Just coming back into the field of social interaction after the birth of my son. I only wish i had been a father sooner. I kick myself for all the fun i’ve was missing out on.
I just want to send a big, gigantic thank you out to everyone who is making Random Acts a reality. Everyone from Lisa and her team to the regional reps to the donors to the forum contributors. (I am not very good at understanding how forums work, i think that part of my brain was deprived of oxygen in the womb, so i’m probably posting this in the wrong place, but fuck it.)
I want to express gratitude to everyone who has helped with the Acts we have already done all over the world and even to the recipients of those acts who were gracious in accepting them.
I also want to thank Philip and Lisa who are leading our expedition to haiti, which departs tomorrow, October 6th. About 12 people are traveling with them (they are all paying their own way) and each person is filling a suitcase with tools to bring down. When Philip went to the Home Depot in San Francisco yesterday to buy the tools (with the money that Random Acts raised), the man working at Home Depot who was helping him find stuff just so happened to be a Haitian who had lost both of his parents and his sister in the earthquake. Home Depot agreed to give us a major discount on everything and the Haitian employee sang for Philip and Lisa. When i heard the story, i got the chills.
If anyone out there has not nominated a person or community (or animal for that matter) for a Random Act, i would encourage you to do so. On on the random acts website under the “Get Involved” tab click “Act Up.”
When thinking about who to nominate, and what to do to/for them, keep in mind this idea: The more unexpected and delightful an act is, the more lasting it’s impression will be. I would encourage people to think about crafting acts which are a little more personal than just confronting strangers on the street (although this also has it’s place), but creating Acts of Kindness that make particular individuals or communities feel noticed and appreciated and cared for are going to be most compelling.
One more note on the Acts. The more humor the better. That’s all i’m going to say on that.
I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with! The deadline for the next round is October 18th, so get crackin’!
Let’s have some fun.”