Organizers are asking local residents to participate in a Kindness Blitz on Friday to correspond with Donald Trump being inaugurated as President of the United States.
“Hopefully, we can unite around the idea of, ‘Let’s make America kind again and be nice to each other,’” said Kindness Blitz organizer Andrea Griffith Cash of Inspire Media.
She added that she was encouraging those who wanted to partake in the festivities to think small because she says those small acts can have a huge impact.
“It can seem hopeless when you try to accomplish something huge,” Griffith Cash said. “When it’s something small, it’s achievable; it’s tangible; it’s every day or maybe even every hour of every day. And it goes a long way.”
Griffith Cash gave a few examples of things community members could do to participate in the Kindness Blitz on Friday.
“I’m going to drop off quarters at the laundromat,” Griffith Cash gave as an example. “I’m going to write a nice note and put it on a stranger’s car in a parking lot. Maybe I’ll write a letter to our public servants.”
Griffith Cash asked that those taking part in the challenge share their acts on social media with the hashtag KindnessBlitz.
The Chapel Hill Town Council recently received a petition asking that January 20 be declared a Day of Mourning. But Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger proclaimed the day as a Day of Kindness and Respect.
Listen to the full interview with Griffith Cash below:
The full proclamation from Hemminger is below:
On behalf of the members of the Chapel Hill Town Council, I would like to invite Chapel Hill citizens, business owners, students and visitors to participate in “A Day of Kindness and Respect” on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2017.
This decision to encourage citizen action on Inauguration Day is inspired by the “Kindness Blitz” organized by Andrea Griffith Cash, a former Chapel Hill Magazine Editor who now works for Inspire Media Network.
Reflecting the strong feelings and diverse opinions within our community and across the nation, Ms. Cash has been working to frame Inauguration Day as an opportunity for individuals to set the tone for this “new chapter” by taking actions that support one another and our values.
As the elected leaders of Chapel Hill, we believe that “The Day of Kindness and Respect” is an opportunity for everyone in our community to engage and, as a result, the proclamation also focuses on “Respect” — a reminder, during this transition, to listen to one another and to continue to strive to be inclusive and diverse on all levels.
The possibilities to do a good deed, take action or take a stand – big or small, political or apolitical, local or national – are endless and can range from donating much-needed food to a local hunger relief organization, writing a letter of appreciation to a public servant or teacher, or rallying in support of human rights in Raleigh.
Read the Proclamation for A Day of Kindness and Respect You can learn more about the Kindness Blitz in the News and Observer.
I encourage you to join the members of the Chapel Hill Town Council and me in moving our community forward together by participating in Chapel Hill’s “Day of Kindness and Respect” this Friday. We hope that the positive momentum that we create on Inauguration Day will continue as we work together to address the significant challenges we face in the days and years ahead.
With warm regards,
Pam Hemminger
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