The NDARI Promise
NDARI stands for Neighbors Determined And Responsible for Inclusion. It is the promise the whole city lives by, and kids can live it too.
Neighbors
Neighbors helping neighbors every day, even when small.
Dreaming
Dreaming up a fair world where everyone has what they need.
Acting
Acting bravely to fix problems we see, like hunger or loneliness.
Respecting
Respecting everyone and what they have, no matter who they are.
Inspiring
Inspiring each other with kindness, sharing stories, and big hugs.
N is for Neighbors
In Catalyst City, neighbors know each other by name. When an elderly neighbor spills her berry baskets, Maya and Malik stop to help without being asked. Small things count: that is the whole point of N.
Try it this week
- Learn the name of one neighbor you see often.
- Hold a door, carry a bag, or wave hello.
D is for Dreaming
D means dreaming up a fair world where everyone has what they need. Maya sees free breakfast for every kid and thinks, “That’s not how it is where I’m from.” Then she thinks, “But maybe we could make it happen.” That is dreaming.
Try it this week
- Draw your neighborhood the way you wish it looked.
- Ask: who might need something we have plenty of?
A is for Acting
A is acting bravely to fix problems we see, like hunger or loneliness. In the book, kids sweep the street, teach a sister to read and share lunch. Each act gets a star sticker on the library board.
Try it this week
- Start a helper notes board at home or in class.
- Pick one small problem and fix it together.
Every small act of kindness is a brick in building this world.Catalyst City Book One
R is for Respecting
R means respecting everyone and what they have, no matter who they are. When a boy slips and makes a pancake mess, nobody scolds him. Everyone laughs kindly and helps him up.
Try it this week
- When someone makes a mistake, help instead of laughing at them.
- Ask a classmate about something they love.
I is for Inspiring
I means inspiring each other with kindness, sharing stories and big hugs. Chef Jamar shares his grandma’s words: “Growing up together means we all eat together.” Maya goes home inspired to start a litter patrol on her block.
Try it this week
- Tell someone a story about a time a person helped you.
- Sign the NDARI pledge as a family.
Be first to visit Book Two
Join the Catalyst City family list. You will get new free printables, reading guides for each chapter, and the first look at Book Two when it is ready.