“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”  – Aesop

You’ve probably learned a lot about our new program, Channel Kindness, in recent weeks.  Everyone on team Born This Way Foundation is truly pumped for this program.  We feel that we’ll be able to harness the power and passion of young people to spread kindness and bravery in an incredible new way.

You may also remember me from when I shared my story shortly before the Emotion Revolution.  Accepting myself was a huge part of my own personal journey and sometimes, when I’m having a rough day, I simply have to stay away from the negativity in our world and realize that there are countless hearts that want to make the world a better place.

Case in point: living as a disabled person, I ask others for help on a daily basis.  This ranges from getting things out of a bag for my college classes, to opening doors on campus, to turning in assignments on the other side of the room.  Sometimes, I feel bad for asking – like I’m being a pain to others.  But the beautiful thing is, nearly every time–friends, and sometimes people who I don’t even know–find it in their hearts to help me.  Sometimes, I apologize for bothering them.  The conversation usually follows with a no problem and a friendly smile.  I smile back.

In return, I do everything I can to reciprocate that kindness.  Although I can’t physically help others in the way that they help me, I find it in my heart to donate small amounts of money to the homeless, hospitals doing important work, or other charities that are important to me.  Just like the friends who help me, I always help others the same way – with a smile.  In the spirit of these acts of kindness, we need young people ages 16 to 24 to help us #ChannelKindness.  The program is designed to equip youth reporters with the skills they need to have their eyes, ears and hearts open to kind and heroic acts – just like the ones that happen on my college campus every single day.

Apply now for Channel Kindness.  Youths can apply themselves or nominate others.  Applications end October 21.

Bravely Yours,

Emma