AP Photo/Medecins Sans Frontieres, Stefano Zannini
As I discussed in today’s Powerful Words Q&A seminar, kids have the power to raise money for Haiti. As children can feel helpless and fearful when natural disasters hit, it’s vital that we allow them to help– contribute– so that they can feel that they are making things better. This creates a better sense of security and safety in children.
Those schools and parents who are part of the Powerful Words family, can easily weave this month’s Powerful Word, Empathy, into a discussion of what is happening in Haiti. How do you think they feel? How can we help? How do you think they will feel when help arrives? How would you feel if you knew kids like you were giving some of their spare change or saved up money to help you if you needed food, clothes, or a doctor? Parents and teachers don’t need to get gory and they can help to frame the positive side of this disaster (I know this can be challenging)– that yes, there are indeed many people who are helping, collecting money, and getting supplies where they are needed.
What can your kids and family do? We know that sending money to a reputable organization is what is being called for– here are some ways to round up some funds:
(1) Donate your lunch for a week: Instead of having your child buy lunch at school, have them brown bag it for the week and put the money they would have spent in a jar marked “Haiti Help”.
(2) Give up your Starbucks for a week: Kick it old school (BS- Before Starbucks)! An easy way to collect $25 easy dollars is to make your own coffee and put the money you would have spent on your double chocolate whipped skim milk latte into the “Haiti Help” jar.
(3) Eat in: Planning on going out for dinner this week? Don’t. Stay in, have pizza, and donate what you would have spent to the people of Haiti.
(4) Collect change: We all have drawers of change– make that change “be the change” people need. It’s no use in your junk drawer but it can be the difference of getting food to someone who needs it, or not. Check the couch cushions, your pockets, the car floor. You’ll find some!
(5) Charge for dressing down: This is an easy one that any school or after school program can use. When we had our martial arts school, one of the favorite things the students loved to do was, for example, dress in special school shorts, on hot days. Some innovative schools are charging for the privilege to dress down. The New York Times highlighted some school that have charged $2 for “hat day” while others have done the same with “dressing down” and given the proceeds to Haiti. I’ve spoken with some fascinating teens in preparation for my forthcoming book, and they used this idea to raise money for the MS Society. Try it!
(6) Ask the children: Children are so innovative and they have no barriers like red tape, embarrassment, and strings keeping them from saying what’s on their minds. Ask them, how can you help? The NYT talks about some children who are, for example, making bracelets, issuing challenges over social media, making potholders, and more, to raise money for Haiti. Everyone has skills. Put on a talent show. Have children make stationary and sell it for $1 for 4 pieces. Sell lemonade. Let them help!
Whatever you do, open your mind and listen. The Red Cross asks for donations to at least hit the $10 mark. I bet your daughter or son could do that in their sleep. All they need is encouragement and support.
Looking forward to hearing YOUR ideas–
