How to Be Strategically and Randomly Kind: An Interview with The Little Bit Project

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As Random Acts of Kindness Week kicks off (February 11-17), Empowered Flower Girl is connecting with community champions who share their ideas – from simple gestures to profound acts – to spread kindness. Check out our interview with Terri ‘Diviniti’ Smith, founder of The Little Bit Project, who shares her inspiration behind the movement:

What inspired you to launch The Little Bit Project? 

I started The Little Bit Project near the end of 2015. To me, it seemed like a very dark time for the city (Detroit). At that time, I think we were the murder capital of the world. Crime and violence were on the rise and the spirits of the residents seemed lower than ever. Detroit had been profiled on a few national news/documentary type programs in a less than flattering light. It felt like people were discouraged, and I wanted to find a way to put the spark back into people’s tone when they spoke of the city.  

I thought of things I could do to uplift those around me. It’s easy to encourage those we love, but I wanted to make an impact on as many people as I could – friends and strangers alike. That’s how The Little Bit Cards came about. They are like portable, printed affirmations that you can give to anyone or leave so that the message is seen. There are 12 different cards – each with a different message. You matter.  Shine.  You got this. Those are some of the messages. I thought they were a little way to make a big impact.

What are a few of your most memorable or awe-inspiring service projects?

It’s a beautiful thing to see someone get a Little Bit Card and you see their face light up. Engaging with the public and the Little Bit Cards is always heart-warming. One of the other initiatives close to my heart involved donating coffee, doughnuts, and Little Bit Cards to various trauma and surgical waiting rooms at hospitals in the city. After having the experience of being in those waiting rooms with my family as we visited my sister who was being treated for cancer, I knew those were places where a little love would make a big impact. Most hospitals don’t provide complimentary snacks and beverages for families with a loved one being treated. We knew that just providing a little nourishment could help eliminate some of the stress and added expense that comes with caring for an ill relative.  

Also, for the past seven years, we have collected items for young people whose families are in crisis during the winter season. Our Holiday Drive offers our supporters a way to give back, while making sure some of the deserving youngsters in Detroit get gifts for Christmas. Our adopted young people have received necessities like coats, boots, clothes, and some wish list items like bikes, skates, books, and musical instruments. In the past seven years we have made sure close to 100 young people had happy holidays.  That really makes me proud.  

What are some ways that people can be kinder to one another?

Watch your words. That’s something simple and easy to remember and do, no matter your age. If we all just spoke a little nicer to one another, can you imagine the difference that could make? I mean, there would be a massive shift in the way everything works. So I’d start there. 

Being considerate is something I think we could all benefit from as well. Just slowing down instead of cutting in front of that person in traffic; or holding the door for a stranger, actually using manners consistently. When you think about it, it takes quite a bit of effort not to be kind. Kindness is easy.

How can we purchase the cards?

The cards are sent upon request. We ask for a donation to at least ensure that we can continue to print and mail packages of cards. I do have to say, though, that we are rather backlogged on sending out packages, so it may take some time for them to arrive. 

She’s EmPOWERed: Community Service is a Family Affair for Virginia Sisters and NEST4US Founders

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Service to the community is a strong value in the Venkat family household. So it’s no surprise that sisters Shreyaa and Esha are championing causes and inspiring others to do the same.

“Our mom would bring us along to volunteer at school and community events even back in elementary school,” said eldest sister, Shreyaa, 18. “That was when we were first introduced to the world of community service. The giving spirit has always been in our family for generations.”

The award-winning sisters believe it’s our responsibility as humans to give back to the people who need it the most. There are millions of people in the world that don’t have access to basic necessities like food and some don’t even have families or loved ones.

PURPOSE & PASSION

“This is proof that the world needs people to spark change and build a better future. So, we thought, why couldn’t that be us?” said younger sister, Esha, 15. That’s the inspiration behind why they formed NEST4US, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing volunteer solutions to the community to make the world better through kindness.

The sisters have made such an impact in their community and across the country that they have been honored with dozens of awards, including the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award. This year, Shreyaa was selected for the Clinton Global Initiative University 2021 Cohort by the Clinton Foundation. Additionally, the girls were among the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth honorees and selected for the Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey.

It’s hard to imagine Shreyaa and Esha having time for anything else with all their NEST4US initiatives. But they do! These fierce founders are both travel soccer players, Kathak dancers, 3rd degree black belts, certified soccer referees and assistant martial arts instructors.

“Many people wonder, how do we manage to balance academics, extracurriculars and still keep time open in our schedules to give back consistently? Well, for us, we believe that you don’t need to have time, you should make the time to help others,” the sisters agreed.

ASPIRATIONS

Currently, Shreyaa is balancing her time as a freshman at Georgetown University majoring in Global Health studies. She aspires to enter the medical field and delve into healthcare management, through which she’ll continue providing aid to marginalized populations who lack equitable access to vital healthcare resources and treatments.

Esha, who is a high school student, is interested in studying neuroscience and/or computer science/animation when she goes to college. “Personally, I want to work in the neuroscience and technology field when I grow up, because I am interested in the brain and all things STEM,” she said.

You can keep up to date with all of the NEST4US initiatives and activities at www.nest4us.org.

Follow them at:

Facebook- @nest4us
Instagram- @joinnest
Twitter- @joinnest4

Girls Who Transform the World

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You’re probably already aware that Empowered Flower Girl is an advocate and ally for youth. We work to help young people of all backgrounds live above life’s drama to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. 

But we also know how vitally important it is to serve and support girls and young women as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

Girls across the globe face challenges – from equal access to education and capital to greater risks of digital harassment and domestic abuse. 

But despite those challenges, girls are poised to change the world. They are creators. They are innovators and they are POWERful.

On October 1, 2020, Empowered Flower Girl will dedicate our social media to “Girls Who Transform the World.” We will host a live discussion via Facebook as well as highlight girls who are making an impact in their communities. We’re doing this in honor of International Day of the Girl, which is observed every year on October 11. 

The International Day of the Girl campaign encourages girls to amplify their voices and stand up for their rights. This year, under the theme “My voice, our equal future,” organizations and individuals are encouraged to seize the opportunity to re-imagine a better world inspired by adolescent girls – energized and recognized, counted and invested in.

Do you know a girl transforming her community or the world through entrepreneurship, volunteerism or the arts? Let us know at info@empoweredflowergirl.com and we just may feature her in our She’s EmPOWERed column. 

Do you want to help transform your world?

If you are a teacher, counselor or nonprofit/after-school professional who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people, let’s connect. Seriously. Schedule your FREE 20-minute discovery call to discuss how we can help you. 

BTW, Girl World Peace Academy enrollment returns September 25th. Learn more at  www.rashedakamaria.com/girlworldpeace. 

She’s EmPOWERed: Washington girl on a mission to stop bullying

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At 11 years old, Autumn Smith is resilient. Like Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria Williams, she is a survivor of bullying, which she’s endured since kindergarten.

Despite being alienated and feeling lonely at times, deep down Autumn knew she wasn’t alone.

“I didn’t want people who were being bullied like me to feel alone. I wanted them to understand that if we stood together then maybe we could get others to listen and things change,” Autumn said.

And change things is what she did.

Autumn used her experience and creative abilities to develop a line of empowering t-shirts. With assistance from her mom, she designed the shirts which come in several colors with messages like “Bullying Stops Here” and “Kindness is My Rebellion.”

“When I (made my first shirt), it made me feel stronger. Like I was being heard for the first time in a long time,” she said. “I wanted to share that feeling with my friends. Then I wanted to share it with the whole school.”

Autumn spent the summer raising funds to pay for 600 shirts, which she sold and gifted to students and families in her community and beyond.

“She is a very determined kid and has had some amazing supporters along the way,” according to her mother Cynthia.

“She has done some pretty scary things for a kid her age but she fights through it because she wants to make the change. She feels that strongly about ending bullying.”

Learn more about Autumn and her Stopping Bullying One Shirt at a Time initiative on Facebook.

Know a girl or young woman 5-25 years old who deserves recognition? Email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com. Parental consent required for anyone under 18 years of age.

She’s EmPOWERed: Empowered Flower Girl salutes girls making an impact

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There are kids in our communities and around the world tackling issues and championing causes – from climate change and racism to access to education and homelessness. Although it’s our job as adults to pave the way and solve these problems, I am still inspired by the courage, dedication and commitment of children and teens globally. 

Empowered Flower Girl is committed to showcasing youth making a positive difference and those who are using their gifts to bring joy to others.

Do you know a young social entrepreneur or change maker (who identifies as female) from 5 to 25, let us know. We’ll highlight her in the next issue of Be EmPOWERed. Email details (name, age, city and up to 100 words on why your nominee should be selected) to rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com.

Parental consent will be required for those under 18. Once we receive your nomination, an online form will be email.

Youth featured receive recognition via social media, Empowered Flower Girl swag, as well as a gift from partner companies or those empowering girls and young women.

Make sure you sign up to receive the Be EmPOWERed newsletter!

(Empowered Flower Girl reserves the right to reject incomplete or irrelevant nominations)