Following the April 13, 2014, tragedy at the Jewish Community Campus and Village Shalom, a group of caring individuals decided that they, as a community, have the power to outshine and overcome such senseless acts of hate. SevenDays is a challenge for young and old to embrace diversity across races, religions and cultures. Through three events — Faith, Love & Song, Faith, Love & Kindness and Faith, Love & Walk — the group hopes to promote understanding and encourage kindness to “Make a Ripple to Change the World.”
All events (except noted) are free and open to the public. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}Complete details, as well as sponsors and special discount shopping options, are available at www.givesevendays.org.
Day 1 —Tuesday, April 7
Theme: Love
Give a hug
Treat someone
Show kindness
Sponsored activity: Interfaith Council of Kansas City presentation — Several faiths — Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism — will have the opportunity to share their prayers, what they think about loving their neighbor and what they have in common with other faiths. The intent is to provide an opportunity to contribute to the community’s growing understanding of the religious pluralism of our area.
Location: Leawood City Hall (Oak Room)
7-8 p.m.
Day 2 — Wednesday, April 8
Theme: Discover
Explore a different culture/religion
Plan/attend a cultural event
Connect with someone new
Sponsored Activity: Sonia Warshawski, a Holocaust survivor, tells her story and about why forgiveness has helped her survive. (Must be at least 13 to attend.)
Location: Rockhurst High School (Rose Theatre)
7-8 p.m.
Day 3 — Thursday, April 9
Theme: Others
Do a good deed
Donate your time
Be a mentor
Sponsored activity: Jacqueline Murekatete, at the age of 9, was the only survivor from her family in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Her story is about courage and overcoming adversity. She is internationally recognized in genocide prevention and as a human rights activist.
Tyrone Flowers, founder of Higher M-Pact in Kansas City, Missouri, understands how to find success despite growing up as a high-risk urban youth. Higher M-Pact offers intense, long-term mentoring for a select group of high-risk urban adolescents.
Location: Jewish Community Campus
7– 8:30 p.m.
Day 4 — Friday, April 10
Theme: Connect
Explore your heritage
Gather at the table
Reach out to others
Sponsored activity: Students at Blue Valley High School and Blue Valley North will have the opportunity to hear Jacqueline Murekatete speak. These events are not open to the public.
Day 5 — Saturday, April 11
Theme: Go
Enjoy the outdoors
Plan/attend a physical activity
Take a field trip
Sponsored activity: The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation’s “T.A.K.E. Defense” is partnering with SevenDays to host its self-defense training course for girls beginning at 12 years and women of all ages.
Location: Lifetime Fitness, 13800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS
The event is free of charge thanks to donations from Alterra Bank and CBiz
Register through the T.A.K.E. Defense website: www.takedefense.org
Day 6 — Sunday, April 12
Theme: You
Take time for personal growth
Be proud of yourself
Do something for you
Day 7 — Monday, April 13
Theme: Onward
Act beyond today
Make kindness a habit
Change the world
Sponsored activity: Peace Walk
Route is from Jewish Community Campus (Campus) to Church of the Resurrection (COR)
4:30 p.m.: Parking at COR, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood (secondary location at Sprint); shuttles will run from the church to the Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., where walk begins
5 p.m.: Registration at Jewish Community Campus
6 p.m.: Walk begins
8-8:45 p.m.: Celebration at COR will include performance of winning song compositions, candle lighting and more.{/mprestriction}
