Spreading kindness one bracelet at a time

Hannah Gross
NLJ Correspondent 
 
It’s been said that “kindness is free, so sprinkle that stuff everywhere,” and Michael Freeman, the local Farmers Insurance Group agent, is doing just that. 
“The way the world is, there’s nothing wrong with being nice,” Freeman said. 
Recently, Freeman was asked to lead The Kindness Revolution in Weston County by Ed Horrell, the founder of The Kindness Revolution. According to the revolution’s website, this nonprofit organization’s mission is “to bring back the sorely needed values of dignity, respect and kindness to the workplace, schools and everyday life.”
When Freeman first received the phone call from Horrell, he was skeptical that Horrell might have been selling a lead. But the more they got to talking, the more Freeman liked the idea and saw that there were no strings attached, other than he as a leader had to pay a small membership fee. 
“But you know what? It’s not much money, and it’s a lot of fun,” Freeman said. 
The way it works is pretty simple, and the options are endless. To get things rolling, Freeman ordered bracelets from The Kindness Revolution with different phrases such as “Be safe—be kind” or “It’s cool 2B kind,” which are available at his office. Anyone who wants some, can stop by the Farmers Insurance office on Main Street and pick some up. Take at least two bracelets — one to wear and one to pass along to someone else.
“When they meet someone extra kind, get good service from a restaurant, wish to thank a police officer, firefighter, or nurse, etc., they can give them a bracelet and say thank you,” Freeman said. 
The idea is to encourage and spread kindness, even if it’s a small gesture, because the simple things can make a difference, according to Freeman. He said that, at restaurants, his granddaughter always colors a picture and gives it to the waiter. Simple actions like that make someone’s day. 
“That’s basically it — just be nice to people,” Freeman said. 
In addition to passing bracelets around, Freeman is also presenting an appreciation award about once a month to individuals of his choosing that he believes have demonstrated kindness. The first certificate went to News Letter Journal reporter Walter Sprague. 
“I like what he does for the paper. He writes upbeat things.” Freeman said. “I enjoy him.”
Freeman is also hoping to talk with the Upton and Newcastle elementary schools to possibly start a kindness recognition award for the students, similar to the Good Citizen award. Instead of focusing on bullying, focusing on kindness might have a more positive impact, he said. 
Freeman will take any suggestions from the community on how to promote kindness because there are no rules, he said. The imagination is the limit. Another idea Freeman has is to make cardboard cutout hearts and paste them along the hospital or some other business that has demonstrated kindness. 
Freeman hopes the idea will catch on, and that the people of Newcastle will join him in spreading kindness.
“Hopefully, it’ll just spread and be fun. … It has a ripple effect,” Freeman said. “The idea is to get people started, not me.” 
So if you want to get behind The Kindness Revolution, stop by the office and pick up bracelets and drop off suggestions. Or visit the organization’s website at thekindnessrevolution.net. 
“Stop in, we’ll give you a bunch,” Freeman said. “It’ll be fun.”