Collaboration with the Houston Food Bank

We are excited to collaborate with the Houston Food Bank by recruiting volunteers for their February 2nd Community Conversations Volunteer Shift which serves as the Food Bank’s event during the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Greater Houston (February 1-10)

Please read more, register and meet us there for purposeful connection and sharing!

On Eventbrite’s program page, please scroll down and follow the Food Bank’s instructions to register online for a volunteer shift related to the event above. We appreciate your cooperation in using the online registration process instead of the red 'Get Ticket' button.

Volunteer for Project Kindness - Register by January 24

We are actively recruiting for Project Kindness 2025, a program designed to uplift the power of kindness and spread the message of shared humanity. If you are 65 or older, this program, now in its 5th year, might be a wonderful and rewarding way to start your new year. You will be paired with a Houston Community College Freshman student to explore kindness across generations over 10 weekly meetings. For details and to register, visit our program page > here.

Project Kindness begins February 3!

Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) Testimonial by Danielle Stagg

We are excited to share a testimonial by Danielle Stagg, a current participant in our Compassionate Integrity Training course. Danielle, a faculty member at Houston Community College, teaches a course on Interpersonal Communication emphasizing kindness and compassion. Hear Danielle share how she benefitted from the class, including her students, with whom she shared some of the content. Thank you, Danielle, for your kind words and supporting our Make a Difference fundraising campaign.

Make a Difference Fundraising Campaign is live!

We are excited to kick-start our Make a Difference Fundraising Campaign in concert with October 26, Make A Difference Day - a day that encourages all of us to step up, take action and make a positive impact in our communities. Will you support us? Have a look at our 5 (five) diverse programs, which are all about igniting compassion and making a real impact. > Learn more and GIFT Here!

Thank you!

‘Empathy Unveiled’ Art Reception 10/5/2024

What an incredible evening at the **Empathy Unveiled** art exhibition at The Jung Center of Houston, Texas. Last Saturday’s reception was a heartfelt celebration of creativity and compassion, drawing over 70 attendees who came to immerse themselves in the artists' visions.

We were honored to have three talented artists present, Anne-Bénédicte Houang, Kill Joy, and Victor Ancheta, sharing insights into their work and engaging in meaningful conversations with our guests.

Their live presentations brought the art to life, showcasing the power of empathy in every piece.

Thank you to everyone who joined and supported us in this beautiful celebration of art and connection. The exhibit, offered as the Jung Center’s Compassion Week program, is open and free to the public until November 14.

The Spirit of Ubuntu on World Kindness Day, Nov 13

Mark your calendars for November 13th, World Kindness Day, for a special showing of the documentary film The Spirit of Ubuntu (I Am Because We Are)! Following the screening, everyone is invited to a musical performance by film producer and reggae legend Pato Banton and world-renowned keyboard player Antoinette Rootsdawtah.

Details and registration for this network-wide Compassion Week event, sponsored by Compassionate Houston and a line-up of inspiring organizations, are now live on our website > here.

Compassion Week is now live

Expect a vibrant fall with Compassionate Houston. Our event page for > Compassion Week 2024 is now live! Thank you to our amazing partners and friends who are helping to create a vibrant space for exploration and connection. Now its time to check out all offerings and register, whether it’s for in person or online events, some programs don’t even need a registration, just come and enjoy the company of others in celebrating community! And did we mention that everything is free of charge?

New Dates for Project Kindness

Both cohorts, Honors College students from HCC Southeast and Interpersonal Communication & Kindness class students from HCC Alief are now excited to start their 10 to 12-week virtual or in-person kindness meetings with Greater Houston’s mentors age 65 + in September.

We need more mentors! Please share with friends or consider this meaningful volunteer opportunity for yourself! > Sign up here.

Updated October Book Study Selection

After careful consideration of the current societal climate, we have shifted our focus from "Infectious Generosity" by Chris Anderson to Parker Palmer's updated "Healing the Heart of Democracy." Given the ongoing divisions in our country and the impending election, we believe that engaging with this book will provide us with valuable insights and foster meaningful discussions about how we can reach for understanding across lines of difference and nurture a healthier democracy

Additionally, the book's message aligns with an offering by the Charter for Compassion for their Global Read series on September 25. The author, speaker, and activist Parker Palmer will join a virtual live conversation about his book during this event. Register on the Charter’s website > here.

As a result, "Infectious Generosity" by Chris Anderson, initially planned for our October read, will now be presented for our February quarterly book study.

Registration open for Project Kindness 2024

Planning for Project Kindness 2024 has been finalized. We invite elders (65+) to pair with HCC students and explore kindness intergenerationally and for the pairs to get to know each other via weekly virtual and/or in-person meetings over several weeks this Fall.

This year, we are recruiting mentors to be paired with two different cohorts of HCC students:

  • Our usual Honors College students from HCC Southeast and 

  • A group of Interpersonal Communication & Kindness class students from HCC Alief. 

Registration open for July Book Study with Rick Hanson, PhD!

We are exited to share that Dr Rick Hanson will join us for a live 30-minute Q&A Zoom session during our July book study!

As founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, Rick Hanson has a passion for the Charter for Compassion and the Compassionate Cities model. We could not have chosen a better book and author!

With his trademark blend of neuroscience, mindfulness, and practical psychology, Dr. Rick Hanson (with Forrest Hanson) shows us how to deal with stress and pursue our dreams with a deep sense of capability and contentment. This practical guide is full of concrete suggestions, experiential practices, personal examples, and insights into how to overcome the brain’s negativity bias, release painful thoughts and feelings, and replace them with self-compassion, self-worth, joy, and inner peace.

Welcome new board member Allen Lea!

Introducing Allen Lea, our newest board member! A 6th generation Texan with a deep passion for the arts and history, Allen brings extensive museum experience and expertise. As the director of our partner, the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, he has made significant contributions to the field since 2009. Allen holds degrees from Baylor University and Christie's Auction House Education in London. He is also actively involved in Rotary International and has served on various boards. We are excited to have Allen join our board of directors!

> Short Bio Allen Lea

Birmingham Bombing and Beyond: Living a Life of Love After Hate - Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston's 2024 IMPower Lecture

BIRMINGHAM BOMBING AND BEYOND: LIVING A LIFE OF LOVE AFTER HATE

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 7:00 PM | Presented by Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Join Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston for “Birmingham and Beyond: Living a Life of Love after Hate” to hear Lisa McNair’s story of triumph over evil, resiliency, and forgiveness after her sister was killed in the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Now an author, speaker, and bridgebuilder, Lisa has chosen a path of love over hate, and will share why at IMGH’s IMpower Lecture 2024. Learn more and register.

March Luncheon Presenters and Emcee are confirmed!

MEET OUR PRESENTERS AND EMCEE

Expert Insights: Dr. Bob Randall, one of the founders of Urban Harvest and a true visionary in the development of area community gardens will be joined by Janna Robertson, Executive Director of Urban Harvest, to share their insights and expertise in urban agriculture in Houston.

Emcee Extraordinaire: Ernie Manouse, writer, producer, and Houston Public Media PBS host will guide us through an inspiring multi-media luncheon experience with his charismatic personality.

Compassionate Houston at Houston City Council

Our program committee with Board Chair, Pam Lewis and volunteers, Raymond Stubblefield and Marlin Murdock, visited Houston City Council on February 6 to present our “Random Acts of Kindness Celebration with Compassionate Houston.“ Let the ripple effect of kindness continue…

Please participate in our suggested activities and spread kindness on RAK day next Saturday, February 18.

RAK Resources with our own complimentary kindness card. Share far and near !! > Click here.

Get your Early Bird Ticket for our Spring Luncheon March 22!

Our Spring Luncheon is two months out, and we started an early bird ticket sale for $99 until Valentine's Day (individual tickets after 2/14 sell for $150). Expect a festive and colorful event that highlights the incredible impact of community gardens on fostering compassion within the Greater Houston communities. With over 200 community gardens in and around Houston, we can all learn about the spirit of sharing, building relationships, supporting vulnerable populations, and fostering environmental stewardship.

  • Community Gardens - promoting compassion towards others and the Earth.

Join us at our "Sowing Seeds of Compassion" fundraiser event and discover how community gardens can transform lives and communities. Let's create a world where compassion flourishes, one garden at a time! Get your early bird tickets and check out the various sponsorship opportunities!

Help Our Compassionate Community Rock on RAK Day!

Experience the Power of Kindness on Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day!

Join us on Saturday, February 17, for Random Acts of Kindness Day. Let's spread love, compassion, and positivity while strengthening our community bonds.

On this day, prioritize kindness in your thoughts, words, and actions. Need some inspiration? We have compiled various resources for you! Explore activities by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, support local refugee families, find inspiration in kindness quotes and a guided meditation. Or post our complimentary KindCard below, designed by board member and local visual artist Sneha Bhavsar, on social media. > Read on for our curated resources.

Share your amazing kindness stories with us (email us here), and we'll help amplify your outreach. Together, let's make a lasting impact through acts of kindness.

Registration closed for both book studies in February - Waitlist available

Both four-week book studies, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, are now at capacity, and we have closed registration. We are thrilled about the great turnout and look forward to exploring David Brooks’ “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and being Deeply Seen.”

  • Both book reading programs will be co-facilitated by Marlin Murdock and Pam Lewis.

  • Learn more about the amazing book and author David Brooks > here.

  • We have opened a waitlist, and will reach out to you if spots become available. > Join Waitlist Here