What started in 2011 with three schools in Carlsbad has now spread across the world.

The goal of The Great Kindness Challenge (GKC), the signature program of the non-profit organization Kids for Peace, is to create a culture of compassion, acceptance, unity and respect.

The GKC is a one-week initiative devoted to performing as many acts of kindness as possible.  This year it will run from Jan. 23-27.

The initiative started with the belief that all kids deserve to learn in a safe, supportive and caring environment. Since then, it has grown to become a global movement far beyond the classroom.

How To Participate

A simple act can have a huge impact on someone’s life. Students can draw a picture for someone or send a thank you note to the school nurse. Families can bake cookies for the local firefighters; colleagues can offer their help completing a chore.

Last year, more than 4.5 million California students from 7,389 schools participated. Sharing 230 million acts of kindness. You can now be part of this community; download a checklist of fun ideas for free at The Great Kindness Challenge or create your own list of good deeds.

In a video where she talks about the 30-day challenge, social researcher and bestselling author, Shaunti Feldhahn says, “Kindness is made up of three specific things: Holding back in being negative in what you say and what you think, giving praise and affirmation, and doing something generous for someone.”

“Kindness transforms relationships, but even better it changes you!”

Shaunti Feldhahn

As stated on the GKC website, kindness improves relationships, increases self-esteem, and creates happiness. But to make it a habit, kindness should be reinforced during the entire school year. In their website teachers can find 50 lessons that will support emotional learning and provide opportunities for interaction and reflection during the entire school year.