The 7th annual “Love Your Wicked Awesome Neighbor” Challenge
We at EVERYDAY BOSTON believe:
Strangers are just neighbors you don’t know yet. And everyone can use a little extra kindness. So this winter, we challenge you to:
Sign up to get cards delivered to you
Write some encouraging words on the back
(it can be as simple as “Keep going!”)Hand them to strangers on Valentine’s Day- or get us to do it for you!
Scroll down for tips on writing and distributing your cards!
Let’s do this, boston.
Last year, We made more than 1,000 cards…
in schools, workplaces, prisons, nonprofits, you name it. And it made a lot of people super happy.
In the midst of all this loneliness and division, we’re going for 5,000 this year! Let’s light this city up with some love. In your face. Boston-style big.
what If I’m not good at crafts?
No one cares. What they care about is this:
Somewhere out there, a stranger sat down, thought of something encouraging to say to another human being, wrote it down, and sent it out into the world knowing it would make someone else happy. That’s a lot.
This year, we even made campaign cards! So no crafts involved unless you want there to be! Just a blank space on the back to write on or decorate.
OKAY, BUT what Do I WRITE?
Something encouraging. It can be as simple as “You’re doing great.” or “You are loved.” If you’re stuck, think about:
One of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to you
Words that would lift you up on a hard day
A message that would make you feel like you belong
Then write that down. That’s it! That’s your gift.
Some of the most heartfelt cards come from people who are incarcerated, and all they’ve got is a piece of paper and a pencil. You can do this.
If you need a nudge, check out who else in the city has accepted this challenge to spread kindness across the city!
I’m done. I WROTE MY CARDS. Now What?
Display THEM.
Here are some ways to light up the city with your awesome cards. Display them:
In the window of your home or office.
On the side of your car, so people stopped in traffic can read them.
Write your message in chalk on the sidewalk on a street where you don’t know anyone.
Tack them on the bulletin board of a coffee shop, library, or in another public space for others to see.
distribute THEM.
So many options! Especially if you’re interested in connecting with others:
Hand them out in your neighborhood- or better yet, in a different neighborhood!
Drop them off where people don’t get enough appreciation (grocery stores, post offices, the RMV)
Give them to MBTA workers on your commute.
Leave them on a car windshield or in the mailbox of someone you don’t know
POST about it (#LYWAN)
Let’s blow this kindness challenge up on social media and show everyone what Boston can be:
Need more INSpiration BEFORE YOU SIGN UP?
Here you go!
Thanks to all of our awesome partners in 2024!
Community partners: Greater Boston YMCA, For Black Girls, New Mission High School (Females Unite for Social Empowerment), English High School, Boston Medical Center (Clinical Research Network), Boston Medical Center (Family Medicine), Woodbourne Apartments, Soccer Unity Project, Gavin Recovery Center, Vine St. Community Center, BCYF Gallivan Youth Center, Fenway Community Center, Susan L. Curry Community Center, Grove Hall branch of the BPL, Parker Hill branch of the BPL, Codman Square branch of the BPL, Northeastern University (Service Learning), Northeastern University (Honors program), Mattapan Food and Fitness, Plymouth Correctional Facility, Westborough Connects, Boston University’s Alpha Phi Omega: Zeta Upsilon, the Mattahunt Elementary School, Shaugnessy Elementary School, and Side by Side Pre-School and Childcare Center.
Some of the individuals participating: Karen Osarenkhoe, Madeline, Elsa Flores, Teri Trotman, Dorothy Cotton, Roxana Aguirre, Ana Martínez, Janice Thomas, RuQuan Brown, Ashley Croker-Benn, Rachel Green, Romero Chacon, Kamil Curry, Kerry Simes, and Raejonay Manning-Arthur.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
Send them our way: hello@everydayboston.org
