In today’s world, it’s undeniable that we could all benefit from a little more kindness. That’s where the Great Kindness Challenge comes into play. Scheduled for January 23-27, this weeklong initiative is designed to motivate both kids and adults to perform small acts of kindness, creating ripples of positivity in our communities.
The brainchild of local resident Sarah Thompson from Carlsbad, California, the Challenge began as a simple project in her backyard with her children and their friends. This blossomed into Kids for Peace, a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting kindness among youth. The Great Kindness Challenge is a five-day event where schools and youth groups encourage students to engage in as many acts of kindness as they can throughout the school week.
“Schools wanted to foster an environment that was respectful, inclusive, and joyful,” Thompson explained in a recent interview. “The Great Kindness Challenge emerged from that desire.”
The Challenge is straightforward: students receive a checklist of 50 easy-to-complete acts of kindness that they can perform during the week. Schools also get a comprehensive toolkit to help facilitate the initiative. Many tasks on the list might be things children are already doing or want to do but just need a little encouragement. Simple gestures like sitting with a new friend at lunch or sharing a flower with the office staff are perfect examples. My personal favorite? A happy dance to entertain someone!
“Our aim is to instill kindness as a habit, cultivating school environments where every student feels valued and empowered to spread that positivity into their communities and beyond,” Thompson shared.
Though primarily designed for schools and youth groups, the Great Kindness Challenge is adaptable for adults as well. In fact, we might need it more than ever. Thompson mentioned that a family edition is currently in development, providing even more opportunities for everyone to get involved.
While the official dates for the Challenge are January 23-27, schools can still participate at any point during the year. The resources and toolkit are always available, because kindness is a timeless pursuit and a weeklong challenge can kickstart families’ commitment to making kindness a priority.
Starting with just three local schools in 2012, participation has skyrocketed to over 13,000 schools and more than 10 million students nationwide this year. “Schools are spreading the word about the Great Kindness Challenge after witnessing its positive impact on their own cultures,” Thompson noted.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. After all, doing good feels good! “I’ve noticed that everyone seems just a bit happier,” she added. “There’s immense power in both giving and receiving kindness.”
All materials are provided free of charge, and the organization boasts over 25,000 volunteers, including Kindness Ambassadors, to help implement the Challenge in schools. Children are encouraged to think creatively about their acts of kindness, rather than strictly adhering to the checklist. In addition to the Great Kindness Challenge, Kids for Peace organizes a global service project aimed at building schools in underprivileged areas. Last year, they built a school in Kenya, and this year, students can participate in the Kind Coins Campaign to support the construction of a school in Pakistan.
“As children are empowered to express their kindness, it creates a palpable joy across campuses,” Thompson reflected.
In a time when kindness is sorely needed, this initiative is a beacon of hope. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a happy dance to perform with my kids—one more item checked off the list!
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Summary
The Great Kindness Challenge is a weeklong initiative encouraging kids and adults to engage in small acts of kindness. Founded by Sarah Thompson, this program aims to foster a culture of kindness in schools and communities. With resources available year-round, the Challenge has seen participation from over 13,000 schools and 10 million students, demonstrating a growing movement towards positivity and compassion.