When was the last time you stopped and talked to your neighbors down the street? How about a fellow employee in a different department? This is the week to reach beyond your comfort zone to benefit the greater good. The small gestures to get to know those among you are a small step in the vision of Universal Human Beings Week celebrated this March 1-7.

The Goal of Universal Human Beings week is to get people to look outside their traditional groups and reach out to the rest of the world to form a global village. The International Society of Friendship and Good Will created the observance as a way to promote peace and friendship over material wealth.

Founder Dr. Stanley J. Drake envisioned an international group that would foster international understanding, friendship, good will, peace and better human relations. The Society was born on March 8, 1978 and today sponsors 22 events and observances, including: Celebration of Life Week (January 1-7), Peace, Friendship and Good Will Week (October 25-31) and Universal Human Rights Month (December).

So while it may be overwhelming to celebrate the international intention of the week, you can start by finding out more about the people in your neighborhood, office and community coffee shop. Ask them about their culture, family and their personal history to gain a better understanding of those different from you. By celebrating this week, you’ll discover the similarities in your differences and just maybe continue the goodwill throughout the year.