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Kaleidoscope Konnections
Creative Presentations That Teach and Inspire
| October 2011 |
Dear Danielle,
In
today's unpredictable economic environment, stress is climaxing
in homes, workplaces, schools and even churches. When someone
feels helpless with no control over what's happening, bullying may
begin. When a situation ignites feelings of inadequacy, bullying
may occur. "Not me, I'll never be bullied. I can stand up for
myself just fine," you may be thinking. But it can easily
happen, and, yes, we should prepare to be bullied.
What can we do about it?
- Try to understand the underlying emotional need for the
negative behavior. (For tips on helping people access underlying
emotions, see "The Emotional Iceberg.")
- Respond
with compassion, letting the person know how their action or words
made you feel. Don't ask, "Why did you do that?" That puts the
other person on the defense.
- Let the person know that they are
gifted and can make a positive difference in the life of another
without being unkind in word or action.
Bullying can be a learned behavior that children model especially
in these stressful times. As a child I watched my father bully my
Mom and others in the family, especially me. I carried this over to
the school playground and towards neighborhood playmates. It
wasn't until Sister Generosa, a 7th grade Sister of Charity at my
grammar school, took me under her wing and gave me the
attention, affirmation and unconditional acceptance I lacked and
desperately needed. She was my example that gentleness, not
toughness, was the strength for me to become the true person I was
inside. It appears that discouragement surrounds many of us. We
need to give others what Sister Generosa gave me: attention,
affirmation and unconditional acceptance. Life has a funny way of
taking me in full circles, as I am now dedicated to doing whatever I
can to prevent bullying in our young children. My challenge to
you: where in your life can you be a Sister Genarosa?
Blessings,
Maureen Mould |
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Make A Gift to Your Community:
Program Sponsorship
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Kaleidoscope Konnections invites you to sponsor one of our programs
at the school, nursing home or church of your choice. It's a wonderful
way to give back!  | | Nome, AK Pastor Speaks On Community Impact of KK's Clowns |
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Recent Program Sponsors
Dennis and Karen Green
Al DeAtley
Figgs Eye Clinic
Kamaikian Kiwanis
Apple Valley Kiwanis
Thank you!
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Become A Monthly
Joy-Bringer | |
Like other nonprofits, Kaleidoscope Konnections relies heavily on
the generosity of our donors. To continue bringing the joyful
encouragement that we bring to the world, the organization needs your
help on an ongoing basis.
Please consider setting up a monthly automatic
tax-deductible donation with your bank of $5 or more. No need to
remember or even buy a stamp; your bank will deliver your
"Joy-Bringer" gift directly to us.
To participate, use the bill pay feature on your bank's website to send a monthly donation to: Kaleidoscope Konnections 3416 Taylor Way, Yakima, WA 98902.
Special
thanks go out to regular donors Regina and Jerry Roberts, and Mary
and Mike Bowman. Your ongoing support makes our work possible! |
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Alaska Outreach
Belly Laughing in the Bering Sea
For
the first time ever, "real clowns" came to
St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. It was also the first time
in a very
long time that many of the Siberian Yupik Eskimos had belly
laughed. During the first two weeks of September, the Kaleidoscope
Konnections clowns, a sound technician, and a cook traveled to this
island under the leadership of Pastor Jacob Meadows of the
Bickleton Presbyterian Church.
The isolated villages of Gambell and Savoonga, each with populations of 680, suffer from extremely high unemployment, addiction and abuse, early deaths, and teen suicide. They surely needed the hope, fun and laughter the clowns brought with them.
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OOpsie connects with the kids.
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The elders exclaimed over and over, "This is just what our village needed." Children and adults laughed, smiled and even cried tears of appreciation. At one community event, a woman grabbed onto the white feather she was given as if it were her lifeline. Tears streamed down her face as the clown handed it to her, saying, "This is a reminder that God will lift you up on eagle's wings and hold you forever in the palm of His hand."
Just as the wonderful Yupik people left a lasting imprint on the clowns' hearts, the clowns left an imprint of joy and hope along with red sponge noses, which everyone received.
Kaleidoscope
Konnections sends heartfelt thanks to those who made this outreach trip
possible. Your donations have made such a
difference in so many lives!
Bickleton Presbyterian Church Lance and Susan Powers Jerry and Regina Roberts Goodwill Society of Bickleton Joyce Brack Jennifer Wilson First Baptist Church of Yakima Matthew and Crystal Merfeld Velma Johnson Janet White Rita Stoess Vivian Day Merrily Jones Deep gratitude, too, to all those whose thoughts and prayers accompanied us on our journey. We really felt the love! |
It's Time To Schedule!
 Time to schedule the clowns for: - Bloomin' Buddies, a school presentation on bully, gang and drug prevention;
- community event for entertaining walk-a-rounds, balloons, face-painting or presentation on "Making Friends;"or a
- church
enlightenment program now or future VBS program on "Where's Your
Heart?" Short mimes are also prepared to share during a church
service. Call for more information.
Time to schedule Maureen to: - speak at your next spring retreat on "Giving the Gift of Encouragement;"
- present a staff training on "The F.A.C.T about D.U.C.K: Easy Communication Skills that Score Points;"
- give a motivational keynote for your upcoming conference on "Laughing for the Health of It;" or
- share a slide show at your community club on Kaleidoscope Konnections' worldwide work: "The Power of the Red Nose."
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Contact Kaleidoscope Konnections at:
509-452-2296
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