Promoting Random Acts of Kindness at the

I was visiting the Phoenix Film Festival on March 30, 2012 and decided to attend the Industry Night event in the pavilion nearby theaters. The Industry Night is for anyone associated with the movie industry in Phoenix, or just curious, to meet with others, listen to music, network, and enjoy some good food and drink.

I am a writer and had never been to the festival before, so I thought I would check it out. I go to different networking events on occasion, but do not aggressively work the room to gain new contacts. But here, I did introduce myself to several interesting people of different ages and backgrounds, and everyone was extremely nice and cool. I guess sharing a love of film created this open atmosphere.

After awhile, I started looking for people that I might say hello to, and noticed a guy standing alone at a table top watching a musician perform. I went over and introduced myself and he responded very friendly, “I’m Michael”.

Michael and I talked about the festival and films he’d seen and planned to see. I was still considering which films to see and soliciting recommendations from the people I met.

After awhile, Michael said something like, “You seem like a pretty nice guy. Are you?” I made a joke but admitted that I probably qualified.

Promoting Random Acts of Kindness

Michael asked me if I’d ever heard of “Pay it Forward”, and I responded that I had, and seen the movie, etc. He told me that he was the founder of PIF People, and explained the concept to me. Needless to say, I always loved the concept of Pay if Forward, and occasionally perform random acts of kindness to strangers. Not a big deal.

After learning more about Michael’s new organization, I saw its value and potential for creating positive acts and also positive feelings for the giver and recipient of the acts.

So, I asked Michael if I could have a card. He said that I could if I met the conditions on the back….and he read/reviewed them to me.

So, here I am, now registering the morning after meeting Michael, and waiting for my next opportunity to perform a random act of kindness, but also to plant a seed that will grow by passing on the card. I realize the importance of the seed growing for the concept to spread, but also so that I can track the people and lives that this card will touch in the upcoming weeks, months, and years.

Bless you Michael and Thank You for telling me about PIF People. I’m honored to be an original card holder.

- Kindness – Kindness – Kindness – Kindness – Kindness – Kindness -

Random Acts of Kindness