Random Acts Of Kindness Week was created in Denver, Colorado in 1995 by a small nonprofit organization, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.  Less than a decade later, in 2004, it spread internationally to New Zealand.

Random Act of Kindness Week became officially recognized in 2018.  The idea behind this holiday is that by doing a small act of kindness, you are making the world a better place.  Although it is stereotypical to reiterate the expression “one small act can make a big difference,” this saying holds great significance—you never know what someone is going through behind the scenes, and even the smallest things can make a difference in their life.  This week is designed to bring awareness to how much power one small step has to make a difference, and it encourages us to put kindness first and share it everywhere we go. 

“Something as simple as saying hi to someone who is not necessarily your friend can turn someone’s day around to be more positive,” said senior Jolie Baltic.

Many sources credit Anne Herbert with officiating random acts of kindness.  She wrote the words, “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty,” on a placemat at a restaurant in Sausalito, California in 1982.  Princess Diana also inspired the organization when she shook the hand of a man with AIDS in 1987, changing and challenging the beliefs of the time.  This small act of kindness changed the way people perceivedAIDS,  and proves that small actions can make a long lasting difference in the world.  The organization aims to show everyone that they are capable of making a similar difference. 

Some ways to celebrate National Acts of Kindness Week are to let someone go ahead of you in line, buy flowers for someone, post anonymous sticky notes with uplifting messages for people to find, and so many more.

“Random acts of kindness week gives students the opportunity to do the right thing that they normally may have not had the courage to do before.  It’s a great opportunity to express the importance of being kind,” said sophomore Grace Carolan.

Speaking scientifically, acts of kindness can release hormones that contribute to your mood and overall well being.  Studies have linked doing random acts of kindness to releasing dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that releases a feeling of euphoria. 

“I really think of kindness as a way of ‘being’ and a win-win for both the giver and the receiver.  It can feel enormously fulfilling to do something for someone else, especially when it is unexpected.  And as the receiver, it is incredibly humbling knowing someone took the time out of their day to think of you in such a special way.  Being kind to one another is a way to strengthen our support system(s) and to encourage each other to be there for one another,” said health teacher Ms. Goldstein.

Feb. 13-19 is Random Acts of Kindness week, and everyone is encouraged to take the step forward and be kind in their own way.  Throughout the week, think of people who bring joy into your life and do something nice for them.  Whether it is sending a text or buying food for them, there is always something you can do to make someone’s life a little better.  While the week comes to a close on Saturday, kindness is not temporary.  If you feel especially inspired, you can become part of the RAKtivists, the Random Act of Kindness activist group.  Everyone has the power to create a positive environment, and it is up to you to make it last.