Kindness Day was born when a collection of humanitarian groups came together on November 13, 1997, and made a “Declaration of Kindness”. Likewise, on Kindness Day everyone is encouraged to make a similar declaration. Donating books, food, or clothes to your local community is a great way to celebrate.
However, pledging to commit just one act of kindness is no less worthwhile: hold the door open for a stranger, compliment your neighbor on their collection of garden gnomes, let your partner have control of the TV remote for the evening.
World Kindness Day first began as a day of observation by the World Kindness Movement. The organization was registered as an official NGO under Swiss law in 2019. However, the history of the group reaches right back to a Tokyo-based convention in 1997.
A range of associations and institutions based in countries including Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States had been built at this conference because of their combined dedication to promoting kindness in society. The initial formation of the World Kindness Movement formed as a result of this event.
The written declaration of their inception was created stating their “pledge to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world.” In the pursuit of this aim, in 1998, they would help to launch the inaugural World Kindness Day.
The reason for World Kindness Day is detailed by the World Kindness Movement. “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.”
This day has become globally recognized since it’s creation more than two decades ago. The many events that take place on this day attract countless participants from all parts of the globe. This day is filled with kindness and activities like dance mobs, concerts, the distribution of kindness cards, and random acts of kindness such as paying for someone shopping or helping someone with their bags.
While, at the moment, this day is an unofficial day, it remains the hope of the World Kindness Movement to achieve official recognition status by the United Nations. If they become successful in achieving this then they will join the well recognized HUman rights day, World health day, and International Day of Peace as a recognized day of observance.
World Kindness Day Timeline
1997
World Kindness Movement is launched
Hosting the first conference this year in Tokyo, Japan, the World Kindness Movement is formed as an international platform to bring together like-minded kindness organizations from around the world.[1]
1998
Inaugural World Kindness Day
With the simple intention of inspiring people to commit acts of kindness, World Kindness Day is launched to become an annual observance.[2]
2005
UK Kindness Movement begins
Following her efforts with the Cool to Be Kind anti-bullying campaign in 2001, Louise Burfitt-Dons initiated the joining of forces with the World Kindness Movement.[3]
2009
Singapore recognizes World Kindness Day
On this day, more than 45,000 yellow flowers were shared in celebration of Kindness.[4]
2010
First Kindness Day UK is celebrated
Influenced by David Jamilly, the initial Kindness Day UK is launched.[5]
2012
Australia makes Kindness Day part of school calendar
Per the request of the Chairman of the World Kindness Australia, the Federal School Calendar for over 9000 schools in the country.[6]
2018
World Kindness USA launched
For the 20th anniversary of the World Kindness Movement, Americans officially join in and work to get important cities all over the US to take a stand for kindness.[9]
2019
World Kindness Movement reaches 27 countries
After meeting for more than 20 years, the World Kindness Movement adds more countries to total 27 countries, including South Korea, Nigeria, India, Netherlands, China and many others.[10]
2019
World Kindness Movement becomes NGO
After a couple of decades, the World Kindness Movement is finally recognized as an official Non-Governmental Organization in Switzerland. That same year, a slightly different organization with similar aims, the World Kindness Project, was recognized as an NGO in Washington DC (USA).[11][12]
2020
UN tweets about World Kindness Day
Though not yet officially recognized by the United Nations, in 2020 the organization gave a nod to the day by tweeting about the day, sharing its hashtag, and encouraging folks to participate.[13]
Children
Bullying is something that is big in the U.S, with 1 in every 4 children experiencing bullying at school on a regular basis. This day is a fantastic way to teach our children to be kind to everyone, even if they are different, and it can also teach them to stand up to bullying when they witness it. It will turn them into brave kids and kind adults.
Helps With Stress
Yes, that’s right been kind to others means you are less likely to be stressed. People who are kind all the time produce 23% less cortisol, the stress hormone. This means that people who practice kindness age much slower than the average population, because of lower stress levels, it really does pay to be kind.
It’s A Day Of Unity
Although this movement isn’t officially affiliated with a political or religious movement, over 28 nations now participate in World Kindness day. The movement is hoping that the day will get chosen by the UN to become an official holiday, at some point in the near future.
World Kindness Day began after the founding of the World Kindness Movement. It was their goal and hope to start a day that would be able to raise the awareness of the importance of kindness to as many people across the world as possible. Uniting people across the globe.
The sole purpose of this day is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” It’s a day to learn, teach, and share your kindness with others.
So, where does the word kindness come from? Its root originates from the Old English word “kyndnes,” which is a derivative from the Middle English word “kindenes,” which means “courtesy.”
The trend with this day is for you to commit around three random acts fo kindness to others.
Some of the activities you could do include:
- Giving compliments- Smile at strangers passing by, hold open a door, give up your seat on public transport, or compliment someone sincerely on something they have done or have changed such as wearing a new top or new hair cut. Even these small gestures are a nice way of showing kindness to others.
- Give extra long hugs- Sometimes people just need that extra little bit of care, so if you give out any hugs today make them extra long and meaningful. Connections and kindness go hand-in-hand. You may find that some people wonder what’s got into you, but they will certainly appreciate it.
- Write a love letter or poem- This is a great one for your significant other half. We can often take them for granted so show your kindness in a letter or poem.
World Kindness Day gives you the perfect opportunity to get creative with your ideas. There are many other days that also encourage people to take their efforts to the max, and this day is no different. Have a think in advance of what you would like to do to show your kindness and appreciation for others in a unique way.
Many people are extremely focused on their own lives and can easily forget to take a moment to think about what others may need. However, doing something good for others can also be good for you too. It can be really fun planning and seeing the way that others appreciate your kindness.
It is valuable for everyone to celebrate the benefits and kindness we derive from this core aspect of human nature. World Kindness Day can help to remind us that we aren’t alone in our lives, others are kind and care for us, and we certainly don’t live in a world where good doesn’t exist.
There are many ways you can celebrate and join in with sharing kindness with others. Whether you share a smile when passing someone you don’t know, send someone some flowers, or simply give them an extra-long hug, however, you decide to celebrate remember that the best thing about Kindness Day is that it doesn’t cost a thing!
World Kindness Day FAQs
How can kindness change the world?
Random (and planned) acts of kindness help improve the world by creating positive energy, inspiring others and making more opportunities to give and receive love.[1]
Can kindness be taught?
Yes! Research has shown that young children who receive kindness training become less selfish, more compassionate and have better social skills for coping in life.[2]
Does kindness make you happy?
Yes! An important analysis of decades of research has shown that people who are kind to others are healthier and happier.[3]
How does kindness affect the brain?
Kindness has the ability to boost serotonin and dopamine, both neurotransmitters that light up the pleasure-reward center of the brain. It may also release endorphins that help reduce pain.[4]
What is the Just Do Kindness Foundation?
With the dream of making the world a better place, the Just Do Kindness (JDK) Foundation was created to start a movement of kindness in the world.[5]
