Hello to the Kos Community. I'm usually the type of person who reads what everyone else writes, and shares the posts I feel are most important with my friends and family. Therefore I am reaching out because I have conceived an idea for a project, and organization that I feel we are very much in need of at this time, and I need some help and further input to help make it a reality. I'm calling it The Compassion Project.
I know I'm not the only person who has been feeling increasingly frustrated and upset with the direction our country is taking. So many of the current administration's actions have adverse effects on so many people (especially the ones who are least able to fight back),and it is overwhelming for many of us. I know that as a society, many of us are doing what we can to combat the hate and intolerance that are seeping into all aspects of our communities. We are
mobilizing the voters, protesting the policies, and speaking out to those in power, and I very much appreciate and admire all of our efforts to protect our American Dream. Consequently, we are spending so much time and energy combating the negative that we are forgetting to celebrate the positive; or maybe it is that there is so much negative that we don't have time to focus on the positive. Either way, we are missing an opportunity.
With all of the internet trolls, and Nazi gatherings and bigots, etc. that are feeling empowered enough to try to "punish" anyone who doesn't meet their criteria, I think we need to create a community of inclusiveness. Additionally, there are some people that need more positive inputs in their lives just to make it through the day.
The purpose of The Compassion Project is to combat the Trump-effect, and to offer support to people who are marginalized and in danger of losing themselves (to drugs, depression, peer pressure, etc). I would like to start out with a web page where we post only positive stories, and people can interact in positive ways.
I'm thinking a FB group might suffice, but I'm not sure if that is the best forum. I want everyone to be able to add their story, but I also want a forum where a person that is having a rough day can communicate with people that will show love, support, and compassion for them in response. I will have a "no hate" policy. Any trolls or bigots will be blocked. I
want to allow people to remember that there are good people all over this country, and they are not alone. The page will also have resources listed, such as the Suicide Prevention Hotline, and organizations like the ACLU, and the APA.
I would also like to build it into a live organization that can assist people in need, preferably without any religious ties. I would love to see schools create clubs where students can learn and practice compassion for others. I know I could create a Meetup, but there are so many in my area (Houston), and most of them quickly disappear. I have thought about approaching a local university to get students involved.
I have experience as a graphic designer, so that part will be easy. I have a logo in mind (I just need to get access to AI or Corel to create it). I have ideas for marketing, a theme for the site, and ideas for different social issues to focus on each month. I have ideas for taglines and merchandise to raise money to help people and grow the organization. I have an idea for Pay It Forward cards to spread the love to everyone. I would also like to set up a network of certified "huggers" and volunteer counselors.
Right now, I need some sounding boards, and public input. Does anyone have suggestions for how to implement all of this so it will be successful? Does anyone have suggestions to add to my ideas?