Societal Issues Targeted:
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Promoting the benefits of an open sharing culture, where information is free to anyone who wants to learn
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Creating a vibrant, happy space where everyone is welcome
Intro
Similar to our regular Public Happiness Gatherings, but Global! Some people have chosen to meet in public spaces, other choose to go out alone, then share photos and videos to show that they were part of the worlds biggest skills sharing event.
To join in simply make a sign saying:
“International Open Skills Sharing Day. Ask me if you’d like to try ……… ” (in any language)
Knowledge isn’t lost when it is shared, it is copied and doubled! If we share what we know openly with our neighbours, everyone gets more, including you! The more we all give away, the more everyone gets, and we all leave with more than we came with… oh, and it’s heaps of fun!!!
Simply show up at the agreed place and time ready to share your skills, practice, learn new things, and bring a sign saying:
This day is a free and open event for everyone and anyone to connect and share with each other; it’s strictly not-for-profit, but it helps increase the range of activities offered if people are allowed to ask for modest donations for any materials they need to buy and give out (paper, paints, string, etc).
At the skills share, you’ll be able to practice your hobbies, meet with others who share your interests, and try out many new activities and hobbies you never thought you’d be doing yourself! As always, there’ll be lots of smiles shared and everyone is welcome, so invite them! Come along and maybe you’ll discover a new lifelong passion.
Benefits
Imagine a world where sharing what you know doesn’t just make you feel good, but actually makes you smarter. That’s right! When you share your skills and knowledge, it’s like a two-way street of creativity and learning. Studies have shown that when we open up and pass on what we know, it sparks a chain reaction of creativity and cognitive growth—not just for the person soaking up the knowledge, but for you, the sharer, too! It’s a win-win situation where everyone walks away a little bit brighter and a whole lot happier. So, why keep all that brilliance to yourself when you can spread it around and watch it grow?
What Do I Need?
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A welcoming sign (or a few) to put nearby where people are passing, inviting them to come learn/share skills with you.
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Any materials needed for your skill (e.g., instruments, tools).
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A skill you can share. Everyone has something, some examples are:
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Aerial silks, acroyoga, voice-craftmanship, public speaking, sewing, parkour, crochet, upcycling, drum circles, balloon animals, acrobatics, making music from nature, slack lining, juggling, poi, yoga, swing dance, beat boxing, language exchange, jewellery making, capoeira, creative writing, illustration, yoga, gymnastics, juggling, magic, and many more.
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It could also be something you’ve just learnt on YouTube, like a cool way to put your shoe laces in, or random generic advice like how to look busy when there’s nothing to do at work by picking up something and holding it to give the impression you are on the way to do something.
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How?
To join in either:
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Create an activity on our Gatherings Map and invite people interested in promoting kindness near you to join in.
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Grab some friends and go out sharing skills together in public
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Make a sign offering to share something you know and head out into a public space
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A combination of any of the above
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Then share your photos, videos and stories of sharing skills and creating a little more kindness in our world here and on social media, to help spread the impact of your kindness a further, using these hashtags:
#InternationalOpenSkillsSharingDay #PublicHappinessMovement
Pro-Tips:
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Think back to when you were new to a city or learning something new. How much would you have enjoyed knowing there was a place like this where you could come, be welcomed and make new friends? A regular Open Skills Sharing activity can transform the entire experience of visiting, or moving to a new town, for so many people.
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If you can teach something that isn’t obvious (lucid dreaming, river hydrology), bring a small sign saying what you can teach.
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Modest donations for materials if needed are cool (paper, paints, string).
Resources
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Example signs
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How-to guides
