Mission 11: Give Back to Earth

THE GIVING GAMES: YOUTH AND SCHOOLS PAY IT FORWARD REFLECT ON YESTERDAY'S MISSION Before moving on to your eleventh mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. Which project or cause did your class choose to support, and why? What do you think they will do with your donation? Even if your donation is small, do you think it will make a difference? What other things could you do to make a difference for this cause? YAC supported the Hope for the Holidays Infant Crisis Services Drive.  ICS helps infants and toddlers providing most basic needs items to parents who cannot afford them.  I recently became a grandmother and thinking that my grandson could be lacking diapers, clothing, or food is something very difficult to face.  When I went to Sam's for the Casady Service-Learning Program donation of diapers and wipes, I was horrified at the prices.  I know even Oklahoma teachers with full time jobs struggle to meet the needs of their babies.  My personal donation was very small, but will buy needed formula for a baby who struggles with dietetic challenges.  My grandson is desperate when he is hungry and so at peace when the warm bottle of maternal and/or formula milk reaches his lips that I treasure the fact that the few dollars I donated will do the same for a baby I will never meet and place a big smile in the face of a mother or a grandmother feeding that baby. I also think this video was in the back of my mind and in my heart this week

Agents, your eleventh mission is to protect and restore our one and only home, Mother Earth! Do you know what a selfie of you looks like from outer space? Well, here it is. It looks like the WHOLE PLANET! With every person and living being on it! It is the ultimate selfie. No matter how you spin it, we are all connected to one another. This means we all depend on each other to respect and care for the Earth so that it can continue to sustain our life, the lives of our loved ones, and the lives of all living beings! So… your eleventh mission, Agents, is to discover ways you can give back to the Earth, our one and only home. You can do this as an individual Agent or as a Team. As an Agent, be extra mindful of the impact you have as you go about your day. Recycle whenever possible, and compost food instead of throwing it into a garbage where it will go to a landfill. Pick up litter on the ground to protect the wildlife, and avoid littering at all costs! Take time to understand what is threatening the security of our clean water at sites like Standing Rock, and other places around the world. As a Team, you can organize a service project to help make the Earth healthier. Organize a project where you plant trees to absorb carbon from the atmosphere while making the land more beautiful, or volunteer to clean up a nearby park or beach. Plant a garden to grow healthy, organic food, and donate some of the food to a local food shelter. Raise funds to assist Earth Protectors and Water Protectors and activists, and better yet, discover how you can become them yourselves! The sky is the limit...! Good luck, Agents. This is your second to last mission! If you haven't already begun to do so, report and share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! We have already started to see meaningful and inspiring examples of what compassion looks like when brought to life by you and your team of Agents around the world! Tomorrow, on December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we have Prayed With Standing Rock and began to “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Learn more about Build a Global Fire here, and to RSVP to the Global Wopila! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 11 of the Giving Games, we are absolutely delighted to pass the Compassion Torch from Terry Godwaldt and the Centre for Global Education to none other than Gary Zukav, his wife Linda Francis, and the Seat of the Soul Institute! Read Our Featured Story About Gary, Linda, and the Seat of the Soul Institute Here! View All Passed Missions! It's never too late to revisit past or missed missions to find inspiration for igniting compassion and generosity for the world! Previously released Giving Games missions are available to be viewed here!

Mission 10: Give Change

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your tenth mission, take a moment to reflect on the last mission. What was it like to take time to think and care about those who are not feeling well? If you were away sick, how would it make you feel knowing others are thinking about you and concerned about your well-being? To relate to or feel another’s suffering with the desire to alleviate their pain is the essence of compassion. In what other areas of your life do you feel compassion for others? I will have the opportunity to work on this mission this weekend.  Will reflect after I take action.

Your tenth mission, Agents, is to collect change for a meaningful cause! You can use the #GivingTuesday Helping Hands Penny Project as a way to make your change jar. Then, decide together as a group or class which cause you want to raise money for. (You can choose from the featured projects of the Giving Games, which can be viewed here, or any cause that is meaningful to you... including projects that directly impact your community!) Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 10 of the Giving Games, we are absolutely delighted to pass the Compassion Torch from Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots to the incredible Terry Godwaldt and his Centre for Global Education in Edmonton, Canada. Read Our Featured Story About Terry Godwaldt and his Centre for Global Education Here! View All Past Missions! It's never too late to revisit past or missed missions to find inspiration for igniting compassion and generosity for the world! Previously released Giving Games missions are available to be viewed here!

WE - A global  campaign of We, The World to unite and amplify the efforts of people, organizations and movements working for the common good WE.net     Global Wopida Ceremony   BUILD A GLOBAL FIRE OF COMPASSIONATE ACTION December 10th - International Human Rights Day   Share the Transforming Spirit of Standing Rock World-Wide Prayerfully Ignite a Six Month Global Fire of Gratitude and Compassion Please check the Facebook Page periodically for Participation Links and all Updates:https://www.facebook.com/events/1801789790061640/?ti=icl Dear Friends, We, The World is Co-Sponsoring this extraordinary day with Compassion Games, Unify, Charter For Compassion and many other global partners in support of Standing Rock on Human Rights Day December 10th. The schedule and other details are still being worked out, so please visit the Facebook Page periodically for complete information including Participation Links and Updates. This Day of Global Wopida is the culmination of the Giving Games (November 29th - December 10th) the unique and inspiring global challenge created by the Compassion Games, a Leading Participant in 11 Days of Global Unity (which was launched by We, The World and our partners worldwide in 2004).  Below are more details including a Tentative Schedule for the Saturday Dec. 10th events, which include a live Tele-Conference planned for 1PM USA Eastern Time that I (Rick Ulfik) will be co-hosting with Compassion Games founder Jon Ramer featuring Hereditary Chief, Phil Lane Jr. and others.  Thank you for participating in this inspiring event from wherever you are in the world. And thank you for being part of the WE Campaign. As our Advisory Board Member Jonathan Granoff says: "I hope WE expands so much there is no longer any THEM!" Your generous Support will help to make that a reality! Rick Ulfik Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net 11 Days of Global Unity - 11 Ways to Change Your World Highlights of 11 Days of Global Unity 2016 including Jane Goodall, Tavis Smiley, Neale Donald Walsch and many others! GlobalUnityCalendar.org - See and post social change events and announcements worldwide! Volunteer Sign-up: http://WE.net/takeaction/volunteer Organization Sign-up: http://WE.net/11days/participate Donation Page: WE.net/donate   Global Wopida Ceremony - December 10 -  International Human Rights Day Share the Transforming Spirit of Standing Rock World-Wide   Hereditary Chief, Phil Lane Jr. "This spiritual understanding of Wopida requires each of us to live with honor, compassion, love, respect and harmony with all life. This spiritual understanding recognizes that the Hurt of One is the Hurt of All and the Honor of One is the Honor of All and that we are intimately related as an integral part of all Life. We are all relatives!"   Saturday, December 10th On Saturday, December 10, International Human Rights Day, a collective of global partners will host a Global Wopida Ceremony, an unprecedented day of unified, prayerful, action. December 10th Events (Note: This schedule is subject to change. Please check the Facebook Page periodically for updates) 11:00 AM USA Eastern Time / 4:00 PM GMT Pray With Standing Rock: Synchronized Prayer and Meditation Standing Rock, North Dakota 12:00 noon USA Eastern Time / 5:00 PM GMT Sustaining Life On Earth: Sunrise Ceremony at Convention on Biological Diversity Hosted by Cancun, Mexico 1:00 PM USA Eastern Time / 6:00 PM GMT Telesummit: What WE can do together to create a world that works for all? Also on this Day Compassion Walk: Compassionate Louisville Louisville, Kentucky Connecting “Standing Rocks” All Over the Earth: Tsleil Waututh and Kinder Morgan Vancouver, British Columbia Closing Ceremony The December 10th Global Wopida Ceremony will be broadcast around the world, during the UN COP13 Convention on Biodiversity,  from Cancun, Mexico, in partnership with the Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos y Bosques, The Mesoamerican Alliance of People and Forests.  What is a "Wopida"? "Wopida" is a Dakota word with profound, infinite, eternal meaning and transforming spiritual energy. The purpose of the December 10th Global Wopida Ceremony is to be thankful and grateful for whatever Life bestows on us, knowing that every test and challenge comes into our lives for our spiritual growth and upliftment! "Whenever our souls and the innermost chambers of our heart are filled with thanksgiving and gratitude, it becomes filled with compassion, love, understanding, forgiveness, joy, happiness and oneness and there is no room for fear, hate, prejudice, revenge, jealousy, loneliness, disunity or separation from ourselves and other Members of our Human Family." Dakota and Chickasaw Elder and Spiritual Leader, Phil Lane Jr.

Mission 9: Give Compassion

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your ninth mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. What was it like to realize that you own your feelings, and that you can learn to control them? Did your feelings about the person who you thought hurt you change after you thought about the good things in your life? Did your feelings of sadness or anger change? What might need to happen in order for you to forgive this person completely? I took the webinar on kindness and compassion to face challenging times and I learned techniques that were amazing  I will write the whole process here this weekend!  I also will place pictures on the compassion mosaique once I learn how to use Twitter.

Your ninth mission, Agents, is to bring comfort to those who are not feeling well. Bring comfort to kids who are not feeling well by making art to hang in the nurse’s or principal’s office. Draw some colorful pictures or decorations that will let these fellow students know that you are wishing them to get better. Then, deliver the pictures to your school nurse! Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 9 of the Giving Games, we are overjoyed to pass the Compassion Torch from Compassionate Louisville to Roots and Shoots, the youth-led community action organization inspired by the work and guidance of Dr. Jane Goodall! Read Our Featured Story About Root's and Shoot's Here! View All Passed Missions! It's never too late to revisit past or missed missions to find inspiration for igniting compassion and generosity for the world! Previously released Giving Games missions are available to be viewed here!

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Mission 8: Give yourself forgiveness on Saint Nicholas Day

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your eighth mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. What was the hardest part of talking to someone new? Some people make new friends quickly, others need time to get used to someone new. What do you like or dislike about meeting new people? What qualities do you look for in a new friend? I did request advise from a couple of students I have not really worked closely with before.  The hardest part was approaching them.  I like the kindness with which they treated my request and how they tried to help.  We did not solve the problem with the Ipad focus. My only concern is my imposition on their time.

Your eighth mission, Agents, is to give yourself forgiveness. Think of a situation in your life recently in which you felt hurt and connected your hurt feelings to something someone else had done. You may have even blamed this other person for your hurt feelings, saying something like, "You made me mad!" Sometimes, even just remembering what happened can make you feel hurt all over again. In fact, did that happen to you now? Take time today to notice that the hurt feelings you experienced or are experiencing exist inside YOU. That's right, the feelings come from what you are thinking and remembering in the moments in which you have them, whether this is two months ago or even now. But here's the catch: you can learn to control your feelings, rather than having them control you. It just takes practice. To do this, first recognize what you are feeling, and maybe even give your feelings names like sadness or anger. It might help to talk to someone you trust about what you are feeling. Next, try to identify if you are blaming someone else for what you are feeling. If so, remember that you can control your feelings because they are yours. And you are probably having them because something didn't happen the way you think it should. Maybe a friend said something mean about you. That's not what any of us want to have happen! This is where forgiveness comes in. It's been shown that true forgiveness takes place when people let go of their hurt feelings and replace them with positive feelings. This doesn't mean forgetting what happened, no. It's about a decision you make to see the situation differently. Maybe your friend was having a hard day or wanted something you have. It's not that they really believe what they said about you. It was just the easiest way they knew to express their unhappiness. A really common response to feeling hurt is to want another person to feel hurt. That's called trying to get revenge and when we do it, we just make situations worse. Learning to focus instead on how to be happy and live a good life is the best way to let go of hurt feelings and practice forgiveness. Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 8 of the Giving Games, we are so grateful to pass the Compassion Torch from the Earth Guardians to none other than Compassionate Louisville, a coalition of pioneers blazing the way as a model compassionate city. Read Our Featured Story About Compassionate Louisville Here! View All Passed Missions! It's never too late to revisit past or missed missions to find inspiration for igniting compassion and generosity for the world! Previously released Giving Games missions are available to be viewed here!