I used to have a long list of the proper words to describe a group of animals. You had the obvious: gaggle of geese, herd of cows, flock of sheep. I liked finding the weird ones. A parliament of rooks, a murder of crows, an unkindness of ravens – black birds seem to have the coolest group names. You have an army of caterpillars, a quiver of cobras, a cast of crabs. In Australia we have mobs of kangaroos and wisdoms of wombats.
A while ago I asked the Hero Construction Company Facebook page what a group of heroes could be called. Some offerings were host, league, and army. Then came pride. It won me over instantly.
I like it because it highlights that heroes should be proud. Heroes are always humble, but there’s no reason they shouldn’t be proud. I like the lion connotation too, as it seems lions of different shapes and sizes all fit equally well into the pride.
Before I turn this into a National Geographic episode, let me get to the point. I’d like a pride of heroes to build up around this site. Entry into The Pride comes through this post. Members of The Pride will be going on the journey with me, learning as I do.
Speaking of journeys, any hero story worth its salt features a quest. Luke Skywalker went to rescue the princess, Dorothy went off to see the wizard, and Harry Potter had to tackle Voldemort. This site will be no different. As part of the quest, each post from now on will have a Quest Work section. Quest Work is just like homework, except it’s useful. While it’s not mandatory, my hope is The Pride will take pride in participating whenever possible.
Quest Work: Simply leave a comment with your first name, last initial, and your general location. You can add more detail if you like. When you need some encouragement all you need to do is come back here to see names of the rest of your pride. That’s what I’ll be doing.
Emma L. Toronto, ON
Erik S. Colorado Springs, Co
Kit B. Ann Arbor, MI
I live in Frederick, MD.
I am grateful to be part of the “pride”. I too work with young people and will be glad for the support.
Thanks Bill – I’m glad you’re still following along.
Great idea, Matt. Brings to mind a school in Birmingham – Pembroke Elementary – whose touchstone is Pembroke Pride and their mascot is a pride of lions. They would love knowing that they also can think of themselves as a pride of heroes. I will pass this along to them.
Live from Flint, MI. Looking forward to these new developments in your world. How come I didn’t see you at TedxFlint?
Matt,
“Pride” is the absolute perfect description or name for such a group! I currently am living in Boston, Massachusetts. Consider me a part of this important initiative, I’d love to help however I can.
Dave
Thanks for joining in Claudia, Lisa, and Dave. I’m glad to see the choice of Pride got some positive reactions.
Heather K. Tallahassee, FL
I recently started a club called “Everyday Heroes” as part of an anti-bullying initiative at my school. It is growing slowly as students realize what it is all about, but of course as is typical with middle schoolers, the club members are starting to take some flack, being teased a bit by the very people they have banded together to stand up against for their participation. I love this ideas of a pride of heroes. I’m going to use it at our meeting tomorrow – to remind my little heroes to be proud of what they are doing and the statement they are making. It will be perfect especially since they’ll be wearing their pink tshirt day pledge shirts!!
Thanks Matt
Thanks for joining Heather.
Do you think we’d be able to arrange a meeting of your school’s Pride one evening (or maybe lunch) while I’m there presenting in a couple of weeks?
Witt W, Lincoln NE.
Denise K., San Diego, CA
B. T. Newberg – Minneapolis, MN
A pride of heroes – loved it instantly.
Shan B. – Nairobi, KENYA
I live in a land of heros. My pride grows.