Former RVANews writer is now regular contributor to The Huffington Post

One of RVANews’s former contributors, and one of Richmond’s most-loved people, has a new writing gig with a prominent online publication. What are her plans, and how has Richmond responded to her success?

January 16, 2012; 10:01 AM • by Nathan Cushing

First it was writing for PBS’ Supersisters blog. Then, in September 2011, it was a write-up in O Magazine (Oprah Winfrey’s monthly publication). And now Patience Salgado will be a regular contributor to The Huffington Post.

Most in Richmond know Patience through her website, Kindness Girl and her contributions to RVANews. Now her new involvement with the online site started by Arianna Huffington in 2005 coincides with the launch of a new section to that site that will spotlight positive news stories from around the world.

“A couple weeks ago an editor from The Huffington Post contacted me and told me about the new Good News section they were launching,” wrote Patience in an email. “She asked if I would be interested in being a blogger, along with many others, to contribute to the new site.”

Her first post was a review of a documentary film titled, American Bear: An Adventure in the Kindness of Strangers, about two film-makers who traveled through 30 states in 60 days relying on the generosity of strangers for room and board each night. “It was really serendipitous that I happened to meet Sarah and Greg and learn about their film, American Bear, right when all this was unfolding.”

When asked as to the particular topics about which she will write, she remains open, hoping that the public will provide her ideas and topics that she can explore. “I know, of course, kindness will be the main focus, but I am still sorting out how I will approach it.” Knowing how loved and appreciated Patience is in Richmond will likely make idea submissions all the more likely.

“The people of RVA have been so kind and generous with their support of both me and my work. My Facebook page filled quickly with encouraging words and celebration…I sort of start to melt when I think about it, when people rally around the one thing you believe in with all your heart it humbles you, and makes you feel sort of vulnerable, but in a really good way. I feel very grateful and very proud to be a member of this community and city. Oh God, that sounded so Miss America, but I don’t even care, it’s really how I feel.”

Asked to consider why she’s seen a boon in her own popularity on the national level, Patience defers to the message that she’s been bringing to, and will now take beyond, Richmond for the past several years.

“I don’t really think it’s about me. I think it’s the kindness and idea of kindness that draws people. I truly believe people want to be connected in meaningful ways, I’m just glad I’m the girl that gets to invite people to see, to do, to be it.”

photo courtesy of Patience Salgado