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The Great Compassion
is an urgent call to reconnect.
One hundred years ago, America faced the Great Depression — an economic crisis that tested our collective strength.
What pulled us through wasn’t just financial recovery, but the resilience and solidarity of neighbors helping neighbors, families pulling together, and communities finding ways to survive.
Today, we're caught in another Great Depression, but the crisis we're facing is not economic – it's social.
While social trauma is nothing new to the human race — the pain of disconnect has grown exponentially under the weight of Social Media. And when we add to that the rapid rise of AI – we find ourselves collectively at the edge of a steep social cliff.
But, it's not too late to act.
Inspired by Umuganda
On the last Saturday of every month, the people of Rwanda gather to clean, build, repair, and restore their communities — side by side — all in the spirit of Umuganda.
This being a day of shared purpose and human connection, Umuganda is Rwanda's life line to rebuilding social cohesion following the tragic genocide of 1994.
As Rwanda practices Umuganda and heals from their deepest of wounds, they in turn reveal to the world how community service strengthens the social fabric of a nation and is the way back to peace and prosperity for all.
This is where we begin.
First we serve–then we play!
It's that simple, and impactful.
Service Events in Your Community
Browse local aggregators of service events to lend your heart and hands to a cause you care about – vulnerable people, beautification, rescued farm animals, pet shelters, community gardens, so much!
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ChatGPT can help surface projects!
Neighbors Supporting Neighbors
Gather in your neighborhood and practice simple acts of kindness — like bringing food to a new mother, or stew to a neighbor battling an illness. Mow the lawn for an elderly neighbor, or draw messages of joy and compassion on your block's sidewalk. These times are calling us back into intimate care and connection.
The Great Compassion is a community-led movement encouraging people to connect, serve, and share time together. All volunteer activity is self-organized and not managed by The Great Compassion. We do not endorse or oversee any specific organization or action. Please engage responsibly and safely.
First we serve.
Join the movement on the last Saturday of every month.
Then we Play!
Head out to play after a morning of good work.
This is the afterglow where connection takes root.
Head out for fun in any way that speaks to you. Swap stories, share a smile, and let the goodness of your work strengthen our human bonds.
As the movement grows, 4pm will be the flash mob hour for fun in town. Let's see what we can manifest!
And LOVE GROWS
Love is what grows when we do what comes natural – we care for one another.
Each act of service, each laugh shared in the afterglow — it all adds up to something more, something real, something powerful – and alive.