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Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 13 – 19, 2023. It marks a weeklong occasion to actively look for ways to spread kindness worldwide and connect people. It all started with a phrase by Journalist Anne Herbert in 1982, “practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty,” as an empowering alternative to “random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty.” Then, in the mid-1990s, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was developed, and the week of making a difference was born.
The force of kindness is powerful. Not only is it a behavior that MLCV holds near and dear as part of the company’s “love” value passed down through the teachings in the Ojibwe culture, but it’s also a phenomenon that has interdependent benefits. Studies show that being kind to others can boost overall well-being and happiness. And doing good to others can help others to do good, too, resulting in a healthy cycle for the world to grow.
Find what suits you in a list of ways to be part of Random Acts of Kindness Week below:
Kindness in the Workplace
1. Take the Lead
It begins with you. Step up and take the lead in spreading kindness in your workplace. Evaluate the energy you bring each day and make a progressive step toward enhancing positivity and joy. Consider taking responsibility for talking about kindness and making it a part of everybody’s day. Surely, you may find that it’s contagious.
2. Show Gratitude
Many of us are grateful for our job, team, leaders, or that the front desk had a heaping dish of our favorite chocolates upon entering this morning. But it isn’t much to anyone if we keep it silent. Express your gratitude to others — regardless of how big or little the thing was that brought forth thankfulness.
3. Celebrate
Transform the ordinary days into celebrations and magnify special occasions to be extraordinary. Don’t underestimate the effect of recognizing your office neighbor’s wins. And remember to find ways to celebrate when you accomplish a goal — maybe that’s just a self-pat on the back. Take note of birthdays and work anniversaries and offer celebratory words or gifts. There are so many reasons to get festive!
MLCV HQ Building front desk reception
How you contribute to random acts of kindness week in the workplace can be as unique as you. In addition to the ideas above, consider connecting with a co-worker over a meal during lunch, brewing a fresh pot of coffee for all, greeting the front desk reception by name, or sending a mid-day appreciative virtual note in a remote work setting. No matter the action, the effects will be enough to carry it out long after the week wraps up.
Kindness Beyond the Workplace
St. Jude virtual card
1. Send a virtual card with a personalized note to a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patient in a matter of minutes.
Founded in 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital works to treat and save the lives of children with cancer. Funded solely by the kindness of donations and grants, now you can contribute to spreading kindness in the form of words.
Forget Me Not valentine cards
2. Join the “Forget Me Not” Facebook page and participate in sending cards, care items, and love to Elders in nursing homes across the country.
The page is active with over 4,000 members and includes a featured nursing home nearly every week. The admin often shares gratitude from recipients while group members offer innovative crafts for gifting sales on gift cards, personal resources, and more.
Hand-drawn card
3. Send a postcard of hope to a child refugee within the United States through Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) USA.
Since 1980, JRS USA has had a mission to offer aid, including healthcare, education, and social needs to refugees across the country. After you submit a postcard featuring a message, drawing, or personal introduction, JRS USA will send it to a child within their program. From there, the recipient can share with friends and family outside the country, maximizing your impact.
If the options above are out of reach, there are opportunities for kindness every moment of the day. Start by practicing self-kindness by forgiving yourself for past mistakes, asking for and accepting help, setting aside time to do what brings you happiness, and using positive self-affirmations in the mirror. Then look for ways to spread kindness outward, like allowing someone ahead of you in line, hanging a bird feeder for hungry critters, or smiling at every stranger you meet.
Whether it’s the official Random Acts of Kindness Week or any day of the year — Do good, feel good; feel good, do good. It’s not just an inspiring quote; it’s a scientifically proven wonder that can change the world.
If you need further inspiration on where to begin, how about a kindness challenge to kickstart your inkling? Utilize the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation 2023 kindness calendar to demonstrate one uplifting action each day of the year.
This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Brand Communication Specialist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.