Being selected as a be kind community is to raise awareness for the importance of kindness within the local community. The weekly initiatives aim to influence the public to have a greater consideration for each other and look for opportunities to intentionally add value to others through simple acts of kindness.
Each week in October the community will focus on one new initiative.
We live in a culture that is interacting screen to screen. This is leading to the feeling of loneliness and isolation. This week the goal is to see one another eye to eye and interact.
What does interaction look like? Well it is simple. When was the last time you spoke to a person walking their dog before you spoke to the dog?
Simply put, all week long go out of your way to make eye contact and give a simple “hello”, or “good to see you” or “welcome” as someone is entering a coffee shop. While on a walk: a wave, a gesture, or a simple greeting to someone passing by can be powerful. We can wield kindness just by making sure others are seen.
Yup, it’s as simple as it sounds. Hold the door for another person, mow someone’s lawn, pick up trash on the ground, park farther away, sweep someone’s driveway, buy a coffee or tea for another person. Buy a few extra groceries and give them to a local food organization.
When was the last time the postman got mail from you? Your garbage man got something other than garbage? A teacher got a letter or a gift card from you?
These are just a few examples, but there are many, and many servants in our community who serve. Let’s all focus on serving them for a week straight!
This week let’s be intentional with our words and write them down. When was the last time your neighbor got a note that was not anonymous about their car, trash, or weeds?
Maybe someone needs to read some words of encouragement. A person in your home, a friend at school, a coach, a person you work with, or the person behind the counter.
This week, write a card or 20 cards of kindness. Say the things you have wanted to say or just have not said. We need to hear it, and we need each other. It is a gift to another person when they can savor and reread their kindness card.
The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history, and high quality of life. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities.
Each week the community will focus on one new initiative. These are opportunities to intentionally add value to others through simple acts of kindness.
Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind. You’re a part of a bigger story. Be a part of the larger Be Kind Community.
Are you a local or national news media outlet and would like more information about Be Kind Community? See stories by local and national news outlets here.
