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Arkansas-Founded 'National Day of Encouragement' Gets White House Endorsement and Senate Resolution

A bi-partisan resolution regarding the now annual event is slated to be signed by the U.S. Senate today, as well. More than two dozen U.S. states and cities have already signed official proclamations recognizing the National Day of Encouragement, and schools, universities and communities are coordinating their participation in the inspirational day that many believe is destined to become a movement.

"It isn't about a day, it is about an idea that will change the world," said Andrew Baker, organizer of the National Day of Encouragement and executive director of the Encouragement Foundation, a group that raises the awareness about the benefits of encouraging others. "The idea that if we will decide to encourage rather than criticize, if we will make kind acts and thoughtfulness a part of our daily lives, that if for only one day of the year we will experiment by intentionally avoiding cynicism and meanness and choose instead encouragement, that we as individuals and also as a nation will change and in changing we will change our world."

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy of the hit television show "Are You Smarter than a Fifth-Grader?" has recorded the official public service announcements for the National Day of Encouragement.

The National Day of Encouragement has inspired myriad activities and events.

-- Nearly 10,000 text messages of hope and encouragement and thousands of gift boxes are being sent to those affected by recent hurricanes.

-- 100,000 encouraging cards are being made by primary and secondary students and sent to U.S. troops overseas.

-- Hundreds of units of blood will be collected for the Red Cross on competing college campuses.

-- Schools, businesses, families and individuals throughoutthe United States will be participating in a variety of ways -- from pizza parties and fundraisers to simple words of encouragement.

Marine Reservist, Paden Timms ofArkansas -- said of the card for the troops, "The cards are great! They help remind us of home and that is really cool. When you are in a hot, hostile and strange place it is nice to get notes from the kids back home."

The National Day of Encouragement was the idea of a few high school students attending the National Leadership Forum inSearcy, Arkansas in 2007. Groups were asked to name the number one issue facing them today. Most listed alcohol, drugs and violence as their biggest hurdles. One group said the number one problem facing students is a lack of encouragement, not only in school but also in society. One senior suggested an official Day of Encouragement as a possible solution; the idea for the National Day of Encouragement was formed.

To learn more about the 2008 National Day of Encouragement, to hear celebrity PSAs, read official state and city proclamations, and learn ways you can encourage, go to http://www.letsencourage.com.

SOURCE National Day of Encouragement