The Suspended Coffee Movement was started by John M. Sweeney on March 27, 2013. Influenced by the old Italian tradition of “caffè sospeso” in which a person pays for an extra coffee for someone in need to claim, Sweeney created a Facebook page to promote this
Global Impact
The influence exerted by this movement, viewed worldwide, is quite palpable:
Community spirit: The tradition fosters solidarity and gives people a sense of connection, thus encouraging them to help one another with small altruistic deeds.
Alleviating Poverty: The movement offers some relief from homelessness and poverty by providing drinks to those in need.
Psychological Benefits: Emotional benefits accrue to both givers and receivers alike. Givers tend to experience joy and satisfaction, while receivers feel important and cared for.
Global Outreach: The aforementioned movement has traveled to the U.S., the U.K., and quite an array of other European, Asian, and Australian countries.
Inspiring Further Acts of Kindness: The idea has expanded from that of suspended coffee to many more similar and different charitable acts, thereby inspiring a culture of generosity and compassion.
The tradition of Caffè Sospeso (suspended coffee) has its roots in the working-class cafés of Naples, Italy. This heartwarming custom began as an anonymous act of charity, whereby someone who experienced good luck would pay for two coffees but consume only one. The second coffee, “sospeso”, would be reserved for someone in need who could later claim it for free.
Historical Context
Post-World War II: The tradition became popular in the period after World War II, when the city suffered extreme poverty and hardship. Those who could afford it began paying in advance for a couple of extra coffees as a gesture of solidarity.
Cultural Importance: Over the years, this simple act grew into a distinguishing symbol of Neapolitan identity and of the community’s spirit. It fosters generosity in the Italian culture while simultaneously bringing people together with a cup of coffee.
Modern Revival:
Global Spread: The idea of Caffè Sospeso has gone global in the USA, UK, and other European countries, not to mention parts of Asia and Australia.
Inspiring Other Initiatives: The tradition has inspired similar random acts of kindness which promote generosity and compassion throughout the world.
Paying it forward is a simple yet profound way of bringing about a change in this world. The act brings so much happiness and fulfillment to the giver while setting off a chain of kindness that could reach far and wide. With our active participation in this idea, we can do our bit towards building a kinder and more connected world. So…lets spread kindness and make sure to inspire others to pay it forward!
Critch & TC
Sources:
What is Suspended Coffee (Caffè Sospeso)? – The Coffee Guru
Universal Chronicle 
Leave a comment