When I think about what makes a community feel safe or welcoming, it’s never the big campaigns or the glossy posters. It’s the small moments; the things we sometimes overlook because they feel too simple. But young people right now are doing so much to make kindness feel normal again. Here are five things I keep seeing that give me a lot of hope.

1) Checking in without waiting for a crisis 
One thing I’ve noticed, especially in my circles, is that young people are becoming much better at the simple “Hey, you ok?” messages. Not in a forced way, not waiting until something goes wrong, just checking in because they genuinely care. It’s such a small thing, but it makes people feel held.

2) Being honest about their struggles 
More of us are sharing our experiences with mental health, disability, identity, and everything in between. Not for attention, but because we know how isolating it can feel to think you’re the only one. Storytelling has become a form of community care. When someone opens up, it gives someone else permission to breathe a little easier.

3) Using creativity to spread joy 
I love how creative this generation is. Whether it’s art, TikToks, music, poetry, workshops; people are using creative expression to make others feel seen and uplifted. It’s gentle, it’s accessible, and it makes kindness feel fun. A single piece of artwork or a 10-second video can shift someone’s entire mood.

4) Creating and protecting inclusive spaces 
There’s a real intention now around making sure people feel like they belong. Young people are building spaces where you don’t have to explain yourself or hide parts of who you are. In community settings, online groups, youth projects, that sense of belonging is becoming a priority, and it’s making a big difference.

5) Showing up in everyday ways
Some of the kindest things I’ve seen have happened in completely ordinary spaces: someone helping a stranger carry a suitcase up stairs, offering directions, sharing snacks at events, or giving a seat to someone who looks exhausted. None of it is huge. But collectively? It adds up. It creates a culture where kindness feels normal.

Young people get told a lot about what we’re not doing enough of.  But honestly, I see so much compassion, community, and softness. The small things matter. The daily things matter. And when you look closely, you can see how these small acts are slowly reshaping the world into something kinder.