Name: Common Grace

Motto: "matching the kindness of a local church with the needs of a kid in a public school"

Meaning:

"common" in the sense of ordinary; everyday; easily experienced; available
"grace" is love in action. A dancer sitting still may be lovely, but it is only in movement that she is called graceful
"Common Grace" is about ordinary acts of kindness - especially for the sake of the children.

Philosophy: Common Grace exists to love the lonely children. It takes time, listening and patient effort to give a kid the encouragement he or she needs.

Logo: the woman is the church...the "Bride of Christ" :: the child is every child :: the fountain is an endless supply of "living Water" :: the action is a simple act of kindness

Religious Restraint: Of course we believe in "special grace" - the self-sacrificing love of God lived out in jesus of Nazareth. However, we must be careful not to violate clear constitutional requirements for separation of church and state. Our volunteers don't preach. When we're on "taxpayer turf" we are simply there to serve.

Goal: Common Grace will offer an opportunity for every public school in Hawaii to partner with a nearby church to better serve students and their families

Funding: Tax-de ductible gifts from individuals; grants from benevolent institutions; mission support from churches

Non-Profit Status: 501(C)(3) "religious / educational

Strategy:

1. A Common Grace representative finds out if a church and a nearby elementary school are both wanting to create a "kodomo no tameni" partnership ("for the sake of the children").

2. Common Grace sets up and facilitates meetings for pastors, principals, and their respective coordinators.

3. Pastor and church coordinator approve 5 or more volunteers and send them to Common Grace for training and screening.
Principal and school coordinator select children and obtain necessary permission from parents / guardians.

4. Adult or student "Aunties" & "Uncles" start meeting weekly with their kids.

5. Events at both church & school are planned to celebrate the commitment to partner together "kodomo no tameni."