Peggy, our Yellow Envelope Project Coordinator, is going to do a double take today.

This week's recipient of the Yellow Envelope Project is someone other than the person whose name she sent me mid-week.

I couldn't help it.  This nomination came directly to my mailbox on Thursday afternoon and I didn't have the discipline to wait for another week to award this extraordinary young woman as recipient of this week's Yellow Envelope Project .

Get out your paper, pen, and a yellow envelope if any of the following applies to you:

You are saddened by news story after news story of young people being senselessly bullied in school.

You have, or know, young people who you worry might someday be the victim of bullying.

You long for some reassurance that there are thoughtful, compassionate young people who are willing to stand up for what is right, even when an adult isn't anywhere in sight.

If any of that applies to you, then this nomination should make you feel worlds better:

Rebecca met a boy, Dylan, in 3rd grade. Dylan is autistic but Rebecca didn't see his disability, she only knew that he was special and she wanted to make each school day a good one for him. She became his special friend for all of 3rd grade. In 4th and 5th grade, she asked if she could start accompanying me when I went to read to the Special Education classes. 

Rebecca is now in 7th grade, Middle School. She recently joined the HERO club and their goal is to work with special needs students. They plan holiday parties for them and they eat lunch with them whenever their schedule allows. 

Middle school is hard, especially for girls I think. Kids can be incredibly rude and hurtful. I think Rebecca shines because she chooses to ignore the easy road at school. She champions and defends these special students each and every day! 

I am her mother and, of course, I am incredibly proud of her but I would love for her to know that other people think she's awesome too. A box full of yellow envelope notes would be something she could turn to when she has had a bad day, when her "peers" have ridiculed her for having the strength and heart to give to a group of special kids.

I almost view this week's nomination as an imperative for all responsible adults.

Rebecca is in her formative years.  She is deciding right now, in the 7th grade, whether shining is worth it or shining is more trouble than it is worth.  A letter from you at the exact right time could help populate the planet with one more citizen who is willing and motivated to make a difference.  Rebecca is only thirteen.  That means the ten minutes and $0.44 it takes to participate will buy you at least 72 more years of another person willing to power the planet with shine.  That is what I call a return on investment!

There is something else you could do.  You could find a young person - maybe a middle schooler - who understands Rebecca's story, a high schooler who lived through something similar, or a college student who Rebecca might admire, and you could invite them to join you in this week's Project.

Participating is simple.

Write Rebecca a short note letting her know you think she shines.  Maybe share a story about a time when you took the road less traveled and tell her how good it made you feel.  Seal it in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers and stickers) and place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address.  Send it to the address listed below before next Saturday when we meet again to recognize another worthy recipient.

Ten minutes and $0.44 spread out over the next 72 years.  That's $0.0061111111 per year.  Surely you and some of the young people you know are willing to pay that for a planet powered with a little more shine.

Shining off until tomorrow...