Orly Wahba addresses the Women’s Chamber of Commerce: The Magic of Kindness
Orly Wahba addresses the Women’s Chamber of Commerce:
The Magic of Kindness
On Thursday April 18th, 2013, Orly Wahba, founder of Life Vest Inside, was invited back to speak at the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce for their quarterly Women in Business Luncheon. The Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce is a valued resource for businesses and the community. The Chamber fosters growth for its members by providing information, facilitating business education, encouraging collaboration and sponsoring networking opportunities.
Bill Atkins, a member of the Board, commented, “Orly had first come to speak at the luncheon back in November and after such a positive response, I felt it necessary to have her present again. Especially with everything that’s happened in Boston, people are in need of a powerful message to restore their faith in humanity.”
Life Vest Inside is a non-profit organization with a mission to unite and empower the world with kindness. “It’s all about helping people see the amazing and wonderful potential they have to make a difference in the world through simple yet powerful acts of kindness!” Orly stated.
The event was a huge success. As soon as Orly began speaking, she instantly lit up as she shared the story of Life Vest Inside and the powerful message it carries. People were captivated by her words, and enchanted by the great cause she is working towards achieving. Terese Rölke, an Independent Representative of Primerica Financial Services Insurance Marketing, Inc commented, “This was the most amazing presentation, Orly is a fabulous speaker. She inspired the whole crowd. There’s no doubt that she is going to make a difference in the world. Not only does she have a huge heart, she is authentic and it shines through.”
Orly’s engaging presentation told the story of how she first started out and what drove her to invest all of her time into this worthy cause. “The concept of uniting people has been a part of my story since childhood, but it was my students who inspired me to take it to the next level.” In spite of the obstacles Orly faced when starting out on her venture, she pressed on and had a positive mindset for her vision. “I told myself that if I truly believe in my vision I need to let go of the fear of failure and just begin. I had no idea how I would reach the masses, but I knew I wouldn’t give up.”
She shared some of her personal challenges and obstacles in life, experiences many can relate to. “We may not be able to prevent the curve balls life throws our way, but we most certainly can throw someone a life vest, a life line of kindness to help see them through, to help keep them afloat. After all we are all part of this world to help see each other through,” stated Orly. Maggie Ruane, a Sales Consultant at CSAV Systems remarked, “She is a phenomenal person and her presentation was great because she brings in real life situations others can relate to. It really touches your heart and it makes you want to do something as great as she is doing.”
In her words, “Kindness is Magical because more than anything it reminds a person of their worth and just how valuable they truly are. In today’s society we all need a reminder that we matter.”
The event ended with a roaring standing ovation and one by one the attendees approached Orly to share their personal stories and how the message of the organization resonated so deeply with them. “I have been attending these luncheons for 3 years and I’ve never seen anyone receive a standing ovation,” one of the woman remarked.
The message is so simple, yet so powerful. “Kindness doesn’t require a change in lifestyle, but simply a change in perspective.”
~Shannyce Lashley
(Shannyce is currently interning with Life Vest Inside and is a student at Brooklyn College)
To learn more about Life Vest Inside and donate visit: www.lifevestinside.com
Interested in Corporate Sponsorship opportunities? Email: lifevestinside@gmail.com Call: 347.2929.LVI
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram: @lifevestinside
Testimonial 24
“Thank you so much, Orly, for lifting and empowering our community. I am confident your impact will have a lasting impact. In fact, I have already observed the ripples of kindness extended throughout our school. My friends and fellow students have expressed their enjoyment with your presentation, sharing that they found it to be an “enlightening experience considering what the day was” and very “inspiring.” I witnessed tears transform into smiles, and laughter emerge out of new exchanges. Grandview is very grateful to have had you on campus on such an emotional day.”
Emma DeStefano, Director of Character Education and Health Teacher, Grandview Preparatory School
“Non-Violence: No Higher Calling”
Non-Violence:
No Higher Calling
At a time when violence in the United States is at its highest level in nearly two decades, international spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, one of the leading lights in the quest for non-violence, is taking a stand. His Holiness is launching an unprecedented national movement to counteract violence with one billion acts of non-violence. The initiative , “Non-Violence: No Higher Calling,” challenges individuals to commit to an act of non-violence through a social and digital campaign, culminating with the Guru’s five-city U.S. tour at the end of this month.
Supporters of this groundbreaking initiative, powered by Mr. Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation, are encouraged to share their commitments on the “Non-Violence: No Higher Calling” website in an effort to make non-violence go viral. With thousands of pledges recorded and partnerships with schools and advocacy groups underway, the peaceful crusade has already begun to change the world with actions ranging from playing only life-affirming video games to speaking out against bullying to practicing daily meditation, yoga or prayer. The goal is to accumulate 100 acts of non-violence for every act of violence and eventually reach one billion acts.
Engaged citizens in five major U.S. cities will witness the power of this movement first-hand when Mr. Shankar, joined by various celebrities and activists, leads a massive guided meditation with thousands of participants to help create a stress-free mindset. Each event will also feature its own unique style, including live music performances, participation from various elected officials and inspirational speeches from students on what non-violence means to them.
"The Wright brothers appeared crazy before they flew, and I have this crazy idea–a world without violence,” says Mr. Shankar, whose life mission to unite the world by instilling human values has inspired people throughout the world to connect and inspire change.. “With all the violence in the world, this idea may appear to be hoping for utopia, but we need to dream and we will get there. If we instill pride in being non-violent, compassionate and helpful to others, our lives will take a new direction. And that should be our unwavering commitment!”
The tour comes to New York on March 30th at 2 pm at the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza. And it ends with an award ceremony at the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Morehouse College in Atlanta, where Mr. Shankar will be honored with the Gandhi-MLK-Ikeda Award for Non-Violence.
For more information on the “Non-Violence: No Higher Calling” campaign and upcoming events, visit www.nonvio.org.
Testimonial 21
“Orly's energy and passion for creating a kinder world is truly inspiring. We LOVED having ORLY come to our community! I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants a charismatic, authentic and engaging speaker. Orly appeals to all age groups and meaningully impacts those that have the opportunity to hear her speak. We are already working on ways to have her come back to our community next year.”
Marisa Reed, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids
Testimonial 20
“Orly Wahba walks the talk. She is a kind and gentle old soul in the form of a young woman. Orly visited our community recently and inspired the little children and the great grandmas, and all of us in between. Everyone left the event smiling. It's a simple concept, Orly reminds us, but the results of showing kindness are profound.”
Cathy Winick, Director of Donor Relations, Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids
Kindness Hero of the Month: Ziwei Mao of Miami, Florida!
Kindness Hero of the Month:
Ziwei Mao of Miami, Florida!
A note from Orly Wahba, Founder and President of Life Vest Inside…
It's been one year since Kindness Boomerang first went viral spreading its message of kindness to the hearts of millions across the globe, and igniting the feeling of hope and possibility. I remember the hundreds of emails that would flood my inbox daily from people far and near expressing their gratitude in what the organization stands for. With every email my love for people grew. From a short email with a simple thank you, to a long email filled with a person's most inner thoughts and hopes - each email, each tweet, each post inspired me, energized me, fueled me to keep pushing forward. To push beyond the fear of making Life Vest Inside not just a hobby but a life choice. I remember people calling me crazy. Saying, "Orly, you don't need to answer every youtube comment, email and post! That's insane!" But I refused to pay any attention. The way I see it, if a person takes the time to share their appreciation or thoughts with me, the least I can do is send a response. Looking back, I now see that it was those simple responses to people I didn't even now that became the foundation for the organization, what we stand, who we are, and who we will never forget to remain. PEOPLE MATTER - plain and simple!
I remember the very first email that Ziwei Mao, this month's Kindness Hero, sent my way. Little did I know back then that he would grow to become such a vital of the organization and the Volunteer Leader representing Miami in LVI's WorldWide Dance for Kindness event. Ziwei wrote: "Hey LVI, Just saw your Kindness Boomerang video, it was so inspiring. What kind of volunteer opportunities do you offer? I am in the Miami, Fl area. Thanks."
At first Ziwei was intrigued by the Acts of Kindness Cards and I gladly sent a bunch his way. Not long after he contacted me with excitement as he shared experiences with the cards. But Ziwei wasn't done; he had only just begun to show his dedication to the organization. "I want to help in any way I can. I want to spread this message and do whatever you need. You tell me and I'm on it!" That was Ziwei's approach. Various ideas were thrown around but when it was decided that LVI's next main event would be a WorldWide Dance for Kindness, Ziwei didn't hesitate in the least bit. "I have received your world wide flash mob video and eagerly awaiting the next step!"
Ziwei's enthusiasm empowered me and pushed me to get things moving along. From the beginning he was on top of everything, ensuring that the event would be a great success and more importantly that the organization would be represented with honor and dignity. Watching the Miami FlashMob video brought tears to my eyes. He did an exceptional job and what more he uplifted others and got them excited about kindness! Now that is AMAZING! So if you're out there and you want to make a difference, never EVER think "how can I possibly organize an event?" YOU CAN! All you need to do is begin. Is it easy? Is it simple? No! It may not be - but can you do it? YES of course you CAN!
Ziwei took the event to another level and as a result of his amazing work he has now stepped forward to become an official Kindness Ambassador for Life Vest Inside in Miami! Our next event…well you'll have to wait and see! But one things for sure, with Ziwei as a member of my team I know we are in for yet another great success!
Ziwei, you may have been inspired by Kindness Boomerang, but I have been inspired by YOU!
Your fan and friend,
Orly
We asked Ziwei what led him to Life Vest Inside...
Well, it started about around February of this year, I forgot how but I came across the "Kindness Boomerang" video. The very minute I watched it , I told my self I need to be working with LVI. LVI's mission directly correlates with what I believe in and what I want to do in the world. So I contacted Orly and that's where it all began. When I was asked to be a group leader for the World Wide FlashMob, honestly I was hesitant and a little bit afraid. I had never taken up a project like that before and never even participated in a flashmob before, when I got the email I was speaking with a close friend of mine, her and I always spoke about what we can do to change the world and that sort of stuff. So when I told her I didn't know how to reply because I was afraid I would not do a good job being a group leader, she said one thing "Just Do It!", she kind of pushed me out of my comfort zone and help me realize if I want to help change the world I am just going to have to dive in. That is the story how I ended up being a group leader, she has been with me every step of the way and have helped me spread LVI's mission across Miami. For me, it has been such a wonderful experience. I can see the direct impact that LVI has, when I look at all the people that was involved with the flashmob. Everyone it touched has been inspired.
We love you, Ziwei! We are so honored to have you as our Miami, Florida Kindness Ambassador!
Kindness Boomeranging in Almaty, Kazakhstan!
Kindness Boomeranging
Almaty, Kazakhstan!
English teacher Timur Boskin of Almaty, Kazakhstan showed his students our Kindness Boomerang film. Here are some of the students' thoughts about Life Vest Inside and the power of kindness... :)
Leonid:
I know “Life vest inside” for about one month, it’s not too long, but still I understood that the community “Life vest inside” is making a real thing, to help people and to solve their problems. I think that real problem in the world is that simply don’t understand each other. We have to try to help somebody to know he’s problem, because we could understand people by helping them. I think that “life vest inside” is organization, which realizes our dreams. Dreams which we are afraid of telling people because they can laugh at us.
Fatima:
I do agree with “Life vest inside” organization. Because they try save our souls, our kindness. They want us to understand how it is important to be kind with other people around us. Life vest inside it not only charity organization, they don’t just give money to somebody, they makes us feel ourselves like angels do and we can help. We can do very important step in one’s life. So, with life vest inside, I understand that I am capable to.
Aigerim:
I like life vest inside very much. I think that it is very important and I also believe that kindness one of the best things in the world because in our life people forgot about simple good things. We played “Angel game” and it was very interesting. It was very cool, because my “object” was happy, when I put some presents and good things for this person.
Diana:
I think a creation of life vest inside is really good idea, which made good influence to us. It is important to be kind, to can give, not only to take. Because when you do something nice to others, it makes that person happy and of course, makes happy you! I think life vest inside is very good project. Because without LVI we won’t be kind and generous. And without kindness, we can’t live on the Earth. I like this project. I think because of it I become kinder and more open to people.
Adil Maken:
I think Life vest inside it is very good project. I know this project one month and now I became better. Before I was very bad, for example when someone I help. If was beaten I didn’t pay any attention. But now I have become better.I want to tell you one story. I found money and I didn’t spend it I tried to find host of the money, but I could’t. Later I found one boy who was eating a bit of apple and I gave him money that I found. I saw his smile, I gave him hope. He was happy and I’ll never forget his smile.
Alua:
I think Life vest inside community is very important and helpful organization. They’re trying to awake the kindness and love in people. It is relevant, because nowadays our world become meaner, colder and darker. Life vest inside really keeps our world afloat. If they won’t care, nobody care.
Dayan:
I think this project is Great, because people like it. Everybody like it. I knew this organisation, but didn’t pay attention, but now I like it too. Kindness – very important quality for all people of the world, because kindness keeps world on afloat.
Dilara:
Nowadays people pay attention to techies more than human quality and it’s really sad. When I looked around me I saw selfishness, rudeness, evil and other bad stuffs. But when I heard about LVI I was pleasantly surprised, because I saw that the kindness exists. And it’s really cool that people from all around the world are doing a good things just because they want it.
Bibisara:
I think that LVI impacted me in a very positive way and it is very important to care about kindness in the world. Because if all people care and think about other people in our world we can change everything. I know that it is a good idea to start kindness from our class and our school, and the first step was – “Angel game”. I hope that everyone will join us!!!
Zhanbolat:
So, I like “Life Vest Inside”. In the past I saw organizations like this and I liked it too, but they were not so global like LVI. After then, when I got introduced to the project I want to do more good things, but I can’t to do some thinkg. Because people think that I am a bad boy or a shoplifter and like this. I don’t know why they think so … Maybe because I like to wear dark clothes, and I am with the strange hair stile? Don’t look on this I do like kindness.I want to write a story. One day I went from school. And … I saw an old lady on the road. I ran to her and I asked what had happened. She sad that she fell and couldn’t stand up. One I couldn’t pick her up and then unfamiliar man stopped the car and helped me and then went further. I asked where she was going to. She said to house number 19 A and she didn’t know where it was. I accompanied her to the house and when we come she said: “Thank you! Thank you very much! God Bless you!” and she said it with tears on eyes … When I went home I didn’t understand, why nobody didn’t help her. I think than she is poor and asks for money. This proves once again that people are judged by their looks. It’s awful. And I want that everybody everyday do at least one good thing.
Asanali:
I think Life vest inside is a great non-profit organization of the world. I like it, Because kindness keeps the world afloat, kindness – very important quality for all people of the world. We need to give kindness to each other!
Alemkhan
Life vest inside is WONDERFUL organization. They help to other people, poor, people, whose sick. It is very important to help other people, because most people are thinking only about themselves. We have watched LVI videos and they’re very good. At school we played Angel games.
Rustem:
I like Live vest inside very much. It’s a great project. They show how it is important to be kind to each other. That’s why we joined Life vest inside. And now we play the angels game. Everybody must help to other and make kindness anonymously.
(THANK YOU to Republican Science High School for your words of inspiration!!!!)
Kindness is Thriving in Bend, Oregon!
Kindness is Thriving
in Bend, Oregon!
Andy Worcester and Mark Koopman, teachers at High Desert Middle School in Bend, Oregon, have started numerous Kindness Boomerangs within their school! Their 6th period class made THIS VIDEO and showed it to the 750 students within the school. The same class then performed Kindness FreezeMobs for the lunch room!
WOW!!! We are blown away, this is phenomenal. Our Life Vest Inside team is SO proud! Keep the Kindness going, HDMS!!!
Read Andy's full email:
Dear Orly,
I would like to share with you how your "Kindness Boomerang" video has impacted High Desert Middle School, in Bend, Oregon. I will try to be brief, but I am very excited about what is happening here. On October 10, we celebrated Unity Day in our school by asking students and staff to wear orange in support of anyone who has been bullied. During the day, a colleague sent a link to your video, which had been shared with her by one of her students. From there the idea of spreading the Kindness Boomerang took off.
My teaching Partner and I are fortunate enough to work with an incredible group of kids who have embraced this idea, and are running with it. On Monday, November 5, we held an all school assembly, combining your video, along with video clips of our students. The kids answered questions such as " What would it be like if everyone was kind to each other at HDMS?", or "How does it feel when someone shows you kindness?" Their answers were passionate and real, and the entire student body of 750 was engaged and attentive.
We followed it up today with a Freeze Mob of Kindness during our school lunches. The same students froze in an act of kindness, while their peers watched in amazement. We were able to broadcast it on a screen for all to see, and receive the message that it only takes a slight moment in time to show a little kindness.
With the help and enthusiasm of our students, we will continue to "throw boomerangs" throughout the year, as more activities are being planned.
I can honestly tell you that the last two events would not have taken place without the inspiration from your video. It, along with your message has touched our students, my partner and myself, and by the feedback we have received, many others in our school.
We hope to post our class projects to our school website, and perhaps we could send them on to yours. For now, we send the boomerang back to you, and say thank you. You have inspired us greatly.
Sincerely,
Andy Worcester, Mark Koopman, and our awesome 6th period class
Rise of the Mud Army in Queensland, Australia
Rise of the Mud Army
in Queensland, Australia
We received this touching email from a Queensland, Australia resident:
Dear Orly, how are you?
Firstly, I want to thank you for making the video 'Kindness Boomerang', I have been showing this to my students, I know many have been showing the video to their friends. A bit of an intro, I am a teacher, and a physics PhD student. I live in Queensland, Australia. I have a true story to share with you:
In January 2011, I lived in the Lockyer Valley, in between Brisbane and Toowoomba. I had just moved in after having surgery, I was still in pain, but coping okay and looking forward to a few weeks of relaxation and finishing my Masters degree. All this before I was due to start work at the new school later that month. January is usually hot, as it is high summer here - but this one had been not too hot, but unusually stormy. Then in early January, the impossible happened... the Queensland floods, sometimes referred to as the 'inland tsunami'.
This started in Toowoomba, then roared through the Lockyer Valley, literally sweeping entire towns away. I remember being in my house on a hill, the lightning was deafning and the thunder shook the house (as did the small landslide across the street). As I looked out my back door, I could see a sheet of water across the backyard.
Here is a video tribute of the floods and what happened next.
The next day, my neighbors and I realized that our little town was cut off, the highway was ruined. The phone networks went down, even the water was cut off at one stage. There were dozens of truckies in the truckstop down the road, stranded.
All of Queensland suffered, an area the size of Texas flooded.
But it was then, that a 'call to arms' spread, what became known to some as the 'mud army' rose, some say up to a million volunteers (though it would be impossible to truly know the number), helping their neighbours, helping strangers, sharing what they have, giving what they can. I did my little bit, 10 or so hours shovelling mud out and moving furniture out of my new neighbour's business, only stopping when the pain (from the surgery) got to the point that I could barely move. I went home, looked in the mirror and saw that I was covered in mud, my eyes were red, I was bruised and exhausted - but I was smiling.
A couple of days later, I went out again - this time, joining a group of people (who I met on facebook of all places) giving what we could to people in an evacuation centre in a hard hit town (that we could reach on the ruined highway) - we found it hard to get a parking space, as there were so many people coming in to help. One of the shirts that I gave went to an elderly gentlemen... he and his wife barely survived the devastation that as brought upon Grantham - the hardest hit community.
A week later, I started work at my new school.
When I left that town at the end of 2011 - I gave away all my furniture to some locals - and moved to where I am in central Queensland, in another town that was hard hit (80% under water), I came here with my clothes, books, a first aid kit and a shovel ... just in case.
My motivation? There are 3 main things that upon reflection caused my willingness to help - first and foremost, everyone was needed, secondly, I was brought up to help when and where I can and finally, I have been given so many acts of kindness, just a few months earlier, I was seriously sick and people who I just met supported me and helped me get through a very dark time in my life.
My story is just one of so very many, of the million or so that lent a hand - I believe that the small acts of kindness performed by many many people did a lot in Queensland's eventual recovery.
I just thought I would share that with you. Oh and I finished my Masters degree and got into the PhD program!
Sincerely,
A Queensland Resident
WorldWide Dance for Kindness!
WorldWide Dance for Kindness!
World Kindness Day 2012 was surely one to remember! On November 18th over 3500 participants in over 30 locations spanning across 15 countries around the globe joined together to DANCE FOR KINDNESS in Life Vest Inside's first annual WorldWide FreezeMob FlashMob! The goal of the event is to promote kindness, positive human interaction and to help increase people’s awareness and sensitivity to others and it did just that!
The event hosted in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, and tons of locations throughout the USA, began with a Kindness FreezeMob. Dancers froze in ‘Kindness Positions’ for over 3 minutes as DeScribe’s AMAZING, soul stirring hit single, ‘We R 1’ brought hope to the crowds. For three minutes time FROZE for kindness and gave people the opportunity to see that kindness truly only takes a moment. Immediately after the FreezeMob, the streets filled with the sound of K’nann’s ‘Wavin’ Flag’ and Matisyahu’s ‘One Day’ as dancers from across the globe un-froze and broke out into dance. Life Vest Inside Acts of Kindness cards were distributed, giving the crowd an opportunity to take a bit of the magic with them.
The New York City group, led by Life Vest Inside’s founder Orly Wahba and Executive Director Tory Dube, performed their FlashMob in Times Square. New York City’s American Eagle Outfitters donated their billboards for the length of the performance and Life Vest Inside played their award winning short film ‘Kindness Boomerang,’ and debuted their new kindness spots!
Ari Grunzenweig of Imagination Creations compiled the footage and turned Life Vest Inside’s various commercials and short films into an epic 20 minutes of choreographed footage among the eight screens donated. ‘For ten minutes Times Square stopped to celebrate kindness with us. It was magical. The whole purpose of the event was to increase human connection... and we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams,’ recalled Tory Dube, Life Vest Inside volunteer.
In the coming months, Life Vest Inside will compile the footage of all of the FlashMobs around the world into one montage- proving it doesn’t matter your race, location, religious affiliation, etc... we can come together as ONE in Kindness. ‘I know my life has been changed by coming upon Life Vest Inside’s Kindness Boomerang video and embarking on this fabulous adventure! I am so looking forward becoming an ambassador for Life Vest Inside. I know we have touched over 100 people’s lives right here in Montreal – who will then touch how many more!??!’ recaps Diane Dupuis-Kallos after successfully organizing a FlashMob in Canada.
To check out pictures from the WorldWide event - Click HERE!
*Please note: The WorldWide Video montage of the event will be released shortly with a complete list of all participants and those who have contributed to the events success.
NOW - let's take the INSPIRATION from the day and turn it into ACTION!
November 18th was not simply a day about Dancing for Kindness but Acting in Kindness! LVI launched our Rockethub fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Sandy who lost their home to fire. Now, you can lend a life vest to someone in need. Visit our CAMPAIGN and make your contribution TODAY! It's ALWAYS the season to GIVE!
Life Vest Inside would like to thank the following individuals and companies that assisted with the success of the NYC event:
Times Square Alliance, Damien Santucci, Mike Dugan and Times Square NYPD, American Eagle Outfitters, Dave Taylor, DeScribe, KIND, Rachel and Jeff Sutton, Michelle Hazan, Tory Dube, Anthony Gorgio, Bobbie Beyda, Natalie Terzi, Nathan Tawil, Ari Grunzenweig (Imagination Creations), Vincent MacTiernan (Special Effects editor & one of a kind guy), Paul Rosen, Dorrie Jankowski, Derek Brown and the entire team of NITROUS, Roy Arias Theaters, Jack Hidary, Heather Chen, Simeon Rose, Jessica Mullin, Alexandra Petruck, Steve Hopkins, Matt Van Ekeren, Marlene Massry, Jack Laboz, Pauline and Mike Wahba, and of the AMAZING participants!
Life Vest Inside would also like to individually recognize and acknowledge the AMAZING, WONDERFUL, and COMMITTED Group Leaders who have assisted us in making the event such a great success! I am forever grateful to them and feel fortunate to have worked with KIND and LOVING individuals, who in a short time have become GREAT FRIENDS of mine. They have further proven the validity of the words of Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
~Orly Wahba
Courtney Collado of Topeka, Kansas
Breanne Oakie of Alberta, Canada
This project has made me feel united with people around the world in ways nothing else has. I didn’t know the other participants but we all felt the same in our hearts and we were able to lift each other up and support each other with our words and our actions. It made me feel connected and as if we were all one, for a day, but we will all know that we are connected forever.
Timur Boskin of Almaty, Kazakhstan
The whole Event wouldn’t be so effective without Kindness and Energy of those who participated and supported us.
I don’t know how to thank you, Life Vest Inside, for uniting all of us here and around the World no matter what race, color and belief system! It all helped us to feel ourselves as a part of one global nation – Humanity. Hope everyone soon will be able to speak Kindness!
Charlie Harkness of Gold Coast, Australia
Even a small group can make a difference.
Dustin Wong of Los Angeles, California
Some of the best moments in my life: discovering new friends, building bonds, and spreading awareness. Keep kindness going because it is a universal language that is in everyone’s price range.
Nadan Petri of Croatia
[This event] was wonderful, I was feeling so young and enthusiastic again, and I am probably amongst the oldest, if not the oldest group leader, I am almost 58! It was so
hilariously WILD from time to time; the dancers were bursting with joy and optimism! I could only be sorry for not joining the LVI movement (yes, it is a first class world movement!) before. We did not have much time to organize everything, but at the end had more than enough dancers, and a strong support by almost everybody I addressed asking for help. We even had roses that were given to the people watching the performance! It was so great to be a part of everything. Thank you, Orly, for doing this, you are my hero!
Paola Ortega Sanchez and Celso Castro of Mexico City, Mexico
The most incredible, joyful and supportive experience I had this year. Giving without the need to receive is truly an act of kindness. The chance to know people from around the globe, the possibility to talk to some of them, the capability of sharing this with friends and new people, it’s awesome. Now I know that the possibility to change the world and make it better is inside us.
Ziwei Mao of Miami, Florida
Working with Life Vest Inside on this event was such an emotional experience for me. It helped me reach down to my very core and grab hold of the change I believed in. Orly sees the world differently than most, she is not one to subscribe to the negativity and hate that seems to constantly loom over the global population, she is naturally able to transfer her vision through her speeches and actions, she takes the concept of ‘Paying it Forward’ and makes it tangible. As the message of LVI reaches far and wide, no doubt it will make an impact both individually and globally touching the lives of all it comes in contact with.
Diane Dupuis-Kallos of Montreal, Canada
I like to think of myself as a nice, kind and considerate person. After signing up to be a Coordinator of the Montreal version of the World Wide Dance for Kindness – it really made me pay much closer attention to kindness – around me – and what I do.
Maria Beatriz Alvarez of Montreal, Canada
It has been an amazing experience, bringing a lot of gains to my life: learning about how to prepare an event, how to use technologies, PRACTICING ENGLISH, reflecting about my own kindness and trying to be more kind, meeting new people and doing what I like the most: sensitizing people about positives values! Also, now I know that there are a lot of people working on that around the world, like all of you!! For me, it's wonderful news.
Dolores and Nicole Lawton of Oneonta, New York
When my daughter and I became involved with creating a Kindness Revolution Club at our school, we knew we needed to find activities that would have impact, while still being fun. Life Vest Inside Inside gave us the opportunity to do just that. The worldwide flashmob dance is so spectacular. It will take seeing the video montage for all involved to truly realize what they are now a part of. Our community and students will never forget this experience. As for our kindness Club, it continues to grow and that means more kindness!
Kasia Szczot of Lublin, Poland
I knew could organize Flash Mob in my city very easily and with help from LVI it was just perfect. I love organizing such events and I was enjoying every minute of this process. At the end, everybody were surprised that nothing went wrong! Thank you very much for this help! I’ve realized how I can look for my way in this World of Kindness.
Natalia of Tomsk, Russia
Brian Kruger of Seattle, Washington
Michelle Tay of Singapore, Singapore
The flash mob experience showed how kindness spreads across all ages! (We had 40 dancers who volunteered aged between 15 – 65 years old!) The Singapore Kindness Movement is proud to support the Life Vest Inside under the big umbrella of kindness. Indeed, with appreciation, kindness blossoms!
John Miller of Taylor, Missouri
Tonya Bennet of Toledo, Ohio
There were so many tears during that 7 minutes – the dancers, the mall director, parents, my family, me……
It was so great – my heart was truly moved and I felt very honored to be a part of it.
Adam Haesler of Vancouver, Canada
In my experience, love can only be expressed honestly in the absolute sense, without discrimination or exception. Kindness is one expression of love, one that I experienced as a continuous stream on World Kindness Day, and in the weeks leading up to day. The love I experienced with friends, strangers, and for myself was life changing, and will continue into the infinite. The goal for me is global community, which we all had a sample of bonding with each other. If we choose to work together going forward global community will be a way of life. I love all of you; thank you for choosing to create new connections of love with your global neighbors, this is only the beginning.
Kathy Kwasnicki of Vancouver, Canada
All four of us, (left to right) ~ Kathy, Theresa, Adam, & Alexandra, came together through the spirit of kindness .. having just met face to face for the first time only 3 days prior and Theresa, joining in the morning of our FlashMob Dance for Kindness ~ just hours before .. having driven from Toronto newly relocating to Vancouver on that very day !! Also Chingtai, awaiting our arrival at the "Granville Island Public Market Courtyard" from our final & only 2nd rehearsal @ False Creek Community Centre ~ to memorialize the event through film ~ together with his 2 friends Danny, & Sukhraj ~ fellow photographers ....Thank you All So Very Much for your Enthusiasm, Dedication, and Encouragement ....
Fernando Brierley of Santiago, Chile
Sonia Surayya Ahmad of Sydney, Australia
Michael Lloyd-White of Sydney, Australia
Faizan Sheikh of Uttar Pradesh, India
Izabela Boanta Elena of Romania
Orly Wahba and Tory Dube of New York City, New York
Educate for Kindness: Life Vest Inside's Kindness Curriculum
Educate for Kindness:
Life Vest Inside's Kindness Curriculum
In response to growing demands to provide more real-life experiences for children during the school day that are based on improving critical thinking, and increasing awareness and use of life-skills, Life Vest Inside has designed a Kindness Curriculum!
Lydia Criss Mays, Life Vest Inside’s Director of Education, has designed the curriculum to intentionally align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Bloom’s Taxonomy to elicit higher order thinking skills. The curriculum, currently including Units of Study from Kindergarten through Fifth grade, is unique in that it functions as a seamless curriculum to complement and enhance instruction for teachers, unlike “push-in” curricula requiring teachers to “make time” within a school day to accommodate additional learning objectives not reflected in the CCSS.
Each Unit, designed by experts in the field of education, includes six lessons. Each Unit builds upon the prior, so by the end of Fifth grade, students will have received almost forty lessons directly aligned with the CCSS that additionally enhance their understanding of, and ability to, think critically about ways to generate more kindness on an individual and global level. Life Vest Inside will begin distribution of our LVI Kindness Curriculum to educational stakeholders across the United States and Canada beginning December 1st.
During this time, we’re asking educational stakeholders to read the curriculum and provide feedback that will strengthen the Units. If interested in reviewing the curriculum, please fill out this questionnaire so we may better contact you.
Using feedback from educational stakeholders, LVI will make the necessary adjustments and distribute the curriculum for implementation in the form of Pilot Lessons. Lessons will be piloted from January 7th-25th, 2013. If you are interested in piloting lessons, please fill out this questionnaire so we may better contact you. This data will be used to help LVI continue making necessary adjustments to help best meet the strengths, interests, and needs of students. Findings from both the lesson review and piloting process will be presented on the TED 2013 stage and the schools to pioneer the curriculum will be mentioned and thanked for their participation!
December Hero of the Month: Diane Dupuis-Kallos of Montreal, Canada!
December Hero of the Month:
Diane Dupuis-Kallos of Montreal, Canada!
A note from Orly Wahba, Founder and President of Life Vest Inside...
The Worldwide event was a greater success than I ever could have imagined! Watching the footage of people from across the globe uniting and dancing for the common cause of Kindness was heartwarming, empowering and touching. It was a true testament to the fact that regardless of our differences we are all the same; we are all citizens of humanity. We don't have to wait for ONE DAY when the world will join together in peace, but rather we can make that day a reality TODAY by simply taking a stand and voicing our belief in kindness, respect and unity.
The history of the world may be one of war, hate, and destruction - but we have the power to turn all of that around; to pave a new path for our future, a path of KINDNESS! Through Life Vest Inside and Kindness Boomerang I have met some of the most extraordinary people from across the globe. Bonds, friendships, and relationships that I know will last and will forever leave an imprint on my heart. An amazing team of Group Leaders from 30 locations was formed because we all believe in the power of kindness. We may have started off as strangers, but we have grown to become great friends, a small family of Kindness Foot Soldiers with passion in our hearts to make the world a better place.
When I first set off on the journey to create this WorldWide event, I had no idea how I was going to accomplish it. But as fate would have it, the perfect team of Group Leaders was formed who share the same love, passion, and belief in the good of humanity. We may have been a small group but in the words of Margaret Meade, "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
I would like to extend a debt of gratitude to each of the Group Leaders for their dedication, commitment, and the heart and soul they put in to make the event such a great success. I would like to highlight one of the Group Leaders who has become much more than just a Group Leader, but a great friend - Diane Dupuis-Kallos (Montreal Coordinator). From the very beginning, Diane's passion radiated. Her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence was inspiring. Diane never missed a beat and her energy was felt through and through. I feel fortunate that our paths have crossed and I look forward to our continued friendship. I am excited to announce that Diane has just been appointed as the Kindness Ambassador for LVI Montreal! I am honored to have you as a member of the team!
We asked Diane to briefly sum up her experience with Life Vest Inside and the Worldwide Kindness FlashMobs and she responded with THIS!
"I like to think of myself as a nice, kind and considerate person. After signing up to be a Coordinator of the Montreal version of the World Wide Dance for Kindness – it really made me pay much closer attention to kindness around me and what I do. Let’s be honest – being kind is really hard work!!! It’s so easy to go about our lives in our little bubbles, taking care of ourselves, our family and close friends… donating some money and time here and there – and being nice people… No problem. Imagine if everyone took an extra 5 minutes each day to do an EXTRA act of kindness… Just 5 minutes… It could be as simple as smiling at someone, giving them a compliment, talking to someone who is lonely, lending an ear to someone who is upset… I truly believe we could help make this world a much better place… I know I am forever grateful for my fabulous and sweet Co-Coordinator Mabe – our always smiling head choreographer Heather – our great team of photographers and videographers – our behind the scenes supporters that helped make it all happen - and most importantly all our participants. They took time out of their busy schedules to come to practices, learn the steps, read our long e-mails and most importantly – they came and danced, held posters, gave out cards – and helped spread the word of kindness! I know my life has been changed by coming upon Life Vest Inside’s Kindness Boomerang video and embarking on this fabulous adventure! I am so looking forward to meeting Tory and Orly in person in January – and becoming an ambassador for Life Vest Inside. I know we have touched over 100 people’s lives right here in Montreal – who will then touch how many more!??!"
We couldn't agree more, Diane! Thank you for being such a wonderful example of Kindness!
DeScribe: Vision of Harmony
DeScribe:
Vision of Harmony
On November 18th, 2012 we kicked-off our WorldWide Dance for Kindness Event with a Kindness FreezeMob, (during which participants remained frozen in a Kindness Position for over 3.5 minutes to show what kindness looks like), as DeScribe’s phenomenal single ‘We R 1’ debuted around the world!
Who is DeScribe? His voice can awaken the soul through song. He has a vibrant, energy-driven and rhythmic vibe. We’re talking pulsating and inspiring music stemming from his personal journey from the darkness into light. Shneur Hasofer, better known by his stage name DeScribe, is anAustralian singer-songwriter.
His music combines elements of Pop, Dance, and Reggae. Born in Sydney, DeScribe left home for Israel at the age of 14. DeScribe views music as a medium to awaken the human soul and has amassed a following built on his street credibility and religious life. As featured on the CBS documentary, “Faith, Music, & Culture” (2009), DeScribe takes his music as a direct mission from above.
DeScribe has captivated audiences internationally through online presence and music videos including controversial “Harmony,” “Change,” and “Make It,” that have garnered over half a million views online. His recent accolades include a two-page spread in the NY Daily Newsand an exclusive interview on the Daily Buzz morning news show. He is on heavy rotation on Miami Music TV and a slew of other TV channels airing in countries including Jamaica, Haiti and Puerto Rico.
Most recently, DeScribe collaborated with Matisyahu on “Pure Soul,” an uplifting dancehall record for kids with special needs. They’ve shown him a pure love of life, not often seen in the world, and with his musical toolkit, DeScribe paints a picture of children full of courage and joy in spite of tremendous adversity. He sings, “You light up the room like a fire, cause you’re from way up high.” DeScribe also collaborated with Rohan Marley, Bob Marley’s son, to create the theme song for Marley Coffee, “Livin’ for the Grind.” In Aug 2012, DeScribe was featured in award winning documentary forThe Arts of Brooklyn Film Festival, which has taken off globally and is being aired in film festivals all over the world now.
On Nov, 18th 2012 in honor of World Kindness Day, DeScribe released his debut single, “We R 1,” that’s already making waves across the globe. Thousands of people in 30 cities and across 15 countries have performed a WorldWide Kindness Freezemob to ‘We R 1’ in honor of World Kindness Day. DeScribe made an appearance at the NYC Dance for Kindness Event to show his support.
Free Single Download link for “We R 1”
Check out more of DeScribe at www.DeScribeNation.com For bookings or anything management related, contact: info@foreignity.com
DeScribe mentioned Life Vest Inside and posted some of the FlashMobs on his website!
On a personal note, Life Vest Inside would like to thank DeScribe for his continued support of our mission to spread kindness, love and respect throughout the world.
Life Vest Inside at the Get Your Wellness On Fair!
Life Vest Inside at
The Get Your Wellness On Fair!
On Sunday, October 21, 2012, Life Vest Inside participated in Get Your Wellness On’s Suicide Prevention and Awareness Fair! Get Your Wellness On is a grassroots movement that encourages dialogue and education to reduce incidents of mental illness that can lead to suicide. Life Vest Inside was honored to kick off the full day of performances and activities and, through our first ever FreezeMob, aimed to remind everyone that kindness only takes a moment. Over 50 performers stopped mid-stride to freeze for a full three minutes in a position illuminating a kind act. As Fair spectators stood in awe, the frozen performers then broke out in a FlashMob to K’naan’s ‘Wavin’ Flag.’ The Wellness Fair brought a wave of new Life Vest Inside friends and kindness partners, and after a successful FreezeMob/FlashMob, we are even more excited for our WorldWide event: Dance for Kindness November 18, 2012! Check out our Main Event Page and Join the Fun!
Life Vest Inside at the Premiere of 'Road to Peace'
Life Vest Inside at
the Premiere of 'Road to Peace'
On Sunday evening, October 21st, 2012 Life Vest Inside attended the New York premiere of Road to Peace: Ancient Wisdom of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet! Among special guests were Leon Stuparich, director of the film, and speakers David Sanborn, Tushar Gandhi and Nawang Khechog. Not only was ‘Kindness Boomerang’ previewed before the film, but Orly had the opportunity to address the audience and give them a taste of what Life Vest Inside is all about.
Phoenix Project NYC’s therapeutic theater collective ‘Let the Pheonix Rise’ was the recipient of the evenings proceeds. Orly had the opportunity to spend some quality time with David, Tushar and Nawang after the event and they all expressed immense interest in being involved with Life Vest Inside in the future! Not only was the event an honor and a success, the film itself was phenomenal. Leon Stuparich, the director, has graciously posted the documentary for free viewing on the film’s facebook page!
To watch Road to Peace: Ancient Wisdom of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet visit the facebook page here.
A great debt of gratitude goes to Kathy Horn who was a major player in making the event a tremendous success. The night was truly one of inspiration, kindness, and compassion!
Infinite Reach
Infinite Reach
Positive Affirmation of the Day: Today, I will recognize that I am part of a whole; that every action I do doesn't simply live within itself - but has a ripple effect with no boundaries. I will realize that every act and every failure to act, sets in motion forces that can affect hundreds and even thousands of lives and has the potential to light up worlds of people that I may have never even contemplated.
Today's Positive Affirmation of the day was inspired by a passage I read in a book(Chofetz Chaim - Loving Kindness) this morning that I would like to share with all of you.
You see, very often people don't recognize just how powerful and influential they are in the great scheme of things - when in fact every act or failure to act, has an infinite reach.
For example: Imagine a man is on the verge of bankruptcy. His friend is in a position to help the man reestablish his business on a firmer footing. The friend debates with himself - there are two choices in front of him. Should he provide a loan and take a chance on losing his money, or should he let his friend try and find another way out? Finally after a lot of contemplation, the friend decides NOT to help the man out.
As a result, perhaps the business would have collapsed and the workers would have lost their jobs. The result of which could cause a terrible rise in the level of tension in many households. Perhaps some marriages would have disintegrated amid fighting and rancor. Perhaps a child would have runaway from the turmoil and as a result would get mixed up with the wrong kind of crowd. Some of the workers may even suffer health problems as a result of the strain. The employee on the verge of buying a house would had to have forfeited his plans. The man who hired the aide for his mother would have had to put his mother in a nursing home - a move she does not want to make. All these people's miseries and hardships would have landed, in part, on the lap of the man who could have helped but didn't.
A decision on behalf of the friend to help out would have a significant effect as well. As a result of the friends loan, the business survives, 150 workers the business employs remain employed. They are saved from the embarrassment and emotional pain of coming home to announce they've lost a job. The marital stress that job loss might have caused in some homes never comes to pass. One worker who was on the verge of buying a house is able to close the deal and resettle his family in a safe, clean neighborhood where his children thrive. Another is able to afford a home-care aide for his elderly mother. The restaurant across the street from the business maintains its steady lunch-time clientele, as does the newspaper vendor, the drugstore and the candy shop. And the friend who made the loan receives the reward for all of this and all of the additional infinite ways in which his act of kindness reverberates into the future.
Each person in this world is IMPORTANT, SIGNIFICANT and a major player in the worlds events. You may not be on the cover of a magazine or a known celebrity, but each person is in fact an important public figure whose actions have the potential to light up the worlds of people he may have never even contemplated.
So as you go about your day today remember that your decisions MATTER!
Try and find some kind act to do that will set positive forces in motion and stand back and watch the infinite reach of Kindness!