Conflict Resolution Alliance (CRA)

Kindness ideas by Katie Ranney Join the Puuhonua Penpal Program and write letters to one of the incarcerated citizens of Hawaii. Though there was a big push by @acluhawaii and @popoloproject in Black August to join this program and uplift the spirits of some of those in prison, anytime is a good time to bring some connection to those in desperate need of it. Pu’uhonua Penpal is an abolitionist Hawaii-based penpal program dedicated to building meaningful friendships with our relatives inside cages and organizing against the prison-industrial system. You can discover how to connect with the program at https://bit.ly/2L2bnc1 (Remember you can be kind and maintain your boundaries at the same time. In fact, it’s the best way to be kind!)

Kindness ideas by Katie Ranney Connect with a kupuna. Take some time to listen to their stories and learn about their past as you forge a connection across the generations. You can also look for a nearby nursing home and send flowers or handwritten cards to the residents. Some of them don’t have family to visit with a little kindness from a stranger may brighten their day.

Kindness ideas by Katie Ranney Smile! It may seem hard to convey this small bit of kindness with masks on, but you smile with your whole face. Let your eyes and cheeks crinkle with kindness and lift spirits. Remember: “we shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”

Kindness ideas by Katie Ranney You can’t pour from an empty cup, so refill your energy by being kind to yourself. Pamper yourself tonight and do something you love. You can even share your kindness by inviting a friend or family member to participate in your movie night, your skincare indulgence, or whatever you’re doing to recharge your source.

Kindness ideas by Katie Ranney Pick up litter and throw it away. The beauty of this act of kindness is that it can be as big or small as you are able to do. From picking up stray pieces of trash as you are walking around and placing it in the nearest trash can to volunteering at a beach clean-up with an organization like @sustainablecoastlineshawaii or @surfrider, any amount of effort will make a difference. Not only are you making the earth a better place for the next person walking behind you, but you are also being kind to the next generation.

Kindness ideas by Katie Ranney Invite someone to lunch. Pick someone who you don’t talk to that often or with whom you disagree with on certain topics. When you are having lunch together, have an intentional conversation and listen fully and actively to the other person for the entire meal. Give them your undivided attention. Listen to understand and not to respond. Give them permission non-verbally or verbally to share as deeply as they want. Learn something new about them. Very rarely do we truly listen to each other. Discover the power of dedicating your mind, heart, and ears to another person over lunch.