Do Anything Nice distributes joy and affection... Free!

In the midst of this war, financial worry, and fish moniker protests, it's nice to see an organization out and about Ithaca College whose sole purpose is positivity. No matter how small the gesture, the Do Anything Nice organization is striving to inject a little joy and spontaneity into what would be your otherwise mundanely college day-to-day.

Continue reading...

Do Anything Nice in Jamaica

We are proud to announce the launch of the first official international D.A.N. chapter at the American International School of Kingston in Jamaica. Please enjoy their first world premier post.

Article Contributed by Adisa Williams | Chapter President

 “Whyyy?”, “Okay then...” and suspicious glances pervaded the halls. Kids stared at us in wonderment while cautiously chewing their Starburst as if waiting for the bombs in them to detonate at any minute. A girl stares at us and a tense, deep silence ensues. “We’re just doing something nice, is that so wrong?” D.A.N. Member StephAnn finally says in a chipper voice.

The new D.A.N. chapter in Jamaica has been off to a solid start. The school at which we are located – the American International School of Kingston, is relatively new and does not offer many student-run clubs and organizations. Due to the demonstrated need for student body unity and development of the schools facilities and programs, and the simultaneous surplus of eager and dedicated teenagers, the new chapter to Do Anything Nice was born. In the first month alone, plans were made to introduce the club to the school, to make personal introductions by hand-distributing candy and plans were made to enhance student life.

In the category of “enhancing student life” is the new recycling venture that we have embarked on. Half way into it, and after finding a sponsor for recycling bins, it was discovered that the school already had a somewhat established recycling program. In the category of student  life, the need was recognized for student unity, especially due to the nature of the school – one with many children who have been moved to Jamaica from their homeland, D.A.N. saw it imperative to strengthen the student population as a family. Among our upcoming projects are student rally and campus wide treasure hunts.

Eventually, we hope to create more programs such as an after school homework program for the youth of surrounding (less-privileged schools), which would foster a spirit of service in the school community. There are no limits for our club at the moment, we plan to open it to the entire school community next year, and following this, aim to attack problems facing the youth in our society – one nice act at a time.

We've Updated Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote the value of kindness through student action. We aim to build long standing movements of social change.

What We Do

1. Inspire the creation of organizations led by students that provide opportunities for professional development.
2. We seek to reinvent the ordinary student organization experience.
3. We work to build advocates of social change throughout and beyond their years in school.

August 9th HQs Meeting Update

On August 9th, the HQs staff and current/future D.A.N. presidents joined in a conference call. Members of D.A.N. joined from around the country, including states such as California, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.

The first 30 minutes of the meeting were dedicated to the three objectives:

1. Welcome D.A.N. Presidents!
2. Bridge communication between D.A.N. HQs and our Chapters
3. Gain valuable insight into your projects for the coming year.

As the new academic year approaches we will be announcing our 2009 D.A.N. chapters.

D.A.N. Staff HQ Meeting August 9, 2009

On August 9th there is a D.A.N. Headquarters Staff Meeting scheduled to take place. Twice a month the HQ staff at D.A.N. gets together and discuss recent updates within the organization. During the week is when the daily work happens. Each member of HQs is either a student or seasoned professional.

This particular meeting is very special as it marks the first time that all current and future D.A.N. Chapter presidents will be in the same meeting. Our objective is to accomplish three things:

1. Welcome D.A.N. Presidents!
2. Bridge communication between D.A.N. HQs and our Chapters
3. Gain valuable insight into their projects for the coming year.