Week 7: Focusing on What We CAN Do ... and Helping Kids Make an Impact in Their Community #BetterTogether

There is so much we can’t do right now that it helps to focus on what we CAN do.  We feel empowered and have a sense of agency when we do something -- achieve a goal.  When that achievement impacts others it is even better.  Brene Brown reminds us that, "Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives."  I have been looking around lately and noticing all the ways people are focusing on what they CAN do – especially in ways that connect or help each other.  Kids need to be active.  They need time away from screens to create and build.  Here are some ideas I have seen that kids CAN do to impact the world around them: 

1)    Sidewalk Messages ~ thank someone, create a walk chalk exercise or send positivity into the world.

2)    Wall of Gratitude ~ literally build a wall in your neighborhood to collect words of gratitude or whatever wall you can think of.

3)    CAN Drive ~ start a food drive in your neighborhood for a local food pantry.  Here’s a letter describing how a neighbor is organizing in my community.

4)    Trail Maintenance ~ if you have a favorite trail consider spending some time cleaning it up and fixings areas that need attention.

5)    Book Swap ~ create a Little Free Library so kids or adults can swap books with each other since most public libraries and school libraries are closed.  Here are directions on how to build one.

6)    Sending a Little Love ~ consider making cards or writing letters to someone elderly in your community.  You can deliver in person and wave through the window or mail it.  The CDC and the WHO have deemed this safe.  Find a neighbor, local assisted living facility, or nursing home and reach out to them. It would be great for your kids to see where their letters are going.

7)    Create and Place Kindness Rocks ~ Here are some samples, your kids will know what to do!

8)    Neighborhood Community Events ~ Let kids plan, advertise with signs, and participate in neighborhood sidewalk parties, scavenger hunts, window walks, timed celebrations, relay walk-a-thons, driveway dances or whatever idea they dream up.  All of these can be done in a safe social distance and still leave them feeling connected.

All of us need to get up, get outside, and get connected.  It is important to remember what we CAN do and make the world a better place in the process.

So, get creative, focus on what we CAN do, and remember you’ve got this!