
Acts of kindness can improve our social skills and model for our students how to be better in the world. When we are kind to others, we feel more connection to them and that connection increases our sense of belonging. Students who feel they belong to our center communities have a greater likelihood of staying in our program and graduating to their dream career.
4. Performing acts of kindness leads to a positive center culture
Kind gestures can brighten someone’s day, but it doesn’t have to end there. Ms. DiGiose states,” The impact of showing compassion can extend far beyond the act itself. When you perform a random act of kindness, you can inspire others — the recipient, those who may have witnessed it — to repeat your good deed, which in turn contributes to a more positive community.” What better way to have an impact on our center culture and make our API centers a wonderful place to work, learn and live?
So let’s take the challenge. Beginning next week, (March 6-10), make a note to yourself to provide Purposeful Acts of Kindness each day of the week to at least 2 students on center. I am going to take the challenge and I hope you will join me.
Some examples may include:
There are countless ways to show daily acts of kindness. Kindness doesn’t need to take much time or cost any money, and being kind can often help us to have a more positive outlook on our own circumstances.
Be the reason someone smiles today.
We can do this!!