July 9 - Power in Numbers

Day 189 of a year of Kindness

Today’s kindness came as a result of a previous kindness. My friend, Lauren Dyer, invited me to judge senior projects at Narragansett High School a few months ago. When I was there, I met Susan, who told us about a local women’s group that does amazing things for the community. Lauren and I decided to join the group and today we had our first orientation at Panera. It turns out that the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, established in 1890, has done tremendous work. It founded most of the nation’s libraries, America’s first national park and had Eleanor Roosevelt as a member.

What’s interesting about today’s kindness (joining a club that does volunteer work) is that I’m not really a joiner. The only club I’ve ever been consistent about attending is Costco.

But I’m learning this year that there is power in numbers. I’ve met a PEO chapter, which raises money for education, borrowed a knee scooter from the Lion’s Club, which provides medical equipment for those who need it, volunteered at a church thrift store, which uses all the proceeds to feed the food insecure. This women’s group of 135 members offers volunteer opportunities ranging from serving soup at fishing docks to helping children learn how to read. I’m excited to participate in the rare group that is focused on helping other people. Maybe I am a joiner after all.

Science of kindness: Research shows that community service instills values such as selflessness, generosity and kindness. By working together, a group of people can transform and positively impact a community. #bekind #kindnessiscontagious #kindnessisfree #kindness #GFWCWCSC #Generalfederationofwomensclubs