FAYETTEVILLE — Being aware of compassion builds more compassion, according to Elise Burt, a Veterans Center volunteer.
Burt was among those who attended Compassion Fayetteville, What’s It All About? on Saturday at the Fayetteville Public Library.
At A Glance
Compassion Fayetteville Events
An open mic night to share stories about moments of compassion will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at Maxine’s Tap Room, 107 N. Block Ave. Other events include a roundtable discussion with international students involved with the Ozark Literacy Council on Feb. 13; a film screening highlighting Fayetteville’s Oak Cemetery, Feb. 16; a series of servant leadership classes, beginning Feb. 17; and the unveiling of a “buddy bench” at Washington Elementary School, Feb. 28. A list of events can be found at the website compassionfayetteville.wordpress.com.
Source: Staff Report
The event provided an overview of Compassion Fayetteville, a three-year initiative through the Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council’s Inclusion Group.
The project aims to develop awareness around compassion and foster a culture of compassion.
“There’s a tremendous amount of compassion happening already,” Burt said. “We need to recognize what’s being done.”
Compassionate Action Network International, a nonprofit group based in Seattle recently named Fayetteville one of about two dozen compassionate cities.
Fayetteville placed first in acts of kindness, caring and forgiveness in the 2013 International Compassion Games.
The city reported 285 acts, 1,485 volunteers and 5,569 hours, during the 11-day game period from Sept. 11-21.
Overall, Fayetteville placed in the top 25 percent of cities participating, which included cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Montreal.
“We were astounded because we really didn’t expect such a small city to come in first place,” Burt said.
Volunteer efforts in community gardens, helping the homeless and elderly, food pantries and other areas earned the title.
Pattie Williams of Compassion Fayetteville said the organizing team will apply for designation as an International Compassionate City in March.
By becoming internationally recognized, Williams said, Fayetteville commits itself to spreading compassion and encouraging residents to speak up about how compassion effects their lives and how to conceive more opportunity to support programs that instill actions of compassion throughout the area.
Saturday’s overview marked the launch of the month of compassion.
Residents can take part by logging random acts of kindness on Compassion Fayetteville’s Facebook page.
Lee Gavin said her two boys, Connor Shelby, 9, and Rowan Shelby, 7, completed their first acts of compassion Saturday by making Valentine’s Day cards for veterans and nursing home residents.
“We think it’s a really good opportunity for kids,” Gavin said, of Compassion Fayetteville. “It’s not something you learn in school. You learn it by getting out in the community and seeing other people’s example.”