‘Kindness, Awareness’ Dominate West Orange Town Council Meeting

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange has seen some ugly township council meetings in the past year, including a hate-filled Zoom-bombing that took place in February. But this week’s council meeting was marked by two refreshingly positive buzzwords: “kindness and awareness.”

On Wednesday, West Orange Public Relations Commission chair Josefina Velez gave a presentation to the council about what the commission is calling a “Be Kind” campaign (watch the video below).

Here’s what to know about it, according to a statement from the township public information officer:

“Velez spoke about what is officially known as a ‘Be Kind’ campaign. It's a simple yet profound concept that has the power to transform lives, communities, and even the world at large. Velez is living proof. Her mission had its humble beginnings in the Crown View Manner complex where she lives in West Orange … Velez wanted to make it a townwide initiative but was told it could never happen. In a world facing numerous challenges she believed in the vision of a greater purpose. In 2019, she presented the Be Kind campaign at the International World Conference for Peace in Seoul, South Korea. She handed out a small business card that simply reminds people to be kind. She has not stopped handing out cards to strangers, and to date, has given away 53,479 Be Kind cards – and still counting. The message resonates because, despite our differences, we are all interconnected, and that by supporting one another with kindness and compassion, we can inspire hope and help make the world a better place. Velez is a living example of the often-used cliché.”

“When someone experiences an act of kindness, they're more likely to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect that has no end,” Velez said. “Whether it's a smile to say hello, or a word of encouragement, small gestures can have a big impact – creating a chain reaction of positivity.”

“I ask everyone to commit to being agents of kindness in your own lives,” Velez said. “Let us recognize the inherent power we possess to make a difference.”

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind,” she urged.

AUTISM AWARENESS

Another main theme at Wednesday’s council meeting was “awareness.”

West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney issued a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. The proclamation encourages the community to join advocacy efforts towards a greater understanding and awareness.

Pastor Douglas Adams, Joy Church of God West Orange, and his wife, Lisa, accepted the proclamation, acknowledging the positive impact that the Autism Awareness message of “promoting acceptance, love and understanding” has had on their family.

“Without any ambiguity, West Orange is a model community when it comes to organic and natural support,” Adams said.

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