"Have I done something useful to my fellows? Then I have already profited. May you keep this thought ever at hand and never cease from such action."

Marcus Aurelius

Did you know that helping others is at the heart of Stoicism? The Stoic Fellowship and many of our Stoas around the world routinely provide service and care to others.

Month of Service & 1000 Stoics Challenge

As part of The Stoic Fellowship's annual Month of Service in April, we challenge YOU to help us perform 1000 acts of service. This year's theme is friendship through virtue. You can perform acts of service by becoming a better friend or by grabbing a friend and volunteering in your local community.

If you're a member of a local Stoa, you can collaborate on a service project with other members of your group. Or volunteer your time as an individual in your local community, making new friends along the way. Through volunteering, we strengthen our bond with friends and serve our community. Start planning today and together we'll celebrate 1000 acts of friendship in April. For more information contact: [email protected]

The Stoics tell us we're wired for both reason and connection—so why not use both to build powerful friendships and a better world? Sure, the Stoic sage may be self-sufficient, but as Seneca reminds us, friendship isn't about need—it's about virtue. A good friend sharpens your perspective, challenges your thinking, and supports your growth while you do the same for them. And it doesn't stop there—every small, random act of kindness turns strangers into allies and makes the world a little friendlier. Together, we practice empathy, patience, and cooperation—the very skills that help communities thrive. Even better, we actually enjoy the journey more. So this Month of Service, don't go it alone—make a friend, be a friend, and multiply the good you can do.

Here are some ideas for tasks to try in your practice. This is by no means the complete list. Be creative in how you focus on virtue in your friendships:

Watch the TSF Network page to share your good deeds and help the community shine. Last year the community achieved 327 kind acts in April—let's aim to surpass this and perhaps just maybe reach the pinnacle of 1000.

Share your good deeds:

• General Form
• Share your photos on the Stoic Fellowship Network Service Page

Participants who share four acts of kindness—one for each virtue—will receive the 2026 Month of Service Badge:

Recommended Readings on Friendship

• Cicero, On Friendship
• Seneca, Letters 3 & 9
• Epictetus, Disc. 2.22

Note: Reading about friendship builds wisdom and counts as a good deed!

Other ways to be of service

Sign up to volunteer with us

• Whether you are a member of a Stoa or not, we welcome applications to volunteer with The Stoic Fellowship.

Join or start your local Stoa

• Many Stoas provide opportunities to support their members and local communities. Search for and join the Stoa nearest you, or reach out to us and we'll help you start your own.

Join a cause:

• Stoics in Action
• Stoicare
• Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In by Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos

The Stoic Fellowship is 100% volunteer driven and funded. If you enjoy programs like this, please consider donating to the Stoic Fellowship.