The Alternative Press

MAPLEWOOD, NJ -- She calls it easy, fun, creative, healthy and contagious. 

What is it?  Kindness.

Barbara Velazquez, Ph.D., of Spiritual Unity Network in Maplewood, has spent her life raising awareness about humanitarian consciousness through her nonprofit organization, Taskforce for Humanity Coalition. 

To educate people on the power of kindness, Velazquez and her organization will launch the “Committed to Kindness Campaign” in Maplewood on Oct. 1.

An event to kick off the campaign is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Room at the Maplewood Memorial Library. Maplewood Mayor Victor DeLuca will open the event. “Committed to Kindness” wristlets will be available for $1 to support the cause.

"Maplewood is such a progressive community,” Velazquez said.  She said she thinks the award-winning community is the perfect place to launch her campaign on the local level.  

To measure the impact of the “Committed to Kindness Campaign” on the Maplewood community, Velasquez plans to send out surveys where people can report on what they have done or observed.  Members of the community can also share acts of kindness on the website, http://www.maplewoodiskind.org/

As part of the campaign, Velazquez has invited civic, government, clergy and business leaders in the community to brainstorm about how the community can work together to make the campaign a success.  “These are people who can spread the idea of kindness and keep it in the public eye,” Velazquez said.  

“Part of the kindness campaign is to increase or improve a sense of community and camaraderie in Maplewood,” Velazquez said. “We hope that the kindness campaign will spread to other towns.” 

According to Velazquez, being kind and participating in random acts of kindness is easy, fun and healthy. 

“You can start by just saying hello,” she said. “Be helpful.  Be useful.  Think of other people.” 

But what if your hello and smile aren’t returned?  Velazquez says not to worry. 

“Don’t let other people change your approach,” she said.  “It shouldn’t deter you from being kind.” 

Velazquez said kindness comes in many forms. Some people collect food for the hungry or hand out smile cards.  “One woman I know walks down the street and gives high-fives to people,” she said.  

For those who take a more practical approach to life, Velasquez asserts that there are scientifically proven benefits to being kind. 

“It really does make a difference in your health, which is an additional motive in being kind, and it’s definitely convincing,” she said.

For more information about the Taskforce for Humanity Coalition: http://www.taskforceforhumanity.org/kindness-experiment.html