ASK 8 - Organize or participate in a fundraiser for someone that is struggling

The ASK: Organize or participate in a fundraiser for someone in the community that is struggling

I was hoping I would not get the chance to complete this ASK, because it would mean that someone was having a difficult time.  Unfortunately, I had the opportunity today.  A local family is struggling after being impacted by a disaster.  I was able to participate in the fundraiser through a financial donation.  However, there are many ways to participate in a fundraiser without spending money, like:

• Donating an item to be sold (at a garage sale-type event)
• Hanging up flyers
• Volunteering to help run the event
• Organize or create the event with a teacher or administrator
• Send e-mails, Facebook posts, or tweets to promote the events
• Bring something for a bake sale
• Donate loose change that you find on the floor (see ASK 7)
• Tell friends!

There are a lot of ways that any individual can help another,  When we help someone else, especially someone who is going through a difficult time, we are definitely doing an Act of School Kindness.

Considerations for Schools:

• Students should make sure they have staff permission before organizing a fundraiser.

ASK 6 - Say "Hello" to someone you don't know very well

The ASK: Say "Hello" to someone you don't know very well

This ASK was hard for me!  I am an introvert and feel very anxious talking to new people.  Today, I saw a colleague that I've never really met, and I said "Hello."  This led to a lovely conversation, and it turns out, he is a quite a nice guy!

For students, this is a great ASK, because it encourages them to break out from their small friend group and meet other people.  Also, the person could be lonely or shy.  Saying "Hello" is an easy way for students to be kind, and they might even make a new friend along the way!


Considerations for Schools:

• Younger students should be reminded that this does not contradict teachings of "Don't Talk To Strangers" and should be able to understand the difference!
• This may be difficult for some students who are very shy.  Alternatives could include role-playing saying "Hello" to someone new with a guidance counselor or teacher.

Ask 4 - Make time for someone who needs to talk.

The ASK: Make time for someone who needs to talk.

A school day can be very hectic and stressful for students and staff.  I know that I often have so much to do that even having lunch seems like an impossible task.  Today was very close to being one of those days.  At one point in my day, I was working on paperwork and one of my colleagues needed to talk.  He was feeling uncomfortable about something that was going on, and wanted to talk to me to get some feedback (I'm keeping this vague to protect my colleague!).  It was very difficult to stop what I was working on and listen to him, but I did.

Now think about all that a student has to do during the day: get to school, complete schoolwork, focus on the teacher, plan for extracurricular events, study for tests, and much more!  It is hard for a student to find time to listen to someone who is needs to talk!  Here's why it is important though;  when you make time for someone and listen to them when they need to talk, what you are saying is "You matter.  You are important.  I care about you."  When you have the opportunity to give that message to someone, you know you have found a true ASK.



Considerations for Schools:

• Students have to tell at trusted adult if their friend is dealing with any of the following: hurting themselves or other people, being hurt or abused in any way, being bullied, wanting to die.
• Sometimes, students may take any opportunity to avoid class. (I know, this is completely shocking!) Make sure students don't abuse this ASK to get out of schoolwork or class!
• Students should not take on more than they can handle - if they feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed they should get a trusted adult involved.  

ASK 1 - Write a positive message on a sticky note and give it to a friend.

The ASK: Write a positive message on a sticky note and give it to a friend.

This ASK is very common in my life.  A close friend of mine works in the same area of the school as me, so once in a while, we write a note on a sticky note with a positive saying or cute drawing and leave it where the other will see it.  Any time I see one, it instantly brightens my day.  Last night, I decided this would be an ASK that I could try today.  I looked online for a positive quote about friendship, wrote it on a sticky note, and when I came into work today I put it on her desk.

Considerations for Schools:

• Students may not have easy access to sticky notes during the school day, so make sure to have plenty available for their use.
• Make it clear that messages must be positive!
• Teachers should know this may be happening(particularly for school-wide ASK), otherwise they may think that students are passing notes or leaving messes.
• Students receiving these notes should keep them or throw them away, not leave them for teachers or custodians to clean up.

**This ASK was inspired by Caitlin Boyle's project and books, Operation Beautiful.  I was fortunate enough to meet Caitlin a few years ago when she did an Operation Beautiful presentation at my school. The work she is doing is wonderful!