The Realist Idealist

You probably won’t be able to request paid time off on March 12, but on Favorday that’s not the point.

Recently a group of people in Washington, DC got together and agreed that what they really wanted to do on holidays was nice things for each other; they didn’t care so much about buying gifts or attending elaborate events. But even when they tried simply doing nice things they found it was hard to get beyond the social pressure of the card-giving and gift-buying season. So instead of trying to rethink the holidays we all know, the group started something new: International Favorday.

On March 12, 2008, people all over the world will be performing planned acts of kindness on what Favorday’s founders are calling a “People Powered Holiday.”

Want to take part? The only rule is you can’t spend money. Start budgeting time and making lists of the favors you’ll do for people, the way you might plan to give gifts on another holiday. You might want to:

* Volunteer for an organization in your neighborhood.
* Pay the bridge toll for the car behind you on your morning commute.
* Rub your partner’s feet.
* Set up a Facebook profile for your mom, because you love her and want her to know what you’re up to. (Mom, this is what I’m doing for you

One of the best things about Favorday is that it’s also leveraging new technology that makes it so easy for people around the world to be part of. The founders have created a great new Favorday Facebook app that lets you not only see what favors your friends need, but also commit to doing them and requesting favors yourself!

Just remember, Favorday “gifts” must be favors, not material items.

Are you in? Sign up on the Favorday website or join the Favorday Facebook event.