Whether they’re burned or dumped, they leak harmful toxins into the environment, contaminating our water, land and air.

Alex Lin, 14, installed the first ever e-waste receptacle in his town of Westerly, Rhode Island, and pushed for passage of laws banning the dumping of e-waste.

Where do artists get financial support?  Often, they apply for grants that take months to get approved.

Some students in New York decided there could be a better way – give anyone (not just professional artists) an arts grant – instantly.

This unusual gesture, they hope, would encourage others to reignite their passion for the arts and to see themselves as creative beings.

The story behind GenerosityFoundation.org:

We all learn art in school. Every kid loves to draw at some point. People get fascinated with the details of their new camera, or spend free time writing poems. But eventually, there’s no teacher telling you how great your are, or the camera gets put away, or you just plain get busy and stop. Years could go by before you start again, if you ever do at all.

The FSNUA aims to re-inspire creative thinking and action in everyday people by removing a small barrier and providing encouragement. We give small, unsecured grants in the form of $10-$60 for creative projects thought up on the spot by everyday people. In the past this has included a merchant marine, two 10 year old girls, a US soldier on leave from Iraq, an accordion player from Alaska, and around 40 others. We funded their new paintings, drawings, knitting, and photojournalism projects, and the repair of one accordion. Projects that may not have happened had they not come across 10 people in the park to support and inspire the thought.

Beyond the small amount of money, the project encourages people to see themselves as something other than workers or consumers even if it just for the length of time required to apply for the FSNUA grant. We also hope to re-inspire dormant desires to create while presenting an example of generosity without an ulterior motive.

It’s fair to say the result is beautiful, motivating, friendly and a bit chaotic (in an exciting way).

But his recent awards are for Triple-S, an organization he started to support students in sports.

The idea is simple: round up athletic gear that people no longer want and give them to children who do.

Watch Bo in action in this news report.

Video Link

His invention generated more than just clean energy for his village (which never had power), but also lots of attention – from the media and the social sector.

Watch William’s remarkable story in this short documentary that premiered on Pangea Day.  

Video Link

To spread peace, kindness and joy… especially to strangers.

Background:

We all know about the power of simple kindness. But there’s power too in random kindness. That’s kindness shown to people when they least expect it, and for no obvious reason. When you give a friend a birthday present – that’s kindness. When you give that friend a present on no particular day for no particular reason, that’s random kindness. So is any kind gesture you offer someone who doesn’t know you and doesn’t expect anything from you.

Why random kindness? Because it can instantly brighten our day and put a smile on our face. Because it builds bridges, tears down walls, and strengthens bonds. Because it forces us to question assumptions and ask, “Can we do better?”

Because it brings unexpected joy… and the world needs more of that.

Countries/Regions Affected:

• World

Which groups do this?

• Free Hugs Campaign
• Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
• The Coin-spiracy

Measurable Result

• Hard to quantify but you are sure to see instant results.

What You Can Do

• Download the Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
• Perform random acts of kindness – to the environment, family, friends, and strangers.
• Organize “free hugs” events in your community.
• Join the Coin-spiracy movement.