Random Acts of Kindness spreads joy

BY BRYAN BRICKWEG: Staff Reporter

Every year, during the week of President’s Day, acts of kindness come to Central Washington University. A free coffee at D&M, care packages for troops overseas or a simple high-five are all gestures carried out through Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week aimed at promoting the kindness and civility in everyday life.

The Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center (CEC) will be organizing the event with the help of students, faculty, and members of the community. The event is nationally recognized and carried out at universities across the nation.

“Random Acts of Kindness week allows students to immerse themselves in projects on and off campus,” said Shiloh Frauen, CEC academic service-learning fellow and senior fashion and merchandising major. “Small acts will influence students and community members to consider the meaning of civility on a larger scale.”

This year the CEC will be performing more acts of kindness than in previous years in hopes of creating the most festive RAK week yet.

The CEC also hopes that lessons learned during the week will carry on further in life.
Students “can be inspired to do this on their own time,” said Katie Johnson service-learning fellow, junior elementary education major.

Many new events have been added to the week, including spontaneous free meals and drinks at both The Palace Cafe and D&M Coffee. Both companies will be handing these out at random to customers throughout the week.

Students may be surprised when a RAK volunteer tries to give them a random hug or high-five during the week.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Nick Ringbom, junior business management major. “It’s a great way to show people that there are some nice people in the world.”
Students will have the opportunity to do kind acts of their own, such as picking up the tab or holding the door open for someone.

“I participate in it throughout the week,” Ringbom said. “Normally I pay for the person behind me at Starbucks, or even a simple smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day works.”

According to Johnson, the CEC will be utilizing the university 109 class, which is solely dedicated to the introduction of civic engagement. The students will be helping with all aspects of the week and will have specific roles in events.

The class mostly consists of freshmen, but is available for all students at Central.
Among the most popular activities is where students fill out little cards that have kind notes in them for others. Students can find these in many of the halls around campus, including the Student Union Recreation Center.

Throughout the week, the CEC will also be assisting the Armed Forces in gathering care packages for the troops overseas.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Random Acts of Kindness Week contact the Civic Engagement Center at 509-963-1643 or takeaction@cwu.edu.