Newsletter for End-of-Year Giving
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RDS: Firsts »
June 6, 2008
On May 2 we had an in-service day at RDS, with faculty and staff meeting and then preparing for the conclusion of the school year. On May 12 one of the fourth grades departed for the Mosaic Project and our Borucan visitors came to school. On the first of those two dates, in Burma/Myanmar, a cyclone struck, killing 77,738 people. Ten days later, a 7.9 earthquake rocked China’s Sichuan Province. Thousands died and many more thousands were injured, and the area was devastated, including many schools.
I know, a strange first paragraph for the last Friday Folder of the 2007-2008 school year. But hold on. Engaged. Prepared. Inspired. One of our hopes at RDS is to instill within our students these three qualities. And in times of crisis, like Myanmar and Sichuan, what lies deep within comes rushing out, and at RDS we are seeing these qualities emerge all around us.
Our students have engaged in what has happened by learning what they could about each tragedy. They have prepared by considering if they and you are equipped for a local disaster and by understanding what, whether anything, could have been done in both these incidents to reduce the damage and loss of life. But most of all they have been inspired to reach out and do what they can. For instance, many classes have approached David Nakayama and the Advancement team about raising money through direct solicitation or various fundraisers. All are great ideas stemming from compassion and inspiration. At the same time, we are keenly aware that many families have already given to a charity of their choice in support of the victims of these tragedies. We also know that parents are seemingly asked for donations at every turn, so we have asked them to be more considered.
Therefore, when seventh grader Pinkie Young stepped forward with her idea, and then, in conjunction with David, turned it into an actionable plan, we jumped at the opportunity. The general idea is that on Monday and Tuesday of next week we will collect dry noodles, dry beans, bandages, blankets, and tents that we will donate to Aidmatrix, a world-wide network of disaster relief organizations (http://www.aidmatrix.org/). The items will in turn be sent to the victims through Give2Asia (http://www.give2asia.org/).
Part of the appeal of this idea is that our students now must think through the supplies needed and intentionally work with you to get items to donate. That is, they have to go through cupboards and tag along on the next trip to the market to remind you to get some extra noodles or beans. This means they must keep this inspiration in their minds, which gives each of us, as parents and caregivers, an unparalleled opportunity to talk with and listen to our children about what all this means. During these conversations, and especially in the silences in between, the highest qualities that we share as human beings emerge: empathy, caring, helping, sacrifice, humility. These are the times they come to understand they can make a difference in the lives of others, especially those suffering from a natural disaster. It is also a time when we can deepen their habit and spirit of giving back, especially to those in need.
The deepest meaning of tragedies like these, however, is the realization that life is fragile and that we must make the most of what is now. And as we all head into our summers, let’s keep reflecting on the beauty that is now. In this regard, trust me: there are no better mentors than our children. We have a lot to learn, and re-learn, from one another. Now let’s help them learn the meaning of giving back by accompanying them this weekend in finding something for the donation on Monday and Tuesday.
See you at Step-Up.
Mike
