Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Difference Makers

I recently started an after-school group called Difference Makers.  So far, I have just six members, and we've had only about five meetings, but I am already very, very happy about how it's going. Our goal is to simply "make a difference" in the world, and the kids are going to direct what that looks like. So far, we have:

*Secretly taken the trash out from 10-15 classrooms before the Buildings and Grounds staff could get to them (we wanted to brighten her day, since we knew she was worrying about a sick friend). We almost got caught, taking a load out to the dumpsters, and we had to suddenly drop the bags in the hallway (we heard her coming around the corner) and we booked it down the hall as fast as we could, of course, laughing our heads off from the thrill!
*Made a huge banner for a everyone to sign for a staff member with a terminal illness
*Cut/trimmed hundreds of Box Tops for Education (for the school, not for my homeroom, so keep 'em comin'!)
*Created a blog, Facebook page, and got our own email address
*Made signs for the school book fair
*Made some notes of encouragement to anonymously drop into random lockers throughout the school
*Volunteered at a local Red Cross blood drive

A beautiful thing about all of this so far is that none of these activities has cost us a dime, but the payoff has been priceless; these kids are so filled with sweet innocence, hope, and enthusiasm for helping others. I am loving it! Can you tell? [pic printed with permission from these two cutie pies and their parents]


As anyone who's ever volunteered regularly can tell you, you get far more back than you put in when you give a little of yourself for the benefit of others. I highly recommend that you get out there and make a difference, for others, and for yourself in the process!

25 comments:

  1. A Huge Happy Pat On the Back for all of you! There is nothing like anonymous acts of kindness to cheer you up. Good work!

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  2. Kudos for you and your students sweetie! What a wonderful project teaching those near and dear to your heart how easy it is to make a difference. Looks at those smiles...the blessings show! :o)

    Ya'll have a great time puttin' those beautiful smiles on others faces!

    God bless ya'll........

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  3. This is awesome! I agree with getting back way more than you put in with volunteering. It's pretty amazing.

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  4. I love this idea! Good for you for getting this started. Great!!!!

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  5. What a great group of kids! I remember volunteering to do various things in high school and college, and how much it helped ME. :-) You are an inspiration.

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  6. Aren't kids wonderful? And aren't their ideas absolutely terrific? They only need a little guidance and bam, wonderful things happen. I love your group!

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  7. 'Difference Makers" I like that a lot. But then - that's exactly what you are, and now you're teaching others.

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  8. What a brilliant idea! How awesome that you started this and what an inpact you are making in these difference makers. Thank you for doing this. Thank you for making a difference in our world. It's reading stories like this that keep me believing that there are still a lot of wonderful kind people in our world. XX

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  9. What a fabulous idea! I'm filing it away for once I get my feet back under me... as in, this is my first year back after an 8-year "maternity leave" My school could definitely use something like this!

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  10. A great example of how learning is much more than just books and tests. You are very right about volunteering.

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  11. What a great project! Not only do the kids feel good, I'll bet you feel terrific to see them get so excited about making a difference.

    Kudos to you!

    BTW...I'm sending a copy of this to the powers that be at my school! Hope that's okay.

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  12. This is a wonderful project. Nice picture. You look so happy. There is a senior nursing home in the little town we are moving to and the first Tues of each month the town residents are invited to attend a coffee/hot chocolate visit there and chat with the seniors living in the nursing home. Hubby and I have already decided to help at that facility. I am looking forward to it.

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  13. That is such a wonderful thing for the kids. They really put their heart into it.

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  14. I love what you are doing! YOU are making a difference! Congrats! It's a fabulous idea!

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  15. Wow! this is an amazing project! You have left me inspired! :)

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  16. That is such a wonderful thing you are doing for those kids and for all the people you guys do things for. The world needs more people like you guys!

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  17. I love this idea, and how awesome of you to volunteer your time to do this. And free?! Can't beat that!

    This idea will give back 10-fold...for years to come. Love this!

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  18. That's what it's ALL about... You are awesome!

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  19. I love that you almost got caught, but you ran away laughing. Isn't that just the best. Sneaking around doing good deeds :) I spend most of my time when I'm home volunteering my time - It truly is the best job ever.

    Kristin - The Goat

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  20. It took me a while to search on the net, only your site unfold the fully details, bookmarked and thanks again.

    - Kris

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  21. How awesome Barb! I would love for my daughter to be a part of something like that!

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  22. I don't know how I missed this. But glad that I caught it from your FF post. I love these ideas. You are a real difference maker, not only for the recipients, but for the participants as well. You rock!

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  23. i think this is fantastic!!! awesome!!! i can understand your mixed feelings... take some time to think it over and if it is worth the hassle for your grant, go for it!!

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  24. WOW! I can just "hear" how rewarding this felt for all of you! Nice job coming up with such a great idea. You and these kids are making such a difference! Awesome!!!

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