Giving Games started on November 29th, are you playing?

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your sixth mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. When you created the thank you card yesterday, did it make you see the person in a new way? Were you more aware than usual of how hard this person works, and how much they contribute? How did the person react when you delivered the card? How do you think it impacted this person’s day? Agents, your sixth mission is to lend a helping-hand to your home or neighborhood! Ask your parents or guardians how you can help out around your home, and happily do that for them. If you have neighbors who may need a little assistance, ask them with the permission of a parent or guardian if there is anything you can do to be of service to them. You’ll be surprised at how surprised their reactions are! Your acts of service and kindness will make a big difference for them and make you feel really good, too! Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world.   During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. The next Prayer can be RSVPed at here. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map!   When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 6 of the Giving Games, we are excited to pass the Compassion Torch from the International Institute for Child Rights Development (IICRD) to the United Religion's Initiative (URI)! URI has taken up the Compassion Torch for the second Compassion Games coopetition in a row, and we are continuously inspired by their work to bring interfaith peace to reality.   Read Our Featured Story About URI Here! Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your fifth mission, take a moment to reflect on the last mission. How did you feel after laughing at nothing for 60 seconds? Did your mood change? Did you have more fun in class or as a group that day? What are some other things that really make you laugh?

Your fifth mission, Agents, is to show appreciation for someone! Think of one person in your school or community who works really, really hard, but may not receive a lot of credit for doing what they do. Create a thank you card for them, and deliver it to that person before the end of the day. And Agents, remember! As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your reports are already beginning to inspire others as the world is continues to become a safer, kinder, and better place! Good work! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. The next Prayer can be RSVPed at here. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 5 of the Giving Games, we are excited to pass the Compassion Torch from Nimo Patel's Empty Hands Music to the International Institute for Child Rights Development (IICRD). Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr., Chairperson of Compassion Games International (CGI), and Jon Ramer, Founder of CGI, have had the blessed fortune to work with IICRD over the last 10 years. Read Our Featured Story About IICRD Here!

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your fourth mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. Which person did you choose to write your letter or draw your picture about? What makes this person special? Do you think they know how important they are to you? What are other things you can do to show how thankful you are for this person? Agents, your fourth mission… is to LAUGH! Laughter brings joy to everyone who hears it, so give joy to your classmates, friends, or family by laughing together. Set a timer for 60 seconds and just start laughing --- at nothing! Before the minute is up, you’ll be hysterically laughing at your own laughter. It might even be hard to stop laughing once the timer goes off! With the good feelings you received from this experience, find ways to bring joy to others throughout your day. Be goofy to make someone laugh, leave a note for someone that makes them smile, or even dance silly for no reason with your friends! Bring this joy home to your family and friends! Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. The next Prayer can be RSVPed at here. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 4 of the Giving Games, we are humbled to pass the Compassion Torch from Play for Peace to Nimo Patel's Empty Hands Music. Empty Hands Music is not your everyday organization, and its founder, Nimo, is not your everyday founder. If you haven’t heard of Nimo Patel, lean in with us, because his story, like his spirit, is one of a kind. Read Our Featured Story About Empty Hands Music Here! Reflect On Yesterday's Mission Before moving on to your third mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. Was it hard to think about something you’re really good at doing, or something you feel excited about doing? What did you decide to do with your gift for yesterday’s mission? How do you think the person you shared this experience with felt?

Agents, your third mission is to give your gratitude! Draw a picture or write a letter for someone in your life who is important to you. Express in your letter why you are grateful for this person. Then, give them the letter the next time you see them. Or better yet, read it out loud to them! Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion and generosity! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. The next Prayer can be RSVPed at here. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. For Day 3 of the Giving Games, we are thrilled to pass the Compassion Torch from the United Nations Department of Public Information to Play for Peace. Play for Peace, we are proud to say, is a hero of the Compassion Games Leadership Team. There is no other force on Earth that so embodies the spirit of compassionate play in such an on the ground, global expression. Read Our Featured Story About Play for Peace Here!

Reflect On Yesterday's Mission! Before moving on to your second mission, take a moment to reflect on yesterday’s mission. How did it feel to make a commitment to be generous for the next ten days? Do you think you’ll be able to make it the full 12 days of the Giving Games? How do you think this experience might change your life after the Giving Games are over? Your second mission, Agent, is to share one of your gifts with another. This is not a physical gift, like a present you might receive during a holiday. It is a unique gift that only you can give, and it is worth far, far more. Think of one thing you’re passionate about or love to do. Draw a picture, write a paragraph, or even close your eyes and imagine one way you can use this passion to help someone in your life. Are you passionate about playing a sport? Maybe you can help coach a younger student. Do you love art? Create a beautiful work of art to brighten someone’s day. Write a note to cheer someone up. Your unique passions can make a big difference in the world when you share them with others! Agents, remember... As you fulfill your mission, share your experiences on the Compassion Report Map! Your report inspires others, amplifying the power of your compassion! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. The next Prayer can be RSVPed at here. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. On Day 2 of the Giving Games, we are deeply thankful to pass the Compassion Torch from #GivingTuesday to the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI), our partner who has provided continuous support for the Compassion Games from the beginning. Read Our Featured Story About UNDPI Here! Secret Agents of Compassion, are you there? We have important information for you from Agent HQ... A great power has just been discovered that can help heal the world to make it a far kinder, safer, and better place. This power is called “compassion”, and amazingly, it lives within you! Compassion is a power that gives you incredible strength to care for others, yourself, and even the Earth. And, the more you use compassion by showing kindness to others, and by sharing, helping, listening, and learning, the stronger you become as the compassion within you grows!  Agents, the world needs you and your compassion more than ever. Are you ready to unleash your power and become a Secret Agent of Compassion? If so, prepare yourself for your first mission… the Giving Oath!

Your first mission, Agents, is to take the Giving Oath. Repeat after me: I, (say your name), playfully promise to shine my light, happiness, and compassion to help the whole world. Over the next 12 days of the Giving Games, I promise to look for ways to care for others, the Earth, the animals, and even myself. I recognize the awesome power of compassion that lives within me and all of us. I accept my responsibility as an Agent of Compassion, and promise to use my power to create good in the world! You have accepted your oath as an Agent of Compassion! Share your experiences as you look for and fulfill ways to care for others, yourself, and the Earth on the Compassion Report Map to amplify your power! May the Giving Games begin! Game on! On December 10th, Human Rights Day, the Giving Games will culminate in a global “Wopida,” which is an Octei Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony. This Wopida will be led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil, and Faith Spotted Eagle, and brings together Indigenous communities, youth, interfaith leaders, and intergenerational allies to honor the blessings of life, light the spirit of giving, and support water protectors at Sacred Sites such as Standing Rock in North Dakota and around the world. During the Giving Games, we will Pray With Standing Rock and “Build a Global Fire” that leads up to the Global Wopida. The next Prayer can be RSVPed at here. Build a Global Fire is a collective activity where Agents of Compassion and all allies... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere, All At Once! Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth! Each day during the Giving Games, the Compassion Torch will be passed to a different Champion of Compassion. With the launch of the Giving Games, we are beyond honored to pass the Compassion Torch to #GivingTuesday, our partner and continuous source of inspiration to bring generosity back to the holidays. Read Our Featured Story About #GivingTuesday Here!

Dear Agents of Compassion, Our time has come! The Giving Games kick off tomorrow on November 29th with the arrival of #GivingTuesday, and our efforts to nourish a culture of compassion and care for our Earth has never been greater. Together in the Games we will protect our land and water by standing with and praying for Water Protectors at Standing Rock and other Sacred Sites around the globe. We will come together to “Build a Global Fire,” a featured way to play in the Giving Games where Agents will take videos or photos of their own fire, sharing what they are thankful for as well as their intentions for the world, and sharing them throughout social media. As our Global Fire grows, we will culminate the Games in an online Global Wopida, an Oceti Sakowin Thanksgiving Ceremony led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Phil Lane Jr., and Faith Spotted Eagle. And of course, throughout these featured events Teams and Players will commit acts of generosity and service to keep alive the spirit of giving. Are you with us, friends and relatives? Sign Up to Play Here! Join us for a Facebook Live Giving Games Kick-Off event here at the GivingTuesday Headquarters at 12 PM EST! How to Participate: Pray with Standing Rock & Build a Global Fire! Hundreds unified at the front lines of Standing Rock to pray with the Water, the Earth, and a global community of supporters in over 1,000 locations around the world. Join us for the next global synchronized prayer with Standing Rock on December 4th at 10am Central Time, and again on December 10th for the Global Wopida! RSVP for the Prayer and Wopida Here During the Giving Games, we will “Build a Global Fire” that asks Agents of Compassion and all allies to... Light an honoring flame (such as a candle), then... Take a video (or photo) stating what you are grateful for, and sharing what your intentions are for the human family. Participants will then share their creation on social media with the hashtag #GlobalFire on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Compassion Report Map! When: 11/29 through 12/10 Where: Everywhere All At Once Why: Solidarity to Protect Mother Earth A Global Compassion Relay is On! “If one lights a fire for others, it will also brighten one’s own way.” -Buddha The Compassion Relays pass the “Compassion Torch” to Champions of Compassion around Mother Earth, with the message to invite all members of the Human Family to play together in unprecedented, unified action in the upcoming Giving Games. The global Compassion Torch was lit on November 7th in Morocco at the COP 22 Climate Action Conference. Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr. and H.H. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (the “Green Sheik”) held a torch lighting ceremony with youth representatives from 18 countries of the BlueYouth Initiative. Chief Phil is was en route from North America, after meeting with Indigenous Youth and Elders of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, to Panama City, where he brought the light of compassion to the closing ceremony of the international Peace and Dignity Runs. Next, Chief Phil headed to California to pass the torch to Stevie Wonder, Reverend Michael Beckwith, and thousands of youth at the Agape International Spiritual Center. From there, the torch made its way to Standing Rock to support the Water Protectors in North Dakota. The torch will arrive in New York City at the 92nd St. Y tomorrow, on November 29th, for the start of #GivingTuesday, and will continue through December 10th on Human Rights Day for the final event: the global Wopila Ceremony! (View the full press release for the Relays here.) Support the Giving Games! The Compassion Games will always be free to play, but it is the contributions from folks like you that help us offer the Games to countless Agents of Compassion around the world. Please make a donation to support the Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest. The world is calling for a compassionate response to the challenges we face. You make a difference. We invite you to play! Game on!