'Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.' – Maya Angelou.
Today (Feb. 17) marks Random Acts of Kindness Day, and while this national day (and Random Acts of Kindness Week, which runs through Friday) has been around since 1995, two local organizations came together last year to spread kindness throughout the county. In 2024, the Interfaith Alliance of Macomb (IAM) launched a new initiative, 'Kindness Counts,' with The Community News Brief, to share messages of kindness and hope.
Through 'Kindness Counts,' area residents are asked to share a story about how an act of kindness, no matter how small it seemed, at communitybrief@ macomb.com to be published in Macomb's only local newspaper as part of the ongoing 'Kindness Counts' series.
'In these particularly troubling times, when we're faced with so much darkness almost daily in the news and in conversations with others, 'Kindness Counts' is a way we can share positive messages of love, hope and promise for the future,' said IMA member the Rev. Kelly Ingersoll, who serves as the pastor of First Christian Church of Macomb.
IAM Convener Jan Rockwell added the 'Kindness Counts' projects gives people a way to share the goodness that they have experienced in their lives. It also shows others that there are people out there who care.
'Inter-Faith Alliance of Macomb is about making others feel seen, welcomed and supported. By sharing the kind acts we've experienced during some time of our life, we further share a message of love and acceptance,' she noted.
Ingersoll pointed out with the events and divisive rhetoric taking place nationally, groups like IAM are even more important to showcase kindness, love and grace, while initiatives like 'Kindness Counts' are a way to demonstrate there remain people doing good things.
'Kindness and decency should be core values that we all strive for no matter our beliefs,' he said. 'Like I said last year, and it bears repeating, we need this now more than ever.'
About Inter-Faith Alliance of Macomb The Inter-Faith Alliance of Macomb (IAM), a nonpartisan/ apolitical organization, strives to create unity among people of every race, ethnicity, faith, orientation, disability and nationality.
The IAM was created as a result of the attack on anti-racist protesters in Charlottesville, VA in 2017. A few weeks later, in September 2027, IAM hosted a Community Unity Celebration in Chandler Park. Since that time, the IAM has hosted the youth writing contest: PEACE, Prose & Poetry for area school children; the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, and additional peace and unity events and activities.
According to the IAM's promotional material, 'This large group of committed citizens is always looking for ways to bring healing and to provide a supportive, encouraging and inclusive environment locally for individuals regardless of their background.'
Inter-Faith Alliance Goals: • Promote respect and increase understanding among the various faiths, races, and cultures within the Macomb community.
• Express condemnation of racism, bigotry, hate, fear and violence in a non-political, non-violent manner.
• Provide family-friendly opportunities for people of all ages, faiths and cultures to interact within a safe environment.
Inter-Faith Alliance Affirmation:
That every human being is created with inherent value and dignity and that the variety of human cultures is a beautiful expression of diversity.
To get involved, email Jan Rockwell at [email protected] or watch the Community News Brief community calendar for upcoming meeting dates.
