Elba High club focuses on ‘simple acts of kindness’
The idea that “being kind is not something you have to put away or hide” inspired Alyssa McFarland, student at Elba High School and Miss Elba 2024, to start a club focused on kindness.
McFarland said she experienced a backlash for simply showing kindness to others when she was in the eighth and ninth grade. She also witnessed bullying that concerned her.
According to stopbullying.gov, about 20% of students ages 12-18 experience bullying nationwide. Bullying in schools is especially prevalent with 19% of grades 9-12 reporting being bullied within school.
When McFarland came to Elba High during her sophomore year in 2022, she knew she wanted to make a difference. After seeing how bullying can impact those around her, she decided to create the Kindness Club in 2023.
She said she started the club to encourage students to be bold in showing kindness to others. McFarland said she hopes the club can promote kindness through programs and activities at Elba High School and beyond, noting that students can get too caught up in the stress of school to take time to serve others.
As she enters her senior year, McFarland said club plans include starting a “community closet” to provide a place where students can find clothes that make them feel confident. She also wants to host social events outside of school that serve the community.
This coming school year, Ashley Brunson, school counselor at Elba High, will serve as sponsor of the Kindness Club. Brunson said she believes the club can help unify Elba students, adding that she is excited to see students “do things that are just simply kind.”
Brunson, who has a master’s degree in social work and worked with youth throughout her career, said that being connected is important for students to help them feel confident and purposeful.
“I want any kid who wants to have a connection with something to have at least one,” Brunson said. “I believe if you’re connected to something it impacts other areas of your life.”
According to Brunson, McFarland “embodies kindness”. Brunson said that although McFarland is not originally from Elba, she has “fallen in love with the school and the community.”
McFarland said Restoration 154, known its commitment to 154 community projects, is a new community sponsor for the Kindness Club. Courtney Maddox with Restoration 154 is spearheading the new partnership. One outcome will be providing scholarship opportunities.
“We are very much aligned in our goals. I like that its mission is to be an ambassador of spreading good deeds and kindness and showing acceptance,” Maddox said.
One focus of Restoration 154 has been to promote youth involvement. Maddox said one goal she hopes the Kindness Club accomplishes is to “expose more youth to community service.” Maddox said Restoration 154 will share a rolling calendar of community events and volunteer opportunities Kindness Club members can join.
Maddox said Elba is like any other high school in America in terms of challenges. However, she added, “The one thing Elba now has is a Kindness Club that others may not have.”
McFarland said she hopes the club continues to grow. She said, “Joining the Kindness Club will not only make someone feel more loved, but it can also change their future because it will change their mindset.”
Tags: Elba
