Whether it’s a compliment from a coworker or having your coffee paid for by the person ahead of you in line, small acts of kindness have an amazing ability to lift your mood. This week marks the 17th Annual Random Act of Kindness Week — a week completely dedicated to altruism.
The Random Act of Kindness Organization (RAK) started celebrating this week in 2000 as an opportunity to “unite through kindness,” according to a press release. RAK week is observed Feb 12-18 each year.
This year, RAK is launching a “Kindness Generator,” which creates kindness “challenges” for individuals, organizations, companies, schools and communities all over the world looking to spread joy. These include simple acts like high-fiving someone, or deeply meaningful acts such as calling a loved one and telling them how much they mean to you.
“The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to ‘pay it forward,’” states the organization on their website. “This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people.”
RAK estimates that 50,000 people will be participating in challenges this week. They’re hoping that with the Kindness Generator, this 7-day celebration of kindness will break last year’s record for the number of participants.
By just Monday, approximately 5,000 acts of kindness had been completed, according to the online generator, which updates in real-time as people report their actions.
To participate in this week’s kindness, visit: https://randomactsof.us/
