What is an Act of Change?
An Act of Change is a conscious intervention or contribution performed by a person with the goal of creating a positive change in the world.
An Intervention is an intentional action performed to lovingly interrupt hurtful or destructive behavior and support the choice of a compassionate alternative.
A Contribution is anything you do for yourself, another person or the world around you that has a positive impact. It is an intentional act of love, kindness or service.
More on Interventions
Every day, we see people doing things that are hurtful or unkind that create separation. By taking action in these situations, rather than looking the other way, you will have the opportunity to improve the quality of life for both yourself and others. You will demonstrate that none of us has to live our life as a victim, and that we don't have to accept things the way they are or "have always been." By directly confronting the problems of social oppression and separation in your community, you will not only become a valuable part of the solution, you will also be serving as a role model of what's possible for those around you.
The Challenge Day Intervention Model
We created the following model as a tool to assist all of us in taking a conscious look at the way things are, deciding what we really want and then doing whatever it takes to change things. Agents of Change commit themselves to being that change. We recommend you use the following three steps when making an intervention or contribution of any kind.
| Step 1 - Notice | Wake Up! Stay aware, keep your eyes open and notice what's happening around you. |
| Step 2 - Choose | Dream It! If you had the school, community, or life of your dreams, what would it look like? We need a vision to step into. |
| Step 3 - Act | Do Something! Take action! Now is the time to Be The Change! |
Examples of Contributions
Because you are a valuable part of our human family, contributions to yourself can be some of the most significant Acts of Change. Remember, you must love yourself before you can love others!
Here are a few ways you can be the change:
Write thank you letters to people you love ♥ Visit a friend or relative you haven't seen for awhile ♥ Let someone in on the freeway ♥ Pick up litter, even if you didn't drop it ♥ Pay the toll for someone behind you ♥ Stop smoking ♥ Create a meal for your family ♥ Enroll others in Be The Change ♥ Call just to say "I love you" ♥ Share a poem or a book with a friend ♥ Consciously smile at everyone you see ♥ Choose to care for rather than hurt yourself ♥ Rest ♥ Drive the speed limit ♥ Be a designated driver ♥ See the good in everything, and point it out! ♥ Eat lunch with someone new ♥ Give an unexpected gift ♥ Appreciate someone for a job well done ♥ Offer your point of view without trying to change someone else's mind ♥ Organize an outing with friends ♥ Plant a tree ♥ Be vulnerable ♥ Vote ♥ Listen to someone ♥ Read to a child ♥ Keep your word ♥ Say hello to someone you would normally ignore ♥ Volunteer at a homeless shelter ♥ Say you're sorry ♥ Welcome someone's tears ♥ Do a task or chore that you wouldn't normally do ♥ Share the beauty of a sunset ♥ Give the gift of listening ♥ Hug a friend ♥ Visit a retirement home ♥ Sing ♥ Draw ♥ Dance ♥ Help someone carry their groceries ♥ Tell the truth ♥ Hold the door for a stranger, even if you're in a hurry ♥ Ask for help when you need it ♥ Tip generously ♥ Exercise ♥ Smile at people as you walk by ♥ Actively include people who are being left out ♥ Stop a rumor ♥ Write a Thank You card ♥ Interrupt hurtful jokes ♥ Thank the people who serve you by name ♥ Buy lunch for a homeless person ♥ Love someone
the list goes on and on!