While sitting around a table at Evo, discussing yet another inspirational speaker with Allie from No Time for Flashcards and Amy from Teach Mama, inspiration turned into a plan for action.
We had listened to speaker after speaker share how they took simple ideas and made a huge impact, benefiting – and even saving – countless lives. What if —we wondered out loud — we got kids involved? What if our readers sat down with the kids they love and teach and found simple ways to make the world just a little bit better?
We think we know the answer. And that’s why we’re so excited. We know both how amazing our readers are and how incredible kids are. We know that little hands and big hearts can do wonderful things.
We think this initiative can bring about big change — both for those who serve and those who are served.
So here are the basics.
We want you to start a conversation with the children you love and teach. Help them to notice the people around them. People in need. People they can help.
Choose a cause to benefit. It might be a national charity like the American Red Cross (currently offering assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy). Perhaps a local cause like a children’s hospital or homeless shelter. Or it may be as personal as helping out a widowed neighbor or a needy family on your street. Check out our resource list if you’re looking for inspiration. Select a cause that is truly meaningful to you and your kids so you can serve not just with open hands, but also with full hearts.
Run with it. Decide what needs to be done and create a plan to put in action. This is the part we really get excited about! You each have unique situations, unique perspectives, and so many unique and amazing talents and strengths. We can’t wait to see all the creative ways you go about changing the world for the better, starting with small hands and simple steps.
Inspire others. Tweet it. Facebook it. Instagram it. Blog it. Show what you and your kids are doing and inspire others to get on board as well. Add your totals to the tally sheet here and join the linky below. Put a blog4cause button on your site. Use the hashtag #blog4cause . Make everyone aware of this movement and encourage them to join in.
We know that little hands can make a big difference. We’ll collect all the links and tallies through the end of December, and can’t wait to see what a big difference we all make when we work together.
Link up below and spread the inspiration!
Jill says
Love this idea! My kids and I have this conversation throughout the year, but this reminds me to keep talking with my kids about how we can make a difference!
Katy says
Wonderful! My students and I choose a different charity organization to work with every few months. We have done shoe drives for Soles4Souls, gifted animals through the Heifer Project using rummage sale funds, trick-or-treated for UNICEF. These are just a few examples of the many projects young children will be excited to be involved in! Be inspired – and inspire our future leaders!
Melissa Taylor says
I love this — I’m in!!
Ginger says
LOVE kids + giving. But since mine are only 5, I’m still on the journey to find ways they will “get” it. Happy to go on this journey with you. Count me in!
Alli says
Just got “Snuggle Books: A Book Drive for Pediatric Patients at Colorado Plains Medical Center” off the ground in Fort Morgan, Co. Excited! My 4 year old keeps referring to it as his “plan.” Awesome!
Details over at http://fam.nathanhowemusic.com/2012/12/04/snuggle-books-our-blog4cause-project/
notjustcute says
I loved reading your post, Alli! Your family’s idea is fantastic! I’d love to hear how it goes!