Hello Do-Gooders! Welcome to the second issue of Circling the Empire. This fall-themed volume is packed with preholiday goodies such as links to important resources, information on one of our International Service Partners, and some fun and simple fall-themed service projects. It is my hope that you and your club peruse this issue and find at least one thing that you’d like to implement, experiment with, or reflect on. Seeing the accounts of others, as well as the work of others, can oftentimes inspire you to try something new yourself. As a member of Circle K, I see inspiration for good everywhere I go: Whether it’s people being “Everyday Heroes” by doing a small act of kindness, extending a helping hand to a person in need, or planning a large-scale event that positively impacts the community, I constantly try to keep my eyes open for “the good” in the world. Recently, my school’s chapter of NRHH (the National Residence Hall Honorary) sponsored an event called “Pay It Forward Day.” The premise of the event is simple enough: You perform a kind action for one person (holding the door, paying for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop, saying “thank you” and meaning it, complimenting someone without expecting something in return, etc.) in hopes that they will go forth and perform a kind action for another person. At the end of the day, your goal is to have spread as much kindness as possible, in hopes of brightening someone else’s day. One small action, like smiling at the person behind the counter or engaging the quiet person who sits across the room in conversation, can change someone’s life for the better. While the main objective of “paying it forward” is to help others, you’ll soon find that the side-effects of the day’s positivity rub off on you. Soon, the waves of good karma rush over you and you realize that goodness exists everywhere—you just have to know where to find it. Remember that service, and dedication to bettering the world, starts with you. You have the power to change someone’s life for the better; thus, you have the power to change your life for the better. Never stop reaching for the stars and never stop trying to change the world. You can do it and all it could take is a smile. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As always, if you ever have a question, or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or text (516-974-2844), or by e-mail (christineretta.cki@gmail.com). Looking forward to hearing from you!
Yours in Service and Friendship,
Christine Retta Christine Retta District Editor, ’13-‘14