Let’s Make Kindness a Way of Life
Kindness isn’t a one-week event—it’s a way of being. By choosing kindness every day, we nurture stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. When we sustain kindness beyond a single day or week, we’re investing in the kind of world we want to build: one where empathy, respect, and connection are part of everyday life.
Why Sustaining Kindness Matters
Research consistently shows that kindness boosts mental well-being. Performing acts of kindness increases levels of serotonin and dopamine—the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—while also decreasing cortisol, a stress hormone (Curry et al., 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2022). A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that participants who practiced daily kindness experienced significantly higher levels of happiness over 10 days (Otake et al., 2006).
It Strengthens Relationships and Builds Trust
Consistent kindness leads to stronger interpersonal bonds. Research from Harvard University emphasizes that trust and connection are cultivated through ongoing caring interactions—not just occasional gestures (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2021). When people feel genuinely seen and supported, collaboration and community thrive.s.
Sustained kindness improves school culture and student outcomes. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) reports that social-emotional learning—including kindness—boosts academic performance, reduces behavior issues, and enhances emotional well-being. In work settings, the American Psychological Association links kindness to increased morale, team cohesion, and productivity..
It Builds Compassionate and Understanding Communities
Kindness helps bridge divides. Neuroscience research shows that compassion and empathy activate areas of the brain tied to connection and community (Zaki & Ochsner, 2012). Practicing kindness—especially toward those with different experiences or backgrounds—builds understanding.
Kindness Counts: Add Yours to the Total
One way to keep the spirit of kindness alive is by noticing it—and celebrating it—every time it happens. That’s where our Kindness Counter comes in.
This is your space to log acts of kindness—big or small, quiet or bold. Whether you helped a neighbor carry groceries, shared a smile with a stranger, sent an encouraging message, stood up for someone, picked up litter, volunteered your time, gave someone a break in traffic, or simply listened with compassion—it all counts!
Each time you submit a kind deed using the form below, it adds to our Kindness Counter. No matter your age or role in the community, your actions make a difference. Let’s see how many acts of kindness we can log as a community!
How to Participate:
NUMBER OF KIND DEEDS LOGGED: 205
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
Fowler, J. H., & Christakis, N. A. (2010). Cooperative behavior cascades in human social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., et al. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.
Otake, K., Shimai, S., Tanaka-Matsumi, J., et al. (2006). Happy people become happier through kindness: A counting kindnesses intervention. Journal of Happiness Studies.
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2021). Making Caring Common Project – The Science of Kindness and Connection. Visit website
CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). (2020). Benefits of SEL.
American Psychological Association. (2022). The power of workplace kindness. Read article
Zaki, J., & Ochsner, K. N. (2012). The neuroscience of empathy: Progress, pitfalls and promise. Nature Neuroscience. Read article
Santa Clara Unified School District. (n.d.). One Million Acts of Kindness Campaign. Retrieved from https://www.santaclarausd.org/community/one-million-acts-of-kindness