WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." - Fred Rogers

This site is a digital supplement to the zine "We've Been Looking for You: 28 Questions to Anchor and Guide the Helpers" by Ra Avis.

1 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

How can I practice noticing more about the world?

"The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper."
— W.B. Yeats

To notice more about the world, slow down and let yourself be amazed. Try simple mindfulness, like meditation or writing things you're thankful for. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and feelings around you, and think about how they connect to bigger systems. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns, small joys, and things you may have previously overlooked.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Find an easy-to-access activity, website, tool, or movement that brings you peace.⭐ Be curious about something. Set some time aside to look up something that you're curious about.⭐ Learn about awe through this video or read the white paper.🎨 Reflection: Why wasn't I taught how to slow down? How does our cultural focus on productivity play into this?🎨 Art Prompt: Draw or write about a simple object you see every day but never stop to examine closely.

RESOURCES:

2 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

How can I notice and better understand the needs of my community?

"The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers."
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

To understand your community, start by being curious and looking closely. Notice patterns you can see and systems you can’t. Who is always there? Who isn’t? What places feel friendly? Which ones don’t? Look for signs that people are doing well or struggling. The more you engage, the better you’ll understand how you can help in meaningful ways.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

Research your area's population makeup. Look at race, age, disability, work industries, or languages spoken. Reflect on groups you might not engage with often, and why.⭐ Look up the native birds and plants of your area. Do you know where to find them? Do you know how to care for them?⭐ Someone in your local area helps the houseless, the formerly incarcerated, the disabled, and the children. Someone gives out free books, runs community gardens or composts, and teaches free classes. Who are they? What do they have going on? Where do they gather? How do they call on their helpers when they need them?🎨 Reflection: Notice your own role within your community. Are you often a helper, an observer, or something else?🎨 Art Prompt: Draw or write out a map of your community, but instead of roads and buildings, use symbols to show its needs, strengths, and heart rhythms.🎨 Art Prompt: Write a letter to your community. Talk about what you love about it and what it might need to grow or heal.

RESOURCES:

3 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

What values guide me, and how can I use them to support others?

"Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value." – Albert Einstein

Your values are like a compass—they guide your decisions and actions. Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you: kindness, fairness, honesty, or something else? Once you’re clear on your values, think about how you can bring them to life. Maybe it’s sharing your time with others, being a dependable friend, or standing up for justice. When your actions align with your values, it creates a ripple effect that can inspire and support others around you.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Play this game! Make a list of 5 people you admire. Write 5 characteristics that you admire them for. Look at the list as a whole and circle the words that come up most often. Do you feel called to those?⭐ Imagine your 100th birthday: What do you want people to say about you? See if this highlights what truly matters to you.⭐ Challenge: Choose one value and write down three small actions you can take this week to reflect it.⭐ Write all your values out. Connect them directly to one small, tangible way they could show up in your world.🎨 Reflect: How have my values been shaped by systems like family, education, or media?🎨 Art Prompt: Choose something that represents one of your core values. Draw it. Show where it comes from.

RESOURCES:

4 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

What biases or assumptions might I need to unlearn to be more effective? How do I best unlearn?

"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible." – Maya Angelou

Unlearning biases starts with admitting that everyone has them. They come from how we were raised, our culture, media, and experiences. Look for patterns in your thoughts or actions that might come from untested assumptions. Ask yourself: What am I assuming? Whose views am I not thinking about? Then, make time to learn on purpose. Find different sources of information and explore ideas that challenge how you see things.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Find a book, podcast, or documentary that represents a perspective you’re unfamiliar with.⭐ Ask someone from a different background to share their experience. Listen actively without inserting your own story.⭐ After doing these, think about what worked best for you. Everyone has a different learning style. What's yours when it comes to unlearning?⭐ Reflect: Think of a recent decision or thought—can you spot a bias that may have influenced it?⭐ Reflect: Think on a time you were wrong about someone or something. What did you learn?🎨 Art Prompt: Draw or write an abstract path that represents your journey of unlearning and growth.

RESOURCES:

  • Harvard's Implicit Bias test

  • APA: Can we unlearn implicit bias?

  • Athabasca Uni on Unlearning

  • 📖 Confirmation Bias: We tend to favor information that aligns with our existing beliefs, making it hard to seek out or accept ideas that challenge our viewpoints.

  • 📖 Anchoring Bias: We rely heavily on initial information ("anchors") when forming beliefs, making it difficult to adjust even with new evidence.

  • 📖 Status Quo Bias: We prefer familiar and comfortable routines, resisting change even when those routines are no longer beneficial.

5 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

How can I de-center myself and amplify the voices of those directly affected by injustice?

"Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution." – Bryan Stevenson

Sometimes the best way to help is by stepping back and letting others lead. This means listening to the voices of people who are directly impacted by an issue and supporting their ideas, needs, and leadership. Share resources, platform their stories, and advocate for their solutions. Decentering yourself isn’t about staying silent; it’s about using your position to amplify voices that need to be heard.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: Why do I sometimes feel the need to lead or control? What does it mean to trust others' solutions?⭐ Follow 10 people on social media who are directly impacted by an issue you care about.🎨 Art Prompt: Create a collage that highlights the voices of different people in your community.

RESOURCES:

  • VIA: Review the character strengths for a good list of values to select from

  • 📖 Saviorism: When someone tries to "rescue" others in a way that makes them look good but doesn’t really help or respect the people they’re trying to help.

  • 📖 Intersectionality: The idea that people can face different kinds of unfair treatment (like racism, sexism, or poverty) all at the same time. It also means focusing on the people who are most affected by overlapping problems and making sure their voices and needs are central when finding solutions.

  • 📖 Decentering - Shifting focus away from yourself to prioritize others’ needs and perspectives.

  • 📖 Advocacy - Actively supporting or recommending a cause or policy.

6 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

How can I approach challenges with humility, patience, and openness to learning?

"The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know." – Albert Einstein

Challenges are opportunities to grow, but they often test our patience and humility. It’s okay to admit when you don’t have all the answers—nobody does! Stay curious and open to feedback. View mistakes as lessons, not failures. Patience helps you stay steady when progress feels slow, and humility reminds you that every challenge is part of a larger journey. By embracing these qualities, you’ll find creative and meaningful solutions along the way.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: Why does our society equate knowing everything with success? How can I redefine success?⭐ Think of a recent failure. Write down what you learned from it and how it has shaped your perspective.🎨 Art Prompt: Sketch a ladder where each rung represents a step toward growth.

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Humility - A modest view of one’s importance, staying open to growth and learning.

  • 📖 Resilience - The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

  • 📖 Anti-Fragility – The idea that setbacks and stressors can help systems (including people) grow stronger rather than simply resist damage.

7 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

How can I support others while caring for myself?

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Supporting others is a beautiful thing, but it’s important to make sure you’re not running on empty. Taking care of yourself—mentally, emotionally, and physically—gives you the energy to show up for others. Think of self-care as part of your support toolkit: rest, set boundaries, and find moments of joy for yourself. When you feel strong and balanced, you can give more freely and sustainably to those who need you.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Practice saying no to something that would overextend you.⭐ Reflection: What societal pressures make me feel selfish when I take care of myself?🎨 Art Prompt: Visualize your energy as a container—how full or empty is it? What fills or drains it? Tell us more in art.

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Burnout - A state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.

  • 📖 Spoon Theory – A metaphor for energy management, explaining how people with limited energy (often due to disability, chronic illness, or burnout) must carefully allocate their resources.

  • 📖 Compassionate Detachment – The ability to care for others while maintaining emotional boundaries to prevent burnout and overextension.

8 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

What will inspire me to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow or uncertain?

"It always seems impossible until it’s done." – Nelson Mandela

When progress feels slow, it’s easy to lose motivation. Inspiration often comes from remembering your “why.” Reflect on what drives you—helping others, creating change, or leaving the world a little better than you found it. Celebrate small wins and remind yourself that big changes take time. Stay connected with others who share your goals; their energy can recharge your own. Even the smallest actions make a difference, so keep going.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflection: “What would it look like if this were easy?” – What’s the simplest version of showing up? Can I reduce the pressure I put on myself?⭐ Reflection “If I quit today, what would be the first thing I’d regret not finishing?” – What’s still calling to me?⭐ Reflection “Who benefits from me continuing?” – Beyond myself, who else is impacted by my persistence?⭐ Create an Archive of Effort – Keep a record (journal, folder, voice notes) of things you’ve learned, moments of insight, or obstacles you’ve overcome. Looking back on these will remind you how much you’ve already built.🎨 Art Prompt: Draw or write-- include an image of a growing seed or hope in the distance.

RESOURCES:

9 of 28 - Building a Helper Mindset

How can I shift my mindset to see helping as a long-term commitment? Is there an art practice that could help me with this?

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." – Desmond Tutu

Helping isn’t just a single action—it’s a way of life. Viewing it as a long-term commitment means thinking about sustainability and consistency, rather than quick fixes. Art can play a role here: journaling, creating vision boards, or even painting can help you reflect on your values and long-term goals. Every small step adds up over time. Building habits around helping makes it a natural and fulfilling part of your life.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: What would this look like if I approached it as stewardship rather than fixing?⭐ Ground yourself: The Composting Mindset – Some things decompose before they nourish new growth. Your effort might not look like much right away, but it’s breaking down into something useful.⭐ Ground yourself: Helping as a Tapestry – No single person carries the whole weight of change. Your role is one thread in a much larger fabric.🎨 Art Prompt: Create a Seed zine. Record "seeds"—small actions, ideas, or moments of connection. Revisit past entries to see how some seeds took root over time.

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Sustainability - The ability to maintain or continue something over time without exhausting resources.

  • 📖 Growth Mindset - The belief that abilities and understanding can be developed with effort over time.

10 of 28 - Take Helper Action

What specific skills, strengths, or resources can I offer?

"What you do best, serve others with that." – Oprah Winfrey

Everyone has something unique to offer. Maybe you’re a great listener, an organizer, or a creative thinker. Take a moment to list your skills and think about how they can help others. Even small actions, like sharing your time or resources, can make a big difference. When you focus on what you’re good at, you contribute in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable. Remember, skills are not only professional skills and resources are more than money and things. Your strengths are a gift!

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: If I had unlimited energy and no self-doubt, what would I offer to the world?⭐ Make a Skills Inventory Map: Make a mind map starting with “Things I Know How to Do.” Let it branch out into professional skills, hobbies, problem-solving abilities, and even unconventional strengths (e.g., “I’m good at making people feel heard”).⭐ Do the Strengths Mirror Exercise – Ask three people who know you well: “What’s something I bring to the table that I might overlook?” Compare their answers to how you see yourself.⭐ Do the Unused Toolbox Test – Identify one skill or resource you have but rarely use. Find a small way to apply it this week.🎨 Art Prompt: Create a self-portrait that highlights symbols of your unique strengths.
🎨 Poetry Prompt:

RESOURCES:

11 of 28 - Take Helper Action

Who is already doing this work, and how can I collaborate or learn from them?

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Look around—there are people and organizations already making a difference in areas you care about. Reach out to them to learn, volunteer, or collaborate. You don’t have to start from scratch; instead, build on existing efforts. By working together, you can pool your skills and resources to create a bigger impact. Plus, learning from others’ experiences can help you grow and understand the work on a deeper level.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: Identify how you’re currently learning from others (books, podcasts, social media, direct mentorship). What gaps exist? What new sources could you explore?⭐ Reflect: Who are my quiet mentors? The people whose work influences me, even if we’ve never met.⭐ Choose three people or organizations doing meaningful and local work in your area of interest. Follow them on socials.🎨 Art Prompt: Create a piece that uses intertwined imagery, like hands or threads or puzzle pieces.

RESOURCES:

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12 of 28 - - Take Helper Action

What’s one concrete action I can take right now to contribute meaningfully?

"What is not started today is never finished tomorrow." – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Big changes start with small actions. Think about one thing you can do today to help—whether it’s reaching out to someone, donating your time, or learning more about an issue. Concrete actions might feel small, but they create momentum. The key is to start, no matter how simple the step. Over time, these actions add up to real, meaningful contributions.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Set a timer for 15 minutes and take immediate action toward something meaningful (like writing an email, donating, sharing a resource, or researching a local initiative).⭐ Reflect: List all the roles you currently hold (friend, worker, community member, artist, etc). What is one action you could take in each role that contributes to something larger?⭐ What’s stopping me from taking action? Is it fear, perfectionism, uncertainty? How can I move past it?
⭐ Am I making this harder than it needs to be? Does my idea of “meaningful” action set the bar unrealistically high?
⭐ What have I done in the past that had a bigger impact than I expected? How can I apply that lesson now?
🎨 Art Prompt: Create a piece involving a single spark lighting a fire, symbolizing the start of change.

RESOURCES:

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13 of 28 - Take Helper Action

How can I contribute in ways that are constructive and responsive to the actual needs of the community?

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." – Mother Teresa

Helping is most effective when it meets real needs. Start by asking questions and listening to what your community actually wants or needs. Avoid assuming you know the answers—every community is unique. Once you understand their goals, focus on solutions that build up and empower. This creates sustainable change rather than temporary fixes. Being constructive means working with others to solve problems, not just offering quick help.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Practice asking the question: “What would be most helpful to you right now?”⭐ How do I want to be in relationship with the communities I care about? Am I engaging as a long-term partner or a short-term problem solver?⭐ Where do I see well-intended contributions go wrong? Without getting stuck in the fear of that, what lessons can I learn from the missteps of others? (Inevitable missteps!* We're all human! Achingly so.)🎨 Art Prompt: Create a piece involving a bridge

RESOURCES:

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14 of 28 - Take Helper Action

What can I do daily to be in solidarity?

"The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings." – Albert Schweitzer

Solidarity means standing together with others, especially those facing challenges or injustice. Daily actions, like educating yourself, supporting local efforts, or sharing helpful resources, make a difference. Solidarity isn’t just about big gestures—it’s about showing up consistently and being reliable. Even small, thoughtful acts like checking in with someone or amplifying their voice can build meaningful connections.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Before making a personal decision (where to shop, what media to consume, how to spend time), ask: Does this choice reinforce or challenge harmful systems?⭐ Find a friend or group to check in with about daily solidarity actions. Keep each other accountable for showing up consistently.⭐ What do I have access to that I can leverage to be in solidarity?⭐ What are small ways I’ve witnessed solidarity in action and how can I adopt those practices myself?

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Solidarity - Unity and support for others, especially in difficult situations.

  • 📖 Consistency - The quality of showing up regularly and reliably.

15 of 28 - Take Helper Action

How can I address both immediate needs and long-term solutions?

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." - Desmond Tutu

Balancing immediate needs with long-term solutions means addressing urgent problems while also looking ahead. For example, you can provide food or shelter now while supporting programs that tackle the root causes of poverty. Think about how your actions today can create lasting impact. By combining short-term care with future planning, you can create a cycle of help that grows stronger over time.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: What’s your default mode? Do you tend to focus more on urgent action or structural change? How can you balance both?⭐ Play Fire & Roots: Choose an issue you care about. Write down one “fire” (an urgent problem that needs attention now) and one “root” (a systemic cause that feeds the problem). Brainstorm one action for each.🎨 Art Prompt: Look into the future. Make art about it.

RESOURCES:

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16 of 28 - Take Helper Action

How can I foster trust within my community to reinforce mutual support and collaboration?

"Trust is built with consistency." – Lincoln Chafee

Trust is the foundation of strong communities. It grows when people feel heard, respected, and supported. Start by showing up consistently, keeping your promises, and treating others with kindness. Small acts, like sharing resources or offering help, can build trust over time. Be open and honest in your communication, and remember that trust is a two-way street—it’s something you give as well as earn.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: What does accountability look like in your community? How do y'all handle conflict or missteps in ways that build trust rather than break it? This is a big one! It could be its own big webpage.⭐ Offer first! Instead of asking for collaboration, offer something first—your time, skills, or resources. See how reciprocity naturally follows.⭐ Reflect: Think about the bridges (bringing people together) and anchors (providing stability) in your community. How can you be one or support them?🎨 Create a piece that reflects on the unseen connections between people.

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Mutuality - A relationship based on shared values and support.

17 of 28 - Take Helper Action

How can I make space for new voices and support those who are just beginning to engage in this work?

"When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser." – Pat Wadors

Creating space for new voices means welcoming fresh perspectives and ideas. Encourage others to share their thoughts, especially those who might not feel confident yet. Be patient and supportive as they find their voice. Share your knowledge, but don’t dominate the conversation. By stepping back and uplifting others, you help build a stronger, more inclusive community.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: Where did I start? What did I need when I was first engaging in this work? Who helped me? What made me feel welcome or unwelcome?⭐ Reflect: What barriers exist for new voices? –Are there unspoken expectations, language, or social dynamics that make it harder for beginners to engage?⭐ Reflect: How do I handle mistakes (mine and others’)? Do I allow space for learning and growth, or do I expect people to arrive already “perfect” in their understanding?⭐ Who isn’t here yet? – What perspectives, experiences, or communities are missing from this space? How can I help bridge the gap?⭐ Identify one person who is newer to this space. Reach out and offer to answer questions, be a sounding board, or provide support in a way that respects their agency.🎨 Art prompt: Create a piece about a collage an open doorway. What symbols, words, or images represent making space for others?

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Inclusion - Actively embracing and valuing diverse perspectives.

  • 📖 Empowerment - Giving someone the confidence and tools to take action.

18 of 28 - Take Helper Action

What is the most creative approach can I take to address these challenges?

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Sometimes the best solutions are the ones that think outside the box. Creativity helps you approach challenges with fresh eyes and energy. Whether it’s using art, storytelling, or innovative tools, being creative can make your efforts more engaging and impactful. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas or take risks—your creativity might spark something that inspires others to join in or think differently too.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Where can play, joy, or experimentation be part of the solution?⭐ What can I learn from artists, activists, and innovators in other fields?⭐ Come up with the wildest, most impractical idea possible for addressing this challenge. Then, see if a smaller, feasible version of it might actually work.⭐ Reflect: Instead of looking at the problem as a challenge to solve, frame it as a story. Who are the characters? What’s the turning point? What creative twist would make the ending meaningful?🎨 Art Prompt: Express your response to this challenge using a completely unexpected format (like a comic strip about a social issue, a sculpture about collaboration, a dance about mutual aid).

RESOURCES:

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19 of 28 - Take Helper Action

What does this moment call for, and how can I align my efforts with the needs of the collective?

"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
- Attributed to multiple activists, including John Lewis

Every moment is unique, and what’s needed can change quickly. Pay attention to what’s happening around you and ask yourself, “What can I offer right now?” Maybe it’s stepping up to organize, lending a hand, or simply listening. Aligning with the collective means focusing on shared goals and being flexible in your role. By staying tuned in and responsive, you can ensure your efforts are timely and helpful.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ What are people around me asking for—explicitly or implicitly? You can look in comments or neighborhood groups if you aren't in direct community with any of your neighbors yet.⭐ Ask yourself: Can I amplify someone else’s work? Can I join an effort already happening? Or is something missing that I need to start?🎨 Art Prompt: Create a piece from the perspective of "we" - how does it change your work?

RESOURCES:

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20 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I show others that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something?

"Nobody made a greater mistake than doing nothing because they could only do a little." – Edmund Burke

Big challenges can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remind people that every action counts. Talk about the power of small contributions and how they add up over time. Share stories of how even a tiny act of kindness or support made a difference. Encouraging others to do what they can, no matter how small, shows that everyone’s efforts are valuable and needed.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: Have I ever really studied how to ask for help?⭐ Am I creating space for people to engage at their level? How can I make participation feel welcoming, not overwhelming?⭐ Encourage people to take on only what they can sustain. How can you model the idea that a rested, consistent contributor is more impactful than someone who burns out quickly?🎨 Art Prompt: Illustrate or describe multiple hands reaching toward a shared goal, each contributing something different.

RESOURCES:

21 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I create opportunities for others to lead?

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." – Simon Sinek

Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about creating space for others to grow and take on responsibility. Encourage people to step up by offering them roles or tasks that match their strengths. Be a mentor when needed, but also let them try, learn, and shine. Empowering others builds confidence and helps create a stronger, more resilient team or community.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ What assumptions do I have about leadership? (Example, do you see leadership only as a formal role, or do you recognize different ways people lead? Can you envision it as shared, fluid, quiet?)⭐ Reflect: Am you making space or just delegating?⭐ Reflect: How do I react when someone leads differently than you would? How would you like to react?⭐ The next time you’re about to make a decision, step back and ask someone else to take the lead instead

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Empowerment - Giving someone the confidence and tools to take action.

  • 📖 Mentorship - Providing guidance and support to help someone grow.

22 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

Are my efforts aligned with the best version of myself, and how can I keep improving?

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." – Aristotle

Being your best self means regularly reflecting on your actions and how they align with your values. Ask yourself: Am I doing this with integrity, kindness, and purpose? Growth is a lifelong process, so look for ways to keep improving—through learning, listening, and adjusting when needed. By striving to align your efforts with your highest potential, you not only help others but also inspire them to do the same.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ How do you show up when you’re fully aligned with your values?⭐ Where are you acting out of habit rather than intention?⭐ Who holds you accountable to your highest potential?⭐ Choose one skill, habit, or mindset to refine over the next month. Set small, tangible steps to improve daily or weekly.🎨 Art Prompt: Before & After

RESOURCES:

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23 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I adjust my role to serve the group better?

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." – Phil Jackson

Sometimes the best way to help is by being flexible. Every group has different needs, and your role might shift depending on the situation. Whether it’s leading, supporting, or stepping back, being adaptable shows your commitment to the bigger picture. Pay attention to what the group needs most and how your skills can fill the gaps. By adjusting your role, you help the group succeed as a whole.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: What does the group need right now? Have priorities shifted? Are there gaps that aren’t being addressed?⭐ Reflect: Am I holding on to certain responsibilities because they feel familiar, or because they are truly what’s best for the group?⭐ Reflect: Have I asked others how they see my role and what adjustments might improve collaboration?⭐ Challenge: Directly ask a trusted group member: "What’s one thing I could do differently to better support our work together?" Listen without defensiveness.⭐ Reflect: Consider where you take a visible leadership role versus where you provide behind-the-scenes support. Does this balance need adjusting?🎨 Art Prompt: A tapestry

RESOURCES:

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24 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

What lessons can I take from my past challenges or mistakes to inform my approach moving forward?

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Mistakes and challenges are powerful teachers. Reflecting on them helps you grow and approach future efforts with more wisdom. Think about what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve. Instead of dwelling on the past, use those lessons to build a stronger foundation for your next steps. Remember, every experience—good or bad—adds to your toolkit for making a difference.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ What patterns show up in your challenges? – Are there recurring themes in your struggles? What do they reveal?
⭐ What strengths have emerged from past challenges? – How have difficult moments shaped your resilience, adaptability, or problem-solving skills?
⭐ Challenge: Revisit a mistake you’re still carrying. Write about it as if it happened to a friend. How would you frame it with understanding instead of judgment?
🎨 Art Prompt: Step over your mistakes.

RESOURCES:

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25 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I honor the work of those who came before me while staying focused on the present and future?

"We stand on the shoulders of giants." – Isaac Newton

The work we do today is built on the efforts of those who came before us. Learn about the history of your cause and honor the contributions of others by continuing their legacy. At the same time, focus on what the present moment needs and how you can prepare for the future. Bridging the past, present, and future ensures that your efforts carry forward meaningful progress.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: Who is in your helper lineage?⭐ Reflect: How do you balance respect for history with the need for evolution?⭐ Reflect: How do you bring intergenerational wisdom into your work? – Have you connected with elders, mentors, or historical sources to deepen your understanding?⭐ Challenge: Choose one person or movement to honor this month—whether by sharing their work, donating, learning, or continuing their mission.🎨 Create an art piece that blends historical references with contemporary and future-oriented elements.

RESOURCES:

  • 📖 Continuity - Maintaining a connection between past efforts and future goals.

26 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I make helping an integral part of my life and inspire others to do the same?

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." – Muhammad Ali

Making helping a habit means weaving it into your daily life. Start small by looking for regular opportunities to give—whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply being kind. When others see your commitment, it can inspire them to get involved too. By leading through example, you show that helping isn’t just an action but a way of being.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: What does helping mean to you? Is it about service, justice, generosity, or something else?⭐ Reflect: Where are you already helping? What are the quiet, everyday ways you show up for others?⭐ Reflect: Think of someone who naturally integrates helping into their life. What can you learn from their approach?⭐ Challenge: Invite a friend or community member to participate in a helping effort with you. Notice how shared action builds momentum.🎨 Write a short, powerful declaration of how you want to integrate helping into your daily life.

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27 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I choose actions, relationships, and strategies that uplift both myself and others?

"When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." – Paulo Coelho

The choices you make shape your impact. Prioritize actions and relationships that bring positivity, growth, and kindness to both you and those around you. Seek strategies that create balance—ones that help others while also supporting your own well-being. By uplifting others, you build stronger connections and a more fulfilling life.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: How can you contribute to hope and resilience even when things are challenging?
⭐ Reflect: Make a list of your key actions and relationships. Next to each, note whether it fills you up or drains you. Adjust accordingly.
⭐ Reflect: Do your relationships and actions uplift others while also allowing you to receive support?
🎨 Art Prompt: A self-portrait where you are held, and you hold.

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28 of 28 - Create Helper Culture

How can I bring more love, care, creativity, and hope into my neighborhood today, and everyday?

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Love and care start with small, thoughtful actions—like saying hello to a neighbor, helping someone in need, or beautifying a shared space. Creativity brings new ideas and joy, while hope keeps everyone moving forward. When you show up consistently with these values, you create a ripple effect that strengthens your community. Together, these daily efforts make your neighborhood a brighter, kinder place.

CHALLENGE ROUND:

⭐ Reflect: What brings you joy? How can you share that joy with others?⭐ Reflect: Are you noticing the good? How can you amplify and celebrate what’s already happening in your community?⭐ Reflect: How can you make kindness more visible? What creative or unexpected ways can you express care and hope?🎨 Art prompt: Find a way to add a creative touch to a shared space (e.g., sidewalk chalk, a community art board, planting flowers).

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