On Wednesday, February 17, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation invites people to “Explore the Good” in honor of the kindness that humanity needs so much of right now. In fact, Random Acts of Kindness is no longer just a day, but a weeklong celebration beginning this year on Sunday, February 14, and extending through Saturday, February 20. The Foundation states that “scientific evidence shows us the positive effects of doing kind acts for others as well as receiving or even witnessing kindness. Even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.”
Through this day and week, the Foundation encourages everyone to “explore the good” and “make kindness the norm.” Performing random acts of kindness is something that Apex Leadership Co. has been practicing and teaching through its programs for years, and here they offer some simple ways students and adults alike can spread kindness in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day and Week:
Reach Out to a New Friend
Maybe there is a new student in your class (be it virtual or in-person) who could use a friendly face. Why not be the one to offer it? A smile, saying “hi,” or getting to know them in virtual classrooms or asking them to join in the fun during P.E. time can go a long way in making the “new kid” feel welcome. They just might become a new friend or at the very least another friendly face that will likely pass along the kind gesture.
Send a Random Text or a Card to a Senior
Much like many students have had to exchange learning in the classroom for learning online due to COVID-19, many seniors, who are at high risk, have been isolated in the name of keeping them safe from the virus. But all that alone time can become, well, quite lonely! A simple handmade card received in the mail or a quick call or text to say hello and to tell them how much they’re loved and missed will certainly brighten their day.
Pay it Forward
Paying for the next person in line’s coffee at the local java drive-through is a small and inexpensive gesture that can have a lasting, and contagious, impact! But paying it forward doesn’t have to cost a dime… it’s simply about keeping the kindness going. After all, one good turn deserves another — so do something kind and watch the kindness spread!
These are just a few ideas, but random acts of kindness are nearly limited. Consider the following:
- Helping a neighbor clean their yard or carry in their groceries
- Volunteering at a local shelter
- Sending a thank you note to a health care worker, military personnel, police, or fire station
- Helping with community public outdoor clean-up projects
- Offering to help teach, coach, or mentor someone
- Opening the door for someone
- Standing up for someone
- Giving a stranger or a friend a compliment
- Making dinner for the family
- Doing chores without being asked
Join the Movement
There are many organizations dedicated to spreading kindness such as the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, which encourages people to become “RAKtavists” that “live and breathe kindness, share knowledge and lead by example;” Care for Three, which inspires people to spread love by leaving kind notes for strangers; and the Kindness Rocks Project, encouraging the distribution of rocks hand-painted with inspiring messages or pictures for people to leave behind or take as needed.
Kindness isn’t something that should only be practiced for a day or a week. It’s something that can be a part of every single day, and every action can begin with kindness, towards one’s self and others. And the wonderful thing about kindness is one small act can inspire another small act… and another and so on, leading to a kinder world overall. So get inspired and take action to spread some kindness in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day and Week!
