Random Acts of Kindness Week 2020

The Department of Chemistry is thrilled to participate in the MindHandHeart Initiative’s Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week, which will run from Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13, 2020.

RAK Week is a time dedicated to connecting members of the MIT community through small acts of kindness. We hope to not only encourage people to connect with each other, but also to connect with support resources on campus. RAK Week is a fun, light-hearted week meant to encourage us to support one another, because MIT is not a place one can handle alone.

Check out the agenda below for information on the Department of Chemistry-sponsored RAK Week events open to all Chemistry staff, faculty, and students. All members of the department are encouraged to participate in this highly spirited and enjoyable event!

In advance of RAK Week, if there is a member of the staff, faculty, or student body that you’d like to draw attention to for a job well done, submit a Shout Out! 

Monday, March 9, 2020 – RAK Week Tech Cash Cards

The first 100 members of the Department of Chemistry to come by the Chem Ed office (6-205) or Chemistry Headquarters (18-392) beginning at 9AM on Monday, March 9 can pick up a $10 Tech Cash card with which to do something nice for another person.

Then, tell us about your random act of kindness for a chance to win a prize for a RAK well done!

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 – Succulents for Friends

Beginning at 10AM while supplies last, come to Chemistry Headquarters (18-392) or the Chemistry Education Office (6-205) and pick up a miniature potted succulent to give to someone to brighten their day and desk area.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 – Give Back to the Community – WILL BE RESCHEDULED

Take this opportunity to perform a Random Act of Kindness by assembling toiletry kits that will be donated to Rosie’s Place. Founded in 1974, Rosie’s Place is the first women’s shelter in the United States. Their mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives.

Supplies to assemble the kits, along with note-writing materials, will be set up at a later date, TBD.

Thursday, March 12, 2020 – Send a Candygram – WILL BE RESCHEDULED

Is there someone in your life you’d like to thank or reach out to? Notes are sweet, but notes AND candy are impossible to top. Note writing stations will be set up at a later date, TBD.

Friday, March 13, 2020 – Bring a Coffee Break to a Friend – WILL BE RESCHEDULED

Stations of coffee and treats will be set up at a later date, TBD.

RAK Week is also a great opportunity to nominate your fellow Department of Chemistry members for other recognition awards, at both the School of Science and Institute levels.

School of Science Spot Award

Spot Awards are intended to acknowledge and demonstrate appreciation and recognition for the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams, large or small. The monetary value of these awards is relatively small, but their value is immeasurable.  Nominations can be made at any time and award-winners will receive a token of your appreciation soon after. Visit the School of Science website, and submit a nomination today!

MIT Awards

The MIT Awards Convocation honors MIT students, faculty, staff, and community members who have made outstanding contributions to the shared life of the Institute. The awards recognize many of the qualities we hold dear at MIT: excellence in academics and teaching, public service, community building, achievements in the arts and athletics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Though the venue has been moved from Killian Court to 10-250 to the Samberg Center today, the spirit has remained the same. Nominations for the 2020 Awards Convocation are now open! The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 20, 2020. Submit a nomination at the MIT Awards website before it’s too late!