Acts of Kindness

By Iris Klein

Are you exhausted by all the rancorous partisanship that has become an expected part of our body politic? For me, the answer is a resounding yes! Unfortunately, we cannot expect our legislators to be role models for their constituents, and they leave us feeling powerless. There seems little we can do, and yet, I have seen examples that prove a little can sometimes go a long way. With just some creative thinking, generosity and good will, we can find a respite from the vitriol. Civility can be just the balm we need to propel us into a new and better normal.

Think of the gifts of kindness we see in our families, our communities and in every

state around the nation. Let’s not only celebrate these acts, let’s pay them forward

by creating opportunities of our own. Whether large or small, these acts of kindness

sustain us, touch us and connect us to each other. They are examples of grace, doing

as much for the giver as the receiver. Rather than focusing on what has happened to

us, acts of grace focus on what we can do for others.

Key West, Florida offers one example. As a community it celebrates the concept of “One Human Family”. It espouses equality and acceptance, and encourages expressions of human kindness and caring. This small city provides programs for women in abusive relationships, sponsors marches against gun violence, and holds any number of fundraisers for the less privileged. Inspiring messages can be found painted on sidewalks, park benches and sides of buildings.

In Burlington, Massachusetts, a mother of two worked with a group of friends in her community to form a local branch of a national non-profit organization called “Womenade”. Their 14 year mission, from 2011-2025, was to assist families in need by raising funds through planned events throughout the year. They raised over $325,000, all of which went to support local families that applied for assistance. Womenade originated in Washington, DC in the 1990’s, and any community would be lucky to have a branch of their own.

In a local New Jersey Starbucks customers were invited to create a positive message

board using a variety of colorful post-it notes. What a simple way to bring a smile

to the faces of customers as they create their own feel-good messages to add to the

board.

Whether you are creating a local non-profit, or participating in one, your acts of

kindness are not only helping families in need, they are helping restore civility to

our society. Equally valuable to our collective wellbeing is sharing a kind message

with neighbors. Your acts of grace will give others ideas to do the same.

KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS!

We invite you to send us examples of gifts of kindness in word and deed at lwvnjgnba@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.