It all began with a simple gesture. A friend shared a photo of a handwritten sign she had spotted in our neighborhood, suggesting I might want to create something similar. The sign contained powerful affirmations that resonated deeply with many:
In This Home, We Stand For:
- Black Lives Matter
- Women’s Rights are Human Rights
- No Human is Illegal
- Science is Real
- Love is Love
- Kindness is Everything
The beauty of these sentiments lies in their simplicity and unity. They reflect a collective yearning for compassion, respect, and dignity in our communities.
As a physician, I collaborate with numerous talented individuals in the health and wellness space. I decided to share the image on social media, hoping to connect with like-minded people who could assist in bringing this vision to life. My friend, Sarah Mitchell, a graphic designer, eagerly took on the challenge and crafted a stunning design in just days. Another friend, Laura Bennett, stepped up to help coordinate the logistics of producing and distributing these signs.
To clarify, this was not my original idea, nor were these my words. My role was to connect and facilitate, drawing on the strengths of my friends. Balancing a demanding career, family life, and various volunteer commitments, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. But together, we could make a significant impact.
Once we shared the design on a popular community Facebook group, the response was overwhelming. Within hours, our post gained traction, reaching thousands of shares. People across the country began inquiring about how to obtain these signs.
In the process, we discovered the creator of the original sign, another inspiring mother named Julia Thompson from Seattle. We sought her permission to use her words for this initiative, emphasizing our commitment to non-profit use—ensuring her message would inspire positive change rather than profit.
Recognizing the potential for real-world impact, we decided that our efforts would extend beyond mere slogans. We aimed to raise funds for organizations that embody the values represented by the sign. To date, we have successfully raised over $8,000 for the ACLU through sign sales in our region. Communities everywhere have adopted similar initiatives, like a café in Denver that distributed signs for free and a group in Northern California that raised nearly $2,000 for the same cause.
A quick search for #kindnessiseverything on social media reveals the widespread resonance of our message, with signs popping up in cities from New York to San Francisco. One heartwarming story came from a woman who received a surprise gift of coffee from a neighbor after they spotted her sign. The note she received expressed gratitude for the hope her message provided during challenging times.
After several months, we recognized the need to pass the baton to an organization capable of sustaining this movement. We chose to donate our design to the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health, understanding that supporting women’s health is vital for the overall well-being of our communities. Since then, they’ve raised significant funds using our design, which has been showcased at women’s marches and events.
The reason I share this story repeatedly is clear: we are just ordinary women, balancing work and family. Yet, united by a shared purpose, we accomplished far more together than we could have apart. The signs serve as a reminder that collective action, no matter how small, can create meaningful change.
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In summary, this initiative proves that when individuals come together with the intent to foster kindness and compassion, we can inspire positive change in our communities. Let this story encourage you to think about how you can contribute to the greater good.