Do Unto Others…

…just because it’s the right thing to to.

That’s the idea behind “The Year of Altruism” — an Upstate South Carolina-based non-profit established to promote the unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others.

“The mission of the Year of Altruism is to encourage and celebrate altruism in thought, speech and deed, focusing the community on fostering acts of kindness in its organizations and individuals, thus creating a better future, one life at a time,” according to Rabbi Marc Wilson and Robert St. Claire.

Beginning this August and extending through June 2014, more than 60 organizations across the Upstate will take on the challenge of the Year of Altruism. From community-wide events to volunteer work on community projects, the Upstate will come together to celebrate the greatness in humanity.

“The response of the community has been nothing less than stupendous, beyond our wildest imagination,” says Rabbi Marc Wilson. “Greenville has again proved that it is not a ‘sleepy little town’.  No, it is has proved to be a profoundly accepting and progressive place.  Its greatness has found expression through acts of loving-kindness, compassion, and idealism.”

Wilson added, “The Year of Altruism does not exist in a vacuum.  We live in a world that is witnessing the proverbial ‘best of times and worst of times’.  Through the practice of altruism in everyday deeds, we in Greenville are kindling a spark that witnesses to humanity’s innate desire to foster self-sacrificial goodness and celebrate the dignity of all Creation.”

Born from an Unusual Historical Perspective

The genesis of the Year of Altruism began in the spring of 2011 as Wilson and St. Claire started discussing how to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Kristallnacht, or “the Night of Broken Glass”, is considered, by all estimations, to mark the beginning of the Holocaust – the fateful first evening on which Jewish synagogues, businesses, and homes were destroyed, more than 90 Jews were killed, and 30,000 more were transported to Adolf Hitler’s concentration camps.

Soon after the planning for anniversary commemoration, discussions centered around humanity as a whole instead of focusing solely on the atrocities of the Holocaust – at the root, the thousands of  “Righteous Gentiles” who risked their lives to rescue, conceal and protect victimized Jews. This conversation led to the idea of going beyond the anniversary of Kristallnacht to bring greater light to and encourage humanity’s immeasurable capacity for compassion, mercy, self-sacrifice, and idealism as a universal story – “not one of a particular place, time, or people, but of the eternal human capacity to live nobly,” according to organizers.

“The magnitude of the response to the Year of Altruism was unexpected, even to the most optimistic among us.  Unprecedented support, partnership and commitment has flowed forth from all dimensions of the community – religious, educational, organizational.  Civic leadership has been entirely enthusiastic.  It is all a sign that the time and place for YOA have come.  We are now receiving calls and emails from national and international organizations, who want to know what’s happening and how they can get involved,” Wilson said.

YOA’s Event Series Offers Something for Everyone

From the performing and visual arts to educational lecture series to multicultural and inter-faith initiatives, the Year of Altruism will encompass numerous opportunities that give chances to learn, participate, and support. Many events are free. All events are open to the public but require advance registration.

In total, more than 60 organizations are currently committed to engaging in the Year of Altruism. A full events calendar, with details on each event, can be accessed through www.yearofaltruism.org, and additional events will be added as confirmed.

“Beginning two months from now, the Year of Altruism will blanket our community with opportunities to learn, engage, and support,” stated Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness, Programming Director for the Year of Altruism. “Already, these inspiring events represent dozens of local philanthropic, cultural, and educational institutions, and over the next few months, dates for lectures by Furman University faculty, a film series based on altruism at the Upcountry History Museum, and so much more will be added to the Year of Altruism calendar.  This is a significant, innovative endeavor, and we hope everyone will join us in celebrating Greenville’s Year of Altruism.”