The Good Act Theory

Have you ever heard of the broken windows theory? According to Wikipedia, it is a criminological theory that states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crime.

Well I would like to propose a new theory — the good act theory. This is a community theory that states all visible signs of goodness, kindness and community creates an environment that encourages further goodwill and love to be spread throughout the community.

I see the good act theory in action all the time in my community.

Many years ago, our neighbor started painting signs and hanging them throughout our neighborhood; that was three years ago and new signs have sprouted up all over our community and beyond. A simple act of goodness followed by others (you can read more about it in “Have a Great Day!”).

Another example is a friend posted an inspirational flyer outside her house and shared it with her community. Since then, I know of at least five other people who have printed it out and hung the sign up in their neighborhoods (you can read more about it in “Take What You Need”)!

And there are random acts of kindness everywhere (want some inspiration, read “Random Acts of Kindness”).

Plus look at the rise in Free Little Libraries, colorful painted rocks in front of people’s home, free produce that neighbors leave out to share. . .the list really goes on and on.

In fact, I wanted to share a new addition to our neighborhood! Our neighbor who is an artist recently opened a tiny art gallery — San Jose Free Little Art Gallery. It’s a simple concept — “take art—leave art” — and her goal was to invite artists to engage with the community. It’s designed like a tiny replica of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.?

Since it opened, there have been dozens of beautiful pieces of art that have come and gone. There have been tiny bright paintings, an artsy decorated shell, small beautiful sculptures and touching tributes to Ukraine. All in a little art gallery tucked away on a quiet street in San Jose; what an inspiration.

I had never seen a little free gallery before and so was glad our neighbor introduced it to our little corner of San Jose. SJFLAG got featured in SJC Today and apparently they are popping up across the country (Why Free, Miniature Art Galleries Are Popping Up Across the U.S.).

So thanks to SJFLAG for bringing art to everyone, creating ways for the community to come together and putting the good act theory into action. Here’s hoping that there are more good acts put into the world rather than broken windows.