#BeKind21: Choose Empathy

September 20, 2020
This story took place in United States

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Today’s #BeKind21 message is brought to you by our partners at Children Mending Hearts.

Empathy can change the world. Children Mending Hearts has always believed this, which is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing empathy into the lives of children around the world. Through arts programs and service events, we’ve seen students acting more empathetically, decreases in bullying, and improvements to classroom climate. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we now also teach empathy by example. We’ve been working in Watts, endeavoring to pass on acts of kindness in that incredible neighborhood. From providing food, clothing, diapers, and other necessary goods to engaging with students’ education, we have built a strong base of trust among this community. 

In response to our actions, we’ve seen inspiring acts of kindness. Kids ask if they can take part in distribution, because they have neighbors scared to go out and want to make sure they’re taken care of. 

One boy, Giovanni, makes sure he gets his neighbor food and clothes every week. He says she’s old and works, but he wants to take care of her–like she’s taken care of him when his dad can’t take him to school. 

Across the country, a CMH class in West Virginia wouldn’t let the pandemic stop them. Inspired by their empathy lessons, they worked from home to make “fabric” from plastic bags for sleeping mats that they donated to a local homeless shelter. 

It’s stories like these that prove that small actions can make big change. It’s why Children Mending Hearts created the free resource I Choose Empathy, featuring art projects, reading guides, games, and more to get kids of all ages to exercise their compassion muscles.

Your kindness challenge today: Visit the Acts of Kindness on I Choose Empathy for over 100 easy ideas for kind acts you can practice today!

In Kindness,

Children Mending Hearts

P.S. Invite someone to join the challenge: bornthisway.foundation/bekind21.

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