#BeKind21 Press Release

LADY GAGA’S BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL “#BeKind21″ CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING KINDNESS AND COMPASSION

More Than 165 Partners Will Join The Campaign Starting September 1st

August 18, 2020 – Today, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation – with support from Sesame Workshop, MusiCares, The KIND Foundation, Lyft, Verizon Media, Kate Spade New York, Chipotle, Deloitte, and Bumkins – announced the launch of its third annual #BeKind21 Campaign. As communities across the world face the trauma of a pandemic, the ongoing racial inequalities, and a host of global challenges, this year’s campaign has been uniquely designed to be responsive to today’s movements, to showcase that kindness is not an empty gesture; rather, kindness is a verb. To be kind is to speak up. To be kind is to prioritize your mental wellness. To be kind is to advocate for a world that values, validates, and respects all people.

From September 1st to September 21st, the Campaign invites schools and colleges, corporate partners, non-profit partners, and all other participants to integrate kindness in their daily lives. This year’s #BeKind21 Campaign will build on last year’s effort during which, with support from over 130 partners, 1.6 million participants from around the world generated over 41 million acts of kindness.

“While our world is different this year, our mission has never been more important,” said Cynthia Germanotta, co-founder and president of Born This Way Foundation. “Simple acts of kindness will go a long way in a time when so many are searching for connection and hope. Kindness is powerful, and together we can create a movement to build a future that is kinder, braver, and more just for all.”

Individuals who take the pledge will receive access to calendars, tips, and inspiration from Born This Way Foundation’s co-founders and partners, and have a chance to be featured on ChannelKindness.org and other partner platforms.

Born This Way Foundation is partnering with numerous organizations across all sectors and communities, including:

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About Born This Way Foundation

Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and work with them to create a kinder and braver world. To achieve these goals, Born This Way Foundation leverages evidence-based research and authentic partnerships in order to provide young people with kinder communities, improved mental health resources, and more positive environments – online and offline. To learn more, visit https://bornthisway.foundation/.

Quotes from Born This Way Foundation’s Partners

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We are proud to join the #BeKind21 initiative and this group of organizations who share these values, and encourage everyone to join us in spreading kindness.” – Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact + Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop

“As students navigate going back to school, they are facing new challenges with remote learning and constant changes on campus, creating a mental health crisis for young people in our country. While our business is to help learners succeed in school and in their professional endeavors, we know that simple acts of kindness can go a long way to improving their lives, especially during these hard times. We also know that we cannot succeed if we don’t focus on our employees’ health and well-being too. We are thrilled to share the #BeKind21 campaign with the millions of students that come to Chegg, and with our employees that work hard every day to put students first.” – Heather Hatlo Porter, Chief Communications Officer, Chegg.org

“Art has a powerful effect on mental health and presenting this feeling of joy to young people is our mission. We’re so proud to join Born This Way Foundation in this incredible challenge! And we’re glad to help artists be kind and spread love with each other.” – Tássia Cris, Founder of Monster Artists Community

“As schools begin to re-open either in person or online, we need to acknowledge that students, teachers and parents are all going through a very tough time. We’re teaming up with Born This Way Foundation in the hope that we can both approach this moment with kindness and make sure students have creative outlets to work through their responses to the crisis.” – Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save The Music

“Kindness is the heart and soul of Find Your Anchor. We believe that kindness helps promote empathy and personal connection, lessening an individual’s feelings of isolation. By bringing more acts of kindness into the world, we strengthen those bonds of connection, and, as a result, grow our own sense of community and belonging.” – Ali Borowsky, Founder + CEO of Find Your Anchor

“Project 150 is very excited to be part of this years #BeKind21 campaign. For the homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged students we serve; it is essential that we approach each student with kindness and be the example to show them they are deserving of such and to pay it forward. Kindness is free, kindness is warming, and kindness can spark the soul.” – Veronica Marquez, Director of Donor Relations at Project 150

We are thrilled to be part of #BeKind21! At The Space For Good, we make a conscious effort to be kind to ourselves, our colleagues, and the nonprofit community. #BeKind21 aligns with our mission: to provide training and coaching programs to nonprofits to help them leverage their strengths and amplify their impact. We believe that kindness is an essential component of leadership. We are excited to help spread awareness of #BeKind21 and bring feelings of equality, love, and kindness to other individuals and organizations.” – Julia Mercier and Jessie Reibman, Co-Founders of The Space For Good, Inc.

“Girls are innately powerful. They are leaders. Every day we see girls bringing people together, standing up for their values and beliefs, and working to change the world for the better. The sole mission of Girls Inc. is to make sure as many girls as possible have support and positive experiences to help them make the most of their #StrongSmartBold potential.” – Courtney Jordan, Senior Digital Strategist of Girls Inc.

“Kindness is more than an 8-letter word. It’s a lifestyle that takes the time to appreciate people for not only who they are, but where they are in life. To treat people in all their humanity by acknowledging your own…you have to be kind because that’s how you essentially want to be treated.” Hannah Lucas, Co-Founder of notOK App®

“My team and I at Crayon Collection are so excited to be a part of the #BeKind21 campaign and to work with Born This Way Foundation to spread compassion, empathy and understanding. Acts of kindness cannot be underestimated. We have seen first hand through our Color Kindness Program how much a positive note or drawing impacts not only the recipient but also the donor. Kindness offers the best ripple effect, helping to spread much needed positivity especially in a turbulent time.” – Sheila Morovati, President + Founder of Crayon Collection

“At Reflect, we know that one person can change a life. The importance of kindness in transforming campus culture cannot be overstated. It is our privilege to partner with Born This Way Foundation in this critical campaign.” – Jared Fenton, Founder + Executive Director of The Reflect Organization

“Kindness, oneness, and love are at the root of everything Propeller stands for. We’re proud to be a part of #BeKind21 and join a larger effort in reminding our communities, our country, and its leaders that we’re all in this together. Kindness is exactly what’s needed during these divided times to help bring us back together and rediscover our common humanity.” – Brandon Deroche, Founder of Propeller

“At a time when our nation is hurting – a time when things are uncertain – we must come together in support of one another. There’s no easier way to achieve this than through the simple act of kindness. Well Being Trust stands in solidarity with Born This Way Foundation to show our support for the amazingly simple power of being there for one another and showing kindness. A little empathy and love goes a long way to enhance our well-being – let’s lead with kindness; it’s free, and it benefits all those involved.” – Benjamin F. Miller, Chief Strategy Officer of Well Being Trust

“We get to choose what brings us together: whether it’s empathy or fear, hope or despair. In a time when broken democracy and partisan politics are the norm, BridgeUSA is working to develop a generation of political leaders that value empathy and common purpose. The #BeKind21 campaign highlights the importance of empathy and kindness and shows our goal is possible. We are proud to join Born This Way Foundation in the mission to strengthen our communities and carry these values into the future.”

“Our mission is about being kinder to the Earth and we recognize that being kind to each other increases our collective ability to care for our planet.” – Kathi King, Director of Outreach and Education of Community Environmental Council

“Teen Talk Hotline is proud to partner with Born This Way Foundation on their #BeKind21 campaign, spreading much-needed kindness in a time when hatred and negativity have been so normalized. We hope to bring forth the good in the world so that the youth can benefit from it and foster it for future generations.” – Blake Newborn, Executive Director of Teen Talk Hotline

“One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook or life.” – Megan Murphy, Founder of The Kindness Rocks Project

“In our quest to eradicate bullying globally, approaching this school year with kindness at the forefront is essential. The #BeKind21 campaign comes at the perfect time, as back-to-school plans are bringing more uncertainty and anxiety than ever before for students, parents, teachers, and administrators. No Bully is thrilled to be part of a program that promotes kindness above all else as we navigate the new challenges presented with learning during COVID-19.” Paul Proett, CEO of No Bully

“At Random Acts, it is our mission to conquer the world one random act of kindness at a time.” – Misha Collins, Co-Founder + President of Random Acts

“In this time of the dual pandemics of racism and Covid-19, part of the fight for the health of our world and the healing of our nation is reflected in channeling kindness. As an organization that prioritizes the needs of young people of color and diverse backgrounds, AAKOMA is deeply committed to ensuring Mental Health research and care for all, we begin always from a place of kindness.” – Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, Founder of The AAKOMA Project, Inc.

“This Generation Fighting for the Next; #ForTheKids.” – Taylor Dietrich, Director of Community Experience Miracle Network Dance Marathon, A Program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

“NAMI is proud to join the #BeKind21 initiative again this year. Evidence shows that helping others has a positive impact on your mental health. During this collective crisis, people providing support through acts of kindness can lessen the hardships of this unprecedented situation. Let’s make these 21 days count by coming together in spirit to create a community of support, so no one feels alone in their struggle.” – Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI

“Bumkins is excited to be a part of the #BeKind21 campaign. We believe the foundation for kindness begins at home. Through the Bumkins network of parents and caregivers, we hope to kick off conversations about kindness throughout the month of September with the goal of encouraging our community to be kinder to themselves as well as to instill that kindness in their children, neighborhoods, and beyond.” – Jakki Liberman, President of Bumkins

“Compassion and kindness are essential to the work we do at Safe Place for Youth. For young people who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, a simple caring connection or a meal can help change a person’s day, and even their life.” – Alison Hurst, Founder and Executive Director of Safe Place for Youth

“Empathy and Kindness are at the cornerstone of Children Mending Hearts. When we give children the tools to be kind, it opens their eyes to the world around them, and connects them to other people in their community and beyond. Then they learn to create a better world–a world without hatred, intolerance, or bullying. We are so proud to be part of Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 Challenge, which encourages people to connect with those around them and get into the habit of showing others you care.” – Lysa Heslov, Founder of Children Mending Hearts

“In a world where being rude or mean is celebrated, being kind can be an act of resistance. Be kind to your mind, body, and soul. By planting these seeds of kindness, only additional kindness and love will be harvested.” – Nia Jones, Youth Wellness Consultant for Black Mental Health Alliance for Education and Consultation, Inc.

“Talkspace is thrilled to join Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 challenge as we strive to inspire our community to show kindness and empathy to those around them — and themselves. You never know how far a few simple acts of kindness can go, or how much they might mean to someone struggling with their mental health. We want to remind our community to show themselves the kindness they extend to others…you can’t pour from an empty cup!”

“White Pony Express is beyond thrilled to participate in the #BeKind21 challenge again this year! We are delighted to spread this meaningful movement by inviting our partners and networks to take part in furthering acts of kindness and inclusivity. We always say, the food and clothing we deliver are, most importantly, vehicles for spreading love. Campaigns like this are just one more way we can join together to uplift our community, especially right now when so many people need it.” – Erica Brooks, Chief Growth Officer of White Pony Express.

“Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada is proud to partner with Born This Way Foundation to spread kindness throughout Southern Nevada and beyond. Now more than ever before, kindness is vital to the forward momentum of our society. We pledge to #BeKind21 and call on other organizations in our community to channel kindness one Southern Nevadan at a time.” – Kimberly Trueba, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada

“BBYO is thrilled to be participating in #BeKind21 this year—it is especially timely for us as a Jewish organization as this initiative ties directly into our High Holiday enrichment. Our teen leaders dedicate so much of themselves to changing the world and this chance to mobilize around spreading kindness alongside so many amazing organizations is something we’re so excited about.”- Drew Fidler, Director of BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness

“At Mighty Kind we aim to be an educational resource to guide our attention and the attention of the children in our lives to understanding, compassion, appreciating differences, and most importantly, putting what we know and what we learn into action to help our planet become a kinder place. We hope to empower a community of kids who care. We are grateful to partner with Born This Way Foundation for another year of intentional kindness through the #BeKind21 movement.” – Nadine Fonseca, Managing Director of Mighty Kind

“Throughout history, dignity, and kindness have been withheld from those most unheard, especially Black women. Black Girls Vote understands the power of kindness, and we strive to exemplify this value through our commitment to education, women-empowerment, and civic engagement. Black Girls Vote is honored and excited to collaborate with Born This Way Foundation to encourage communities to push the boundaries of kindness. We call on you to not only be kind to yourself, but also towards Black women and girls, and our most vulnerable neighbors.” – Nykidra Robinson, Founder + CEO of Black Girls Vote

“Thoughtful Human exists to help people find honest ways to communicate in dynamic relationships and challenging circumstances. It’s our shared struggle to love, fight, grieve, forgive, overcome, and celebrate — even in some of our darkest moments. It’s accepting and de-stigmatizing dysfunction and meeting our loved ones where they’re at. It’s being there — consistently, when it really counts and leading these difficult conversations with empathy and kindness. #BeKind2020” – Ali O’Grady, Founder of Thoughtful Human

“The joy that kindness brings is universal, and more important today than ever. As a brand, we stand for optimism and compassion, and we aspire to foster a community of warmth and inclusion. We are so thrilled to partner with Born This Way Foundation to advocate for kindness — and to inspire others to do the same — because joy is a chain reaction. What seems like a simple gesture can, in fact, go a long way.” – Liz Fraser, CEO and Brand President of Kate Spade New York

“Social isolation is often the precursor to all sorts of violence and tragedies. Offering a kind word to someone having a tough day, saying ‘hello’ to someone sitting alone, reaching out when you see someone may need help: these are all simple yet powerful ways we can build a culture of inclusion in our schools that ripples through our communities. This is core to Sandy Hook Promise’s work and why we are proud to amplify the #BeKind21campaign.” – Nicole Hockley, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise

“We provide an inspiring, nurturing, and empowering environment for children and teens where everyone is included, everyone is valued, and everyone shines – and the heartbeat of our magical safe space is kindness. Our partnership with Born This Way Foundation has helped to continue strengthening us from the inside, and we’re excited for all that goodness to spill out into the universe once again throughout #BeKind21 and beyond.” ―Leslie Noel Hansen, President and Founding Artistic Director of The Peter Pan Foundation

“Grateful Gatherings provides people who are transitioning from homelessness with furniture and home essentials. A safe and comfortable home is a form of homeless prevention. If you have everything you need and you are not sleeping on the floor there is more to lose. 97% of our clients remain housed after 1 year.” – Chris Flitter, Co-Founder of Grateful Gatherings

“Kindness is one of the essential social emotional learning skills that teachers on DonorsChoose impart to their students every school year. We’re excited to join our longtime partners at Born This Way Foundation for the #BeKind21 challenge.” – Charles Best, Founder of DonorsChoose

“At Text, Talk, Act we are committed to helping youth learn how to be mentally healthy and how to help a friend in need. Acts of kindness help achieve this goal. That is why we are happy to be participating in #BeKind21.” – Raquel Goodrich, CEO of Text, Talk, Act

“My goal is to be a role model for the next generation of dancers. I want them to see a dancer who is proud of where she is from, comfortable in her skin and accomplishing her dreams despite what odds are thrown against her.” – Paige Fraser, Performing Artist, Scoliosis Advocate, + Founder of The Paige Fraser Foundation

“Don’t let your age stop you from what you want to do. It’s always easy to be kind to others. I’d rather be on the side of making people smile than making them frown.” – Khloe Thompson, Founder of Khloe Kares

“The Ali Forney Center’s mission is to protect LGBTQ+ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. One of those tools is kindness. AFC shows young people the kindness and love they have been denied by their families, while teaching them to live authentically by being kind to themselves and to others. We applaud Born This Way Foundation for creating the #BeKind21 challenge, and we are grateful to join them for the third annual challenge to help build a more kind and accepting world while inspiring others to do the same.” Alex Roque, President and Executive Director of The Ali Forney Center

“The CASA Foundation of Las Vegas is committed to making a difference in the lives of children in foster care in Southern Nevada” – Kimberly Coats, Executive Director of CASA Foundation Las Vegas

“Be kind to your colleagues, your neighbors, your family, and yourself. The East Bay Leadership Council is committed to making kindness a priority alongside Born This Way Foundation.” – Kristin Connelly, President + CEO of East Bay Leadership Council

“At Seattle Children’s, our mission is to help every child live the healthiest, most fulfilling life possible; therefore, prioritizing the most urgent issue facing our today’s youth – which is mental health – is crucial. Through our participation in Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 challenge, we have the opportunity to promote the social and emotional well-being of today’s youth and offer resources that help children and their families thrive, while reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, to help build a kinder world for generations to come.” – Suzanne Petersen, Vice President for External Affairs and Guest Services at Seattle Children’s

“PFLAG Danville-San Ramon Valley is honored to support the #BeKind21! Campaign. We believe that all people deserve to grow up in a family, community and world where they feel safe, respected, seen, supported and valued. Our LGBTQ+ family and friends experience significant bullying, violence, and discrimination resulting in a 3.5 times higher rate of suicide attempts. A simple act of kindness is all it takes to make someone feel seen, valued and safe.” – Lisa Levy, President of PFLAG Danville-San Ramon Valley

“Youth Homes is proud to partner with Born This Way Foundation for #BeKind21. As an organization that seeks to empower and foster youth and youth impacted by trauma, we are grateful for the opportunity to join together to practice kindness during this current moment of significant challenge. Kindness sparks joy, relieves tension, and creates that warm fuzzy feeling that lifts your mood and helps us feel optimistic about the future. We all need some warm fuzzies in our lives, and the #BeKind21 campaign is a great way to connect and generate those emotions and actions!” – Odette Vandaveer, Marketing & Communications Director of Youth Homes

“We are excited to be part of Born This Way’s #BeKind21 challenge. Good is the New Cool is proud to be a long-time ally to this youth-led movement to create a kinder, braver world. Born This Way understands the transformative power of kindness. Kindness says, I see you, I value you, and I am connected to you. Kindness requires strength, courage, and compassion –– all values our world is in desperate need of at this moment. And most importantly, it requires action. That is why we support this campaign to Be Kind because it calls us all to commit to being the change we want to see in the world.” – Bobby Jones, Co-Founder, Good is the New Cool.

“Kindness is key to being a good Global Citizen — we believe in caring about our neighbours, whether they live in the next community, country or continent. Every day, we take action to create a fairer, more just, and kinder world for all, and are proud to partner with Born This Way Foundation to achieve this.” — Zoe Kelland, Digital Campaigns Director of Global Citizen

“Kindness and empathy have the power to repair tears in our social fabric. The many acts of kindness performed through #BeKind21 will undoubtedly bring us closer together at a time when we’re all craving connection.” – Michael Johnston, President of The KIND Foundation

“In the midst of a pandemic, we see a surge in something that gives us hope and kindness. At Nextdoor, we have been incredibly inspired by the people around the world who are reaching out to their neighbors with offers of support. We are thrilled to partner with Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 challenge to promote this kindness as the new normal both in good times and in times of need.” – Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor

“2020 has been a year of challenge and reckoning. Theatre has a great tradition of being a refuge for the outcasts. Theatre is also material, a space of grounded imagination and rehearsal for a better reality. But it is and should always be a struggle to live up to and further these traditions. Weathervane Playhouse is proud to be a part of the #BeKind21 campaign. We welcome the added inspiration that, in concert with the traditions of theatre, calls upon us to rise to the challenge–to be kind in material and substantive ways.” – Eli Chung, Assistant Theatre Manager of Weathervane Playhouse

“At the heart of the #BeKind21 campaign is the belief that kindness builds strength and wellness within our communities. As our mission is to empower LGBTQ individuals and their families to live healthier and more fulfilling lives, the Montrose Center is honored to partner with Born This Way Foundation in making daily acts of kindness a habit. Kindness costs nothing, and the smallest gestures can sometimes make the biggest impact in a person’s life. By participating in this amazing initiative, we hope to empower our communities to lead lives marked by compassion, empathy, and understanding, and ultimately to help every LGBTQ individual realize their fullest potential.” – Austin Davis Ruiz, Communications and Marketing Manager of the Montrose Center

Kindness, empathy, and compassion are all attributes we promote to our teen leaders and volunteers at GlamourGals. We are happy to take part in #BeKind21 to continue to spread the message of kindness. – Amanda Kruzynski, Program Manager of GlamourGals Foundation, Inc.

We are all born kind, compassionate beings. Nurturing that innate compassion by practicing kindness to oneself and others is essential to supporting emotional well-being. Even the smallest acts of kindness create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and peace to the giver, the receiver and beyond.” – Tanuka Gordon, Founder of Mindful Littles

We believe encouraging kindness supports mental health and psychological science which can be used to inform much-needed social changes. To create structural and lasting change, we encourage our members to engage in kindness, advocacy, and activism that leads to unity, inclusion, and safety for all. Psi Chi reaffirms its commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and psychological scholarship as an important way to support social change. —Martha S. Zlokovich, PhD, Executive Director of Psi Chi

“A mentally healthy world is not possible without a just, kind world. We’re proud to be a part of the #BeKind21 challenge because kindness is a foundational element in taking the steps to create a better culture around mental health. Kindness for yourself and where you are on your journey, kindness for others, and kindness for the courage it takes to have the hard conversations that can create lasting change.” – Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds

“Young people are leading the way when it comes to dismantling barriers to positive mental health in their communities and spreading the kindness we all need right now. Jack.org is remarkably excited to be partnering with our friends at Born This Way Foundation on their #BeKind21 campaign. #BeKind21 helps us all spread compassion, support each other, and build a kinder world.” – Jesse Hayman, Vice President at Jack.org

“As an agency dedicated to building passionate communities, this challenge is a great opportunity for our team to make time to focus on kindness and support for each other and for our wider communities. With so much darkness and uncertainty in the world, we look forward to 21 days with something to be sure of—a consistent effort to build habits that make the world a better place.” – Damian Bazadona, President + Founder of Situation

“Born This Way Foundation says, ‘Kindness is giving others a platform,’ and that’s what we’ve built at The Mighty—a space to be heard, seen and supported. We’re thrilled to participate in #BeKind21, making self-care and compassion a habit for our millions of members and beyond.” – Mike Porath, CEO/Founder of The Mighty

“We are thrilled to be part of Born This Way’s #BeKind21 challenge, especially during this time when kindness is essential to spread positivity to the world. At Mavi jeans we believe that every act of kindness, big or small, has a positive impact. As we continue to navigate and practice physical distance in this new world, it is our daily acts of kindness that create compassion, bring us closer together and help us find strength as one.” Arkun Durmaz, President of Mavi North America

“Never has ‘Being Kind’ been more important.” – Robin Reedy, Executive Director of NAMI Nevada

I’m so excited to participate in the #BeKind21 challenge this year. As a writer and an advocate of people living with invisible illnesses, I always try to encourage my readers to choose the kindest possible response to every situation, but it isn’t always easy. Which is why forming kindness as a habit is such a simple but profound idea— anything we want to get better at takes practice!” – Shannon Barry, Advocate, Actor, + Writer at barry-happy.com

“We are pleased to join Born This Way’s #BeKind21 challenge. America’s 3,069 county governments embrace kindness as we confront unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Kindness and civility are cornerstones of achieving healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the United States.” – Matthew Chase, Executive Director of National Association of Counties (NACo)

“As we all navigate these uncertain times and the unique challenges they present, we’re so excited to support Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 campaign. Together we want to encourage intentional acts of positivity and erase the stigma around mental health. Music has a special ability to inspire, lift and heal us during our darkest moments. Alongside #BeKind21 throughout September, MusiCares will encourage the sharing of the music, songs and performances that move us and spread kindness in the world.” – Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares

“Self-awareness and expanded consciousness breed kindness. At Chopra, we are committed to cultivating a kinder and more inclusive world in which everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. We are calling on our global community to move beyond any limiting beliefs and harness your kindness. Positive behavior circulates and is unstoppable. We’re thrilled to partner with Born This Way Foundation on the #BeKind21 campaign. Together, we advance a healthier, happier, and resilient culture.” – Tonia O’Connor, CEO of Chopra

“Youth Service America is thrilled to partner with #BeKind21 and celebrate all the young people who will be putting kindness into action this September. If kindness is at the heart of what it means to be human, then service is at the heart of what it means to be kind. In order to learn empathy, young people need high-quality opportunities to do empathic things, like bold acts of kindness and volunteering in their communities. Volunteering is a gateway to a lifetime of civic participation.” – Steven A. Culbertson, President and CEO of Youth Service America

“Kindness is going beyond treating others the way you would like to be treated and treating others how they would like to be treated. Kindness is being empathetic, genuine, and tenacious. Kindness is empathy and caring in the face of obstacles and discouraging odds.” – Ashley Lin, Riley’s Way 2019 Retreat Participant

NAMI Southern Nevada is honored to partner with Born This Way Foundation in the #BeKind21 campaign. We envision a community where everyone feels safe to openly discuss mental illness and has the ability to seek and access help with support, dignity and respect. What we need during a time like this is a more compassionate, empathetic, understanding, caring, and encouraging community. As a community, we must come together to let our friends and loved ones know that it is okay to reach out for help. Being kind to others is showing compassion to those who are having a tough time and understanding that we all experience and deal with events differently. Being kind to ourselves is showing the self-compassion that we deserve, honoring the self-care that we need and giving ourselves the self-love that we need when we’re experiencing a challenging time. It is up to each one of us to go out there and create the kind of world we want to live in, so let’s get out there and #BeKind21! – Trinh Dang, Executive Director of NAMI Southern Nevada

“At Community Justice Action Fund, we build power to invest in safer communities for Black and Brown communities. Every day thousands of Black people are disproportionately traumatized by the deadly mix of gun violence, racism, and systemic oppression. Gun violence causes trauma that impacts not only victims, but also their family members, family, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Yet, the voices of people directly impacted by violence are silenced and disregarded by many people in power. We believe that to be kind we need to believe in and support the self-determination and resiliency of survivors and those directly impacted by everyday gun violence. To be kind, we must bring the people who have been at the margins of society to the center of the issues we are fighting for. We must show radical acts of generosity and kindness to the people closest to the pain of gun violence.” – Amber Goodwin, Founding Director of the Community Justice Action Fund

“At the Center for Native American Youth, we know that all life is sacred. Through acts of kindness, we are ensuring our relatives feel loved and belonging. We are proud to support Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 challenge to promote and strengthen the overall well-being of youth. Being kind today leads us to building a better community for the future generations.” Nikki Pitre (Coeur d’Alene Tribe), Executive Director of Center for Native American Youth

“We’re proud to activate our LyftUp initiative and partner with Born This Way Foundation on its #BeKind21 Campaign. At Lyft, we believe everyone should have access to reliable, affordable transportation – no matter their age, income, zip, or postal code. Access to transportation is one of the biggest drivers of social and economic mobility, and a crucial step in uplifting communities who need it most through kindness and inclusivity.” – Chloe Slobotkin, Senior Marketing Manager of Culture + Entertainment at Lyft

“At California Volunteers, we see the power of kindness and the exponential effect it has on people and communities. Whether you are checking in on a neighbor, supporting food banks through a pandemic, or volunteering virtually— your acts of kindness over these 21 days will have an impact for years to come creating a culture of #MeToWe.” – Josh Fryday, Chief Service Officer of California

“As an organization we find the importance of being kind to one another essential to the well-being of one another as students but also as humans. Our differences are meant to be shared and celebrated with love, not hate. USG at IUPUI is an organization that stands for inclusivity and shared support of one another regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, etc. Through creating a culture of kindness at IUPUI we will create grounds for success and opportunity for all students, as well as a university that supports all people regardless of our differences.”

“Today, the world is confronting several existential, historic challenges such as COVID-19, racial injustice, and economic anxiety – all at once. Therefore, now more than ever before, we all need simple acts of compassion and kindness towards each other to uplift our spirits, sustain our mental health, and renew our resolve. We are honored to support our Purpose Network Partner, Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 campaign aimed at promoting a much needed culture of kindness in the workplace to help destigmatize mental health.” – Vivek Bapat, Senior Vice President of Purpose and Brand Experience at SAP

“The vision behind Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 campaign aligns with our mission at Black Girls CODE. The connections made within our BGC community are rooted in kindness, compassion and empathy; those elements are key to evoking change in the STEM industry and beyond.”

“Kindness is the greatest gift to give and to receive.” – Rachel Gerrol, CEO + Co-Founder of NEXUS

“We are so happy to be part of Born This Way’s #BeKind21 challenge. If there were more acts of kindness in the world, it would definitely be a better place. This challenge allows us to be more conscious of our actions and put good vibes into the world.” – Flexin’ In My Complexion

“Life is Good was first introduced to Born this Way Foundation when we attended their 2015 Emotion Revolution Summit. We knew instantly that it was the beginning of a long term partnership supporting emotional health and wellbeing within both of our communities. Our company has spent 26 years spreading the power of optimism and believe that kindness is an important value that can lead to a happy and fulfilling life. We are excited to continue our partnership through #BeKind21 to inspire people to choose kindness – towards themselves, others, and the world around them.” – Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder of Life is Good®

“Kindness is the most essential (and teachable) ingredient to heal a hurting world. But we must move beyond the one-off actions filled with confetti and convenience — we must cultivate habits of compassion that orient ourselves and our world toward justice, hope, and unrelenting love.” – Houston Kraft, Co-Founder of CharacterStrong

“The Lafayette Library and Learning Center, like all Libraries, provides a welcoming, kind, place for all ages, backgrounds, interests and abilities. Libraries provide free access to a world of knowledge, entertainment and adventure through the multiple resources they provide. Libraries build greater understanding, opportunity, compassion, and kindness for others and the world we live in.” – Sarah Blumenfeld, Development and Programs Director of Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation

“Kindness is an act of both humility and inspiration in order to uplift others.” – Jeff Washington, Hanson Bridgett LLP

“The Empowerment Initiative Lab at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln is thrilled to partner with Born This Way Foundation to spread kindness across Nebraska!” – Empowerment Initiative

“At Green Our Planet, we ‘grow’ kindness because school gardens naturally teach students to first be kind to the plants and animals in their gardens, then to each other, and, ultimately, to their planet and everything that lives on it. We are honored to be a part of #BeKind21 and will keep doing our part to spread kindness from garden to garden, school to school, and city to city!” – Kim MacQuarrie, Co-CEO of Green Our Planet

“The pandemic has exposed a critical need for greater kindness and inclusivity, and businesses have a role to play in continuing to foster these qualities within their organizations and the communities in which they serve. We’re proud to support the Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21, and hope it inspires others to lead the charge in putting kindness into practice.” – Marc DeCourcey, Senior Vice President of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

“We are excited to take part in Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 Challenge. Our goal for the #MaskPledge is to encourage universal mask-wearing. It’s a known fact that wearing a mask protects others more than the wearer. So wearing a mask is truly a gesture of kindness because it means you care about others. Wearing a mask should be at the top of everyone’s kindness list. The ability to save a life through this one act makes it one of the most extraordinary things we can do for others, and we need to take this responsibility to others seriously. There are so many ways to make the world a better place through kindness, and it’s why we love #BeKind21.” – Dr. Michael F. Chou, Founder of #MaskPledge + #DIYMaskChallenge

Sign up: #BeKind21

/ August 18, 2020

Pledge to #BeKind21

/ August 14, 2020

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#BeKind21 Press Release

LADY GAGA’S BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL “#BeKind21″ CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING KINDNESS AND COMPASSION

Sign up: #BeKind21

Pledge to #BeKind21