World Kindness Day is an annual international observance on 13 November. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations’ kindness NGOs. This day aims to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness for good that binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender, and location.
On World Kindness Day, groups and individual people are encouraged to go out of their way to be kind to others, whether that be at home, work, school, or just out in public. Celebrate by pledging to do at least one intentional act of kindness on that day to benefit someone else. It can be as straightforward or as involved as you like. No matter what you decide to do, your kindness will unite you with others dedicated to changing the world one kind act at a time.
This day is also meant to celebrate and encourage the good deeds that others already do. On World Kindness Day, be sure to let others around you know how much you appreciate their kindness and generosity. Sometimes saying, “thank you,” is one of the kindest things you can do and probably isn’t heard as often as you’d think!
Being kind doesn’t need to look or be extravagant. Sometimes the simplest things make the most significant difference! Here are a few simple ideas and ways to be helpful on World Kindness Day in the workplace, at school, with your loved ones, or while out running errands. Look for opportunities while you go through your day to infuse kindness into someone’s day. It’ll change their day and yours for the better!
- Smile when you walk by others.
- Write positive messages on post-it notes and leave them for people to find.
- Call a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Tidy up around your house.
- Pick up trash you see on the ground outside and throw it in a garbage can.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Chat with a stranger and ask them about their day.
- Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal.
- Compliment someone.
- Send a positive or encouraging text to five people in your contacts.
- Surprise someone with flowers.
- Tell a family member or friend you love them.
- Write a note on the receipt at a restaurant for your server.
- Give a surprise gift to someone you care about.
- Send a kind card or note to a friend.
- Surprise co-workers with home-baked cookies or treats.
- Plant a tree.
- Spend less time on your phone and more time with people you care about.
- Offer a classmate help with homework.
- Talk to someone new.
- Practice gratitude.
- Volunteer.
- Donate to a local non-profit.
Although World Kindness Day is observed on November 13th, every new day presents us with the opportunity to be kind to one another to create safer and more welcoming communities.
