Be The Change: Celebrating World Kindness
Written by Serigne Thiam, Graduate Assistant for the Graduate College
November 13th is World Kindness Day, a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness around the world. As we approach the benevolent event, it’s crucial to reflect on the importance of inclusivity, positivity, and compassion. As you navigate your way through graduate school, you should remember that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on those around you.
The need to recognize and observe global kindness came about when several humanitarian groups came together on November 13, 1997, and made a Declaration of Kindness.
“What started as Kindness Day turned into Kindness Week (WKW), where everyone is encouraged to make a similar declaration of kindness and charity all over the world,” said Virginia Dennis, student services program manager for the Graduate College.
This year marks the Graduate College’s third World Kindness Week, which serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity. Why celebrate world kindness for one day when you could do so the whole week?
Kindness in Action
Graduate Student Kindness Toolkit: Kindness, compassion, and empathy are good for us and others. Checkout the Graduate College’s “Kindness Toolkit” to find resources, articles, tips, a calendar, and more – all about how you can supercharge your kindness.
Volunteering and Community Service: You could use this week as an opportunity to give back by volunteering in your community, helping those in aid, donating goods and products, or anything else. Want some direction? Visit UC’s Volunteer Portal to explore a slew of volunteer opportunities ready for the taking! You’ll also be able to log volunteer hours and learn more about local and national resources.
Be a Good Listener: Sometimes, just being there for a friend or colleague can make a difference. Graduate school will have its ups and downs, and we all may need someone to hear us out from time to time. Actively listening and giving your full attention to someone can be a profound way to show kindness, and can help strengthen relationships.
Complimenting a Peer: Who doesn’t enjoy a good compliment? Think of how positive and affirming the last time you complimented someone or received a compliment. Acknowledging someone’s efforts, outfit, or anything else is a phenomenal way to show kindness, as it emphasizes your inclusivity and positive attitude. Compliments can be game-changing, so get your head in the game!
Graduate College WKW Events
Nevertheless, we kindly invite you to join the Graduate College for our positive festivities!
11/14/24 - Please join the Graduate College for some coffee and kinder bars. Register to join us for coffee and kinder bars.
11/15/24 – (World Kindness Day) Pizza and the Pantry
Bearcats Plaza, in front of TUC, 11 AM - 12:30 PM
The Graduate College is partnering with the Bearcat Pantry during World Kindness Week this year. We will be accepting donations of non-perishable items and giving out free pizza! A representative from the pantry will be there to share information on the pantry's services. Drop by for a free slice of pizza and help those in need by dropping off a canned good or two. Register for Pizza and the Bearcats Pantry.
Imagine what the world would be like if each person did one kind thing for someone else. Acts of kindness can be large or small. Complimenting a stranger, writing a kind note and leaving it anonymously for a mentor or friend. A kind act can be anything, and there are many creative ways to spread kindness and improve someone’s day. To making the world a better place, one small kind act at a time.