The new column in the USA today titled the Kindness Community picked the first winner of their  Kindness Community Hero yesterday. Mike Ball of Whitmore Lake, Michigan was the first to receive this honor with his work in founding Lost Voices – Creative Journeys for Youth at Risk.

Ball started the foundation by realizing how much impact that artistic expression can have on youngsters. The Lost Voices program, which was founded in 2007 offers workshops for youth that has been incarcerated and those who run the risk. Many of these incarcerated youth come from families with histories of incarceration, abuse, and neglect, and have few, if any, positive relationships with adults. Programs such as Lost Voices has been proven by studies to greatly reduce the risk of children in these situations to become involved in criminal activity or be incarcerated as an adult.

Each summer, Ball, a nationally syndicated columnist and humorist,  along with folk and blues musicians like Josh White, Jr., Kitty Donohoe, and “blues master” Robert Jones  help the kids compose their own folks or blues music and then gives them the opportunity to perform their compositions in front of a crowd at a professionally-staged concert. Ball hopes to expand his foundation and expand his effort across the United States. The USA today award will hopefully give his foundation enough attention for some major funding sources to jump on board.

For more information on Lost Voices, visit their website or see a video of their work.

Mike Ball and his Lost Voices Organization

<h3>Many Americans are Wondering Why</h3>

U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace prize, gaining him praise and scrutiny from all around the world. The first year leader of the United States has been awarded more for vision than achievement so far in his term, which is drawing the eyes of the world. Media coverage has been highly split on whether or not President Obama has achieved the necessary peace goals to deserve such a high honor. His plans for the future do involve pulling out of Iraq, but many of the policies that Bush started are still in effect. Many people are still wondering why he won, and whether or not the pre-empive prize will be worth it.

Polls have shown that many Americans don’t think that Obama deserves the award, but the defense has been given that his visions have inspired audiences worldwide. The question remains, is that enough to deserve the prestigious award, or was it given entirely too prematurely? Despite the mixed feelings on whether or not his vision of kindness and peace will be realized, Obama now has an obligation to enact his policies and show people that the award was well deserved. Regardless of whether or not he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize at the moment is hardly as important as how the remainder of his term will shape the world. Many see the award as an endorsement more than a recognition of achievement, and this may be the case. However, those who are truly dedicated to kindness and a better society overall will be keeping a close watch on President Obama and how he plans to earn his award.

Leading U.S. Newspaper to Offer new Section of Kindness

“Kindness: New Ways we Give and Volunteer” is the latest category in USA Today‘’s commitment to cause-driven content. Curated by Christie Garten, the online community illustrates how acts of kindness and calls for social change are impacting society and offering individuals new ways to contribute. The section will outline steps that individuals are taking to make the world a better place and fresh new approaches to philanthropy.

Including a search engine powered by good2gether, the section will include ongoing coverage of local charities, volunteering, innovations in technology toward a good cause, and all forms of positive involvement. Found at kindness.usatoday.com, the site utilizes all of the social networking tools that USA Today uses in their original format including forums, blogs, commenting, contacting authors directly, and messaging other users. The community based program will let users connect and learn from other readers about how to make a positive impact. USA Today is the country’s leading newspaper, and the focus on positive contact and coverage is sure to make a difference.

Ten advocacy and non-profit organizations have already signed up as supporters of the section including PGA Tour Charities, Ronald McDonald House of Charities, H&R Block, and Samsung; a full list can be found at sharing.usatoday.com. With an average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA Today and an award winning website, the message of kindness of strangers and love will undoubtedly reach a large number of readers. The first issue includes an essay written by House star Olivia Wilde about what it means to give back, an article of how social media sites are being used to attract people to charitable contributions, and how individuals are serving in their community.

Golfers Gather to Support Generosity and Kindness

The Jonathan Rizzo Foundation has been part of Kingston, MA community for years. But over the past few years, demand for services and falling donations has made the foundation struggle. The foundation’s eighth annual Memorial Golf Classic tees off Tuesday, Oct. 13, and organizers say there are still slots available for golfers.

Kingston residents Mary and Mike Rizzo began the foundation after their 19 year old son Jonathan was murdered. Regarded as the person who was always willing to help others in such a high capacity that his parents opened an extra seat at the dinner table just in case. Jonathan’s spirit lives on in the foundation.

the Kingston area and a few small programs that help families.

“We look to help people who fall through the cracks, not people on welfare, these are people who hit a run of bad luck and they don’t qualify for anything else,” Mike Rizzo said.

“We called Jonathan the herder of stray cats. He’d bring home the outcasts, the kids who weren’t the most popular. He was very self-confident and brought out the best in people. We hope to do the same kind of thing: to help people who are down on their luck and can’t get help anywhere else.”

The Rizzos believe that a small ripple of kindness goes a long way and encourage people to become a part of the program that has helped many different individuals with nowhere left to turn.

Jonathan Rizzo Photo courtesy of http://www.wickedlocal.com/halifax

The tournament

There are a few golf spots left to participate in the Tuesday, Oct. 13, tournament and it is not too late to register. To register for golf, darts or dinner, or to make a donation, visit www.jonathanrizzofoundation.org.

This year, the foundation will raffle off a $1,000 cash prize during a helicopter ball drop. The foundation hopes to sell 1,000 tickets and the helicopter will drop 1,000 numbered golf balls onto the green; the ball that lands closest to the hole wins.

Auction items include a trip to Aruba, a hockey stick autographed by the Boston Bruins, and two tickets to the NHL’s Winter Classic at Fenway Park Jan. 1 between the Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Raffle tickets will be sold at the door and at the following locations this weekend:

· Dunkin’ Donuts, Route 44, from 8 a.m. to noon

· Dunkin’ Donuts, Route 27, from 8 a.m. to noon

· Foodies in Duxbury, from 8 a.m. to noon

· Holy Family Church in Duxbury after all the Sunday morning masses

A Horrifyingly Good Chance to get Involved

The Bone Bash is an event that will offer food, live music, giveaways, and much more to benefit those who suffer from Arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is an organization committed to the education, prevention, and research of Arthritis. The Royal Oak Music Theater will host the Detroit installment of the event offering guests food, drinks, art, and the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. Over 2.5 million adults and 10,300 children in Michigan suffer from Arthritis, costing the state an estimated $56 billion in lost wages and medical costs. The Arthritis Foundation donates 91% of its proceeds to leading Universities, research initiatives, statewide programs, and summer camps designed for Michigan youth who suffer from Arthritis and related diseases.

Bring your best Halloween costume for a frighteningly good time complete with local art, costume contests, and food courtesy of local Detroit restaurants. With Bone Bash event being held all over the country, no matter where you are, here is your chance to enjoy local fare, drinks, and a costume party that will benefit a good cause.

For more information visit the official Bone Bash Detroit site.

London Focuses on Spreading Acts of Kindness Far and Wide

A London program began today in an attempt to eliminate hate within the country. The 1,000 Acts of Kindness Challenge began after attacks on two gay men in the city. The London Urban Services Organization is spearheading the campaign to spread kindness instead of hate. Organized by Meredith Fraser, the program was created after she realized how powerless most people feel in stopping hate.

“These (hate) incidents impact people’s lives daily,” Fraser said.

“Kindness spreads just as easily as hatred does.”

The simple idea is to perform random acts of kindness and focus on what we can all do to help others. Looking at what we can do as opposed to what we can’t do is the key to the already successful campaign. A site is being launched today where participants can register, keep track of their acts of kindness, and see a tabulation of the events at the end of the month.

The point is that being nice to someone can brighten both people’s days, and it doesn’t take much work, Fraser said.

“It doesn’t take a herculean effort to be kind” she said. “It’s free, and anyone can do it.”

For ideas on what you can do to help spread kindness, check out our 22 Random Acts of Kindness that Anyone Can do.

Reporter Will Depend on Acts of Kindness to get Home

CBS Early Show weather anchor Dave Price has undertaken a new experiment which will gauge the kindness of America’s people. Armed with only $50, a one way ticket to an unknown destination, and technology to document his travels, he will try to make his way home within 7 days. His safe return will hinge souly on the kindness of Americans.

On October 1st, Price will begin his journey, arriving at an undisclosed location with no checks, no credit cards, and no form of transportation. He will have only technology to document his travels $50 cash, and his ID. Price may be forced to work for his meals, lodging, and rides; his destination will be unknown. Failure or success will depend on help from others.

Check out the early show on October 2nd for a satellite feed of Price at his starting destination and follow his journey through the depths of America.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

A Time When Love was Truly Free

1967 marked the gathering of over 100,000 individuals committed to changing society for the better and living in harmony with their fellow man. Converging in the neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco, hippies from all around the state gathered for a political and cultural rebellion. The melting pot of sexual freedom, psychoactive drugs, music, politics, and creative expression became a defining moment of the 1960s and the counterculture revolution.

The unexpected gathering of individuals created a society that reflected values unlike any other. The alternative lifestyles of inhabitants of Haight-Ashbury included communal living, free and often shared resources between total strangers, and free love. The experiment also had the ironic effect of inducing riots in such areas as Detroit and Newark as a result of race riots and insurrections.

Inspired by beats of the 1950s who declared themselves free of the grip of authoritarian order, the Haight-Ashbury community was built on rejection of American commercialism. The society largely hinged on the use of drugs in order to find and establish a new sense of reality. Preceded by the Human Be-In held in Golden Gate Park on January 14, 1967, the Summer of Love was announced by Haight-Ashbury’s own paper titled the San Francisco Oracle.

Authorities in the area were instructed to keep the hippies away as high school and college students funneled into Haight-Ashbury during spring break of 1967. The event was covered daily by media, including Hunter S. Thompson of the New York Times and the music of the era that was originally designed to promote the Monterey Pop Festival.

The result of the Summer of Love marked a huge event in how people viewed living together in society. Free love, free drugs, a store that gave away basic necessities to anyone who needed them, and a free clinic that is still in operation today was just some of the impact that the Summer of Love had on 1960s society.

Many of the college students left the Haight-Ashbury community to resume their studies after spring break, and brought back ideas and experiences which would forever change the history of the country.

It can be argued that without the Summer of Love, that there would be no Woodstock 1969. Celebrations of the event have taken place all over the world, specifically in the San Francisco area. The second Summer of Love is celebrated particularly in the UK and represents the rise of Acid House music and the rave culture. The most current anniversary of the Summer of Love is Boots Hughston’s West Fest, which will be held on October 25th in Golden Gate Park; the same location as the first Human Be-In.

The Summer of Love has left behind a rich legacy of celebrating alternative lifestyle and showing that individuals can live free of societal norms and the idea that love really can be free.

A Love Story Completed 40 Years Later

A Woodstock love has come full circle for past sweethearts Alan and Mary. Originally posted on Woodstock Story, the two were reunited 40 years after the legendary festival. Read The Wonderment that was my Woodstock 1969, or hear the coverage of the story on National Public Radio.

After being apart for 40 years, two free spirits who ran off to Woodstock 1969 together have been reunited. Allen and Mary experienced what it means to be truly free by attending the legendary festival during the summer of love and sharing an unbreakable bond. Thanks to a story submitted on www.WoodstockStory.com, the teenage lovers’ paths have crossed once again.

It was the day of Mary’s 40th high school reunion. She had returned from a wonderful night of conversations with people whom she hadn’t seen in forever. The great time and wonderful connections made with past faces made her think of her teenage love, Allen. She had made a few attempts to see what her teenage love was up to, but her attempts were met with little success. Still floating from the wonderful reunion, she decided to try again and conduct a Google search for Allen’s name. The results returned a story on Woodstock Story.com titled The Wonderment That Was…My Woodstock 1969.

As Mary began reading the story, an eerie feeling came over her. It was as though her Woodstock 1969 experience was being told with voracious detail right in front of her eyes. As she neared the bottom of the page, her heart sunk. The author of the story was Allen Rowe, her Woodstock love. The revelation that this was her story as well simply blew her away. She sat reeling for what had to have been close to an hour with memories flooding her mind. She was taken back to that fateful time in her life and the person with whom she shared the experience.

Allen Rowe had submitted the story of love and liberation on WoodstockStory.com a few months earlier. While searching for information on the Woodstock 40h anniversary, he came across the site and decided to share his Woodstock experience under the newly constructed story page. The genuine tale of peace and love was praised for its passion and believability, and The Wonderment That Was…My Woodstock 1969 had won a contest for a pair of tickets for the Heroes of Woodstock tour in Bethel, NY.

Rowe had also been frequently and unsuccessfully trying to contact Mary for 40 years and had all but given up hope. By winning the contest the story was distributed all across the web and placed on the front page of wwww.WoodstockStory.com. As fate would have it, Mary stumbled upon the story. She had found him. After years of lost connections, desperate searching, and agonizing separation, Mary had found Allen. Their Woodstock was only just beginning.

Overwhelmed, Mary contemplated whether or not to make contact with Allen. It had been 40 years since they last spoke. Not knowing how to handle the situation, Mary underwent a long inner dialogue on whether or not she would reply to the story or leave the memories buried in the past. Part of her wanted to be found, part of her did not. She made the decision to break the 40 years of seperation and post a short reply to the story, which read “I certainly can relate to this beautifully written story, I did not know you had such talent. Though it has been 40 years, I remember it too, I am the Mary written about in this story”.

Not long after she decided to make contact with Allen, Mary’s phone rang. On the other end was her long lost Woodstock 1969 love. Decades of absence from each other’s lives was quickly filled with blissful memories as they spent hours catching up on the phone. Recalling when they first fell in love; when they walked on the shores of Lake Ontario, hand in hand, wading barefoot through waves crashing on white sand; becoming soul-mates. They spoke of moments they shared while in love at Woodstock. Freedom, music which seemed to reach the heavens and the peace of Yasgur’s farm before the crowd arrived filled their conversation.

Right on cue, after 40 years, they once again were at Woodstock – together. They have since decided to maintain a friendship and meet again one day soon. For Allen and Mary, their Woodstock circle of love has come full zenith; they share an unbreakable bond forged when two teenage lovers ran away to Woodstock together, their spirits forever fused. They shared words and tears 40 years later, discussing the long list of ” what might have beens”.

Who could have foreseen a simple story reuniting two individuals separated for 40 years? These teenage lovers’ paths may have never crossed again, despite their attempts to find each other. Their love has come full circle, they’ve found one another; the impossible has become a reality.

Submit your story today, share your Woodstock 1969 experience, and connect with Woodstock enthusiasts from around the world. Like Allen and Mary, your Woodstock story may be just beginning.

Alan Rowe

Purdue Students Making Days Brighter for Students

On the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, Ind., there may not be two more well known people than the compliment guys. Every Wednesday, rain or shine from 12:30-2:30 the compliment guys stand outside of the chemistry lab under the bell tower with their ‘free compliments sign’, handing out kind words to all students who pass by.

Sophomores Cameron Brown and Brett Wescott are the guys behind the compliments. They started the practice in September after Brown, who was voted most outgoing in his high school class began the practice on his own. He asked his friend Wescott to join him and since then they have been bringing a smile to the face (usually) of students. They’ve been asked over and over why they are performing this task, and the response is always the same; they just like giving compliments.

In a time of economic crisis and thin job market, the compliment guys are bringing something nice into students lives who may feel a little down and hopeless. Their compliments are met with a mixed variety of responses: high fives, thank-yous, smiles, dirty looks, and the finger. They compliment guys appeared on Oprah in March, and are a great example of how the smallest act of kindness can change lives.