BeKind21 Press Release

LADY GAGA’S BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION AND MORE THAN 80 PARTNERS LAUNCH SECOND ANNUAL “21 DAYS TO BE KIND” CHALLENGE

#BeKind21 Campaign Calls on Participants to Practice Acts of Kindness for 21 Days This September

August 14, 2019 – Today, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation – with support from the City of Las Vegas, Miami Dade College, Deloitte LLP, Starbucks, UGG®/Deckers Brands, Winston & Strawn LLP, Chopt Creative Salad Co., and more than 80 other partners – announced the launch of its second annual 21 Days to Be Kind Challenge. The challenge encourages young people, families, employers, teachers, and community members to build habits that foster kindness and promote the strength and wellness of their communities.

Inspired by the idea that habits are formed by repeating an activity for 21 consecutive days, the campaign calls on participants to practice an act of kindness each day from September 1^st to September 21^st. Culminating on the U.N. International Day of Peace, the challenge invites schools and colleges to kick off the new school year by establishing kinder habits, and for corporate partners, nonprofit partners, and all other participants to head into the fall with a spirit of compassion and kindness across their organizations and in their communities.

Individuals who take the pledge and share their experience on social media using the hashtag #BeKind21 will be entered to win two tickets to an upcoming Lady Gaga show and various other prizes.

“We were overwhelmed by last year’s response to our #BeKind21 Challenge. This year, we hope to build on the excitement we saw from thousands of people and dozens of partner organizations,” said Cynthia Germanotta, co-founder, and president of Born This Way Foundation. “Kindness is a simple yet powerful practice. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to join us in establishing kinder habits and building a culture of kindness by putting it into action each day from September 1^stto September 21^st – being kind to your body, mind, and community.”

The challenge will launch with a kickoff event in Las Vegas, on Wednesday, August 14th hosted at City Hall. Partnering on the challenge are more than 80 schools, nonprofit organizations, government institutions, sports teams, corporations, and even a hit Broadway musical including:

A growing body of research has demonstrated the tangible benefits of kindness, for communities and for individuals. For example, according to a survey commissioned by Born This Way Foundation, young people who describe their environments as kind are also more likely to be mentally healthy. Performing acts of kindness has also been shown to boost reported levels of happiness, self-worth, and calmness while decreasing symptoms of depression.

Born This Way Foundation is grateful to have such committed and passionate partners supporting this year’s campaign.

“Kindness, equity, inclusion and love—for self and others—are pillars of UGG and Deckers Brands,” said Andrea O’Donnell, President, Fashion Lifestyle, Deckers Brands. “We are so proud to be a sponsor of Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 campaign as we join them in promoting a culture of kindness for all.”

“We are happy to be part of Born This Way’s “21 Days to Be Kind” challenge. At Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, we know that kindness is a choice; a choice we make not only every day, but every encounter with other people all day long. Kindness may not seem like the obvious answer to the increasingly violent rhetoric we experience in the world, but that is exactly what it is. It stands against what is demeaning in our common life. Our acts of kindness are the exact thing we need to combat the casual indifference to the easy inhumanity surrounding us,” said Meredith Walker, Co-Founder, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.

Participants are encouraged to pledge their participation in the 21 Days to Be Kind Challenge at www.bornthisway.foundation/bekind21. Participants who take the pledge will receive daily emails starting on Sept 1^st with exclusive kindness suggestions, tips, and inspiration from Born This Way Foundation’s co-founders and partners, and have a chance to be featured on ChannelKindness.org. Scroll for more information about Born This Way Foundation and full list of quotes from our partners.

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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 empower 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

“Kindness, equity, inclusion and love—for self and others—are pillars of UGG and Deckers Brands,” said Andrea O’Donnell, President, Fashion Lifestyle, Deckers Brands. “We are so proud to be a sponsor of Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 campaign as we join them in promoting a culture of kindness for all.”

“We are happy to be part of Born This Way’s ’21 Days to Be Kind’ challenge. At Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, we know that kindness is a choice; a choice we make not only every day, but every encounter with other people all day long. Kindness may not seem like the obvious answer to the increasingly violent rhetoric we experience in the world, but that is exactly what it is. It stands against what is demeaning in our common life. And our acts of kindness are the exact thing we need to combat our casual indifference to the easy inhumanity surrounding us.” – Meredith Walker, Co-Founder, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.

“The act of being kind may seem like a small gesture to some, but the payoff is great for all involved,” said Alex Cohen, president, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. “Being kind is free and easy and it lifts the spirit of the person doing the act of kindness as much as the person receiving it. We’re proud to support and join the #BeKind21 campaign and hope to continue to inspire others to pay it forward with our GIVE Bag. Give big, give often, give from the heart!”

“At a time when our young people need examples of compassion, caring and kindness, the BeKind21 challenge creates opportunities for everyone in Las Vegas to show that kindness lives here. The City of Las Vegas is happy to join with Born This Way Foundation to help increase caring and kindness in our community.” – Dr. Michael Maxwell, Acting Director for the Department of Youth Development and Social Innovation for the City of Las Vegas.

“With one in four of us experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition, if we don’t personally struggle then someone we care about does,” says Active Minds’ Founder and Executive Director, Alison Malmon. “Knowing that 67% of young adults will tell a friend they’re feeling suicidal before telling anyone else, it is so vital that we are all there for each other, showing kindness and compassion, and taking simple yet important steps to help a friend. Anytime we can show up for a friend, it is an expression of kindness that is so impactful.”

“In our Baldwin schools, we believe that a rigorous education program is essential to the success of our students. Equally important are good character traits, with kindness among them,” said Dr. Shari L. Camhi, Superintendent, Baldwin Union Free School District. “One of our district goals this year is to continue to integrate mindfulness and kindness into our school culture. We are excited to partner with Born This Way Foundation for the 21 Days to Be Kind Challenge to help drive these efforts and empower our students.”

“Military families rely on acts of kindness from civilian neighbors all the time,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, chief executive officer of Blue Star Families. “It’s how they thrive while serving our country. And that’s why we’re so honored to be part of Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 Campaign. Kindness, no matter how big or small, builds strong communities of support. ”

“The work of Born This Way Foundation to bring people together is truly commendable. Young people, especially, take their cue from each other – and #BeKind21 is a great reminder for all of us that better, more positive conversations about mental health really do add up to make a big difference in the world. Community Access is helping to spark these conversations too, including through our Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival. Joining forces with Born This Way Foundation promises to be both a lot of fun and a great source of inspiration.” – Jon Curtis, Director of Communications, Community Access.

“Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services partnered with Born This Way’s 21-day Kindness Challenge because kindness promotes mental health. Reaching out and helping someone is an act of kindness that is good for you as well as the person you touch.”

“At Girls Inc., we believe all young people deserve to grow up safe, respected, and valued. We are thrilled to join Born This Way Foundation’s #BeKind21 challenge and promote a kinder and more just society for all. Making kindness a daily practice is how we create a better world—it will help us to build communities in which we truly appreciate and provide support for one another.” – Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D., Girls Inc. President and CEO.

“Global Health Strategies is honored to partner with Born This Way Foundation on the #BeKind21 campaign. Mental health must be addressed on a local, national and global scale, and we are inspired by the foundation’s leadership on this issue – especially in terms of empowering young people. Cynthia, as the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Mental Health, and her daughter Lady Gaga have been extraordinary advocates for mental health and making our world kinder, braver and healthier – especially for those most vulnerable.” – David Gold, CEO, Global Health Strategies.

“Don’t let your age stop you from what you want to do. It’s just a number, so it won’t define your impact,” said Khloe, Founder of Khloe Kares. “I’m 12, and I’ve been doing community service since the age of 8. I started my charity that supports the homeless community. I knew I had to do something to make an impact. Now, four years later, I’m still helping those in need and teaching other kids how to be change-makers. It’s my passion.”

“The #BeKind21 campaign is an initiative that Lifeway fully supports as part of our mission, because we know it takes guts to spread kindness. We believe in the power of radical change through thoughtful, deliberate acts of positivity to ourselves and others. Scientifically supported research shows that performing acts of kindness can release oxytocin, the hormone that boosts your mood and makes you feel loved. In the effort to build a happier, healthier world, we encourage our community to participate, amplify and lift up #BeKind21 this September.”

“Acts of kindness make a lasting impression, and can literally change lives. Amid all the trauma, bullying, and hatred today, we need them – and the love they bring – more than ever.” – Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America.

“Kindness is contagious and an antidote to stigma,” said Angela Kimball, acting CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “We’re proud to join the “21 Days To Be Kind” Challenge because the impact of one person helping another person has an important ripple effect. Through kindness we can bring people together and build stronger relationships.”

“When we are kind to one another, we strengthen and enrich the community we live in,” said Dr. Lenore Rodicio, Executive Vice President and Provost of Miami Dade College. “At Miami Dade College we value kindness and inclusion, and we are proud to partner with Born This Way Foundation on this important initiative to be kind and create a meaningful conversation around mental health. It benefits us all.”

“To me, kindness feels like safety. Safety allows trauma to soften and makes space for authenticity and artistry to come through. Today, we need kindness more than ever. Even in the Musical Theatre Industry, which is often the first to respond to injustice and tragedy with kindness, empathy, and action, there is still so much room for improvement. That’s why we at Rock The Audition were so excited at the idea of joining forces with Born This Way Foundation for their 21-Day Kindness Challenge.” – Sheri Sanders, Pioneer, Rock The Audition!

“We are very excited to have storybooth working with Born This Way Foundation on their #BeKind21 Challenge and campaign. At its core, storybooth is about young people inspiring each other to be – and offering the world – the best versions of themselves. Through storybooth’s authentic storytelling and award-winning animation, we’ll be bringing a new element to this year’s challenge – a call for real stories from real teens that illustrate personal experiences with kindness and the tremendous impact it can have. We’re thrilled to join the cause alongside such an amazing organization and to inspire people to participate in the #BeKind21 Challenge in a unique, compelling way.” – Marcy Sinel, Co-founder, Storybooth.

“The Kindness Campaign (TKC) is honored to be partnering with Born This Way Foundation on their 21 Days To Be Kind Campaign,” said Andra Liemandt, Founder of The Kindness Campaign. “We believe starting the school year with this campaign solidifies the transformative power of kindness. TKC is on a mission to create societal change by teaching emotional awareness, empathy, community building, and most importantly, the development of a healthy self-image.”

“We can all be the person to make a difference in the life of someone in need around us,” said Betsy Schwartz, vice president for public education and strategic initiatives at the National Council for Behavioral Health. “Mental Health First Aid teaches people to identify and respond to mental health or substance use conditions and encourages daily acts of kindness and compassion to show support to those around us.”

“Safety has been a top priority for our school district and we’ve done a great amount of work enhancing our comprehensive approach to the safety of our school environment,” said Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan. “This school year, we’re going to expand that focus to emotional safety to ensure every student is known, loved and inspired. It’s important that all our students and staff know they belong here and feel safe. Born This Way Foundation’s 21 Days To Be Kind aligns beautifully with our work and we are honored to be a partner.”

“At the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, our mission is to help students become leaders for the greater good. This opportunity allows us to model the values of kindness, respect, and empathy that are essential to effective leadership.” – Dr. Michael McGuire, Professor, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University.

“We provide a safe, 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,” said Leslie Noel, President and Founding Artistic Director of The Peter Pan Foundation. “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 throughout the 21 Days to Be Kind and beyond.”

“The SPOT is grateful to be a part of such an inspirational campaign. Our hope is to challenge people to be kinder to themselves and to spread that kindness to their communities and beyond.” – Kimberly Snyder, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, The Spot.

“In a world full of rising intolerance, apathy, indifference, social exclusion, fear, gender-based violence, climate change and extremism, we believe that apart from catering to students’ academic needs, it is equally important to hone their social and emotional capabilities to nurture rational, empathetic and compassionate citizens. Encouraging them to be kind is one of the most effective ways of achieving this. To be kind is about giving without any expectations. It is difficult but yet scientific research shows kindness brings happiness and wellbeing to not only the recipient but also the provider. MGIEP has embarked on this kindness journey with the youth of the world to achieve the UN’s ambitious SDG agenda.” – Dr. Anantha Duraiappah, Director, UNESCO MGIEP.

“Well Being Trust is pleased to join our trusted partner in their #BeKindCampaign,” said Tyler Norris, MDiv, chief executive, Well Being Trust. “Everyone has been touched by suffering, and every one of us is essential to someone’s happiness. In playing our unique roles, we get to bring our pain, joy, lived experience, diversity, and, of course, kindness, as our greatest gifts to one another.”

“Youth Homes is thrilled to partner with Born This Way Foundation to promote kindness and well-being in our community. Creating the Be Kind 21 calendar with the foster and former foster youth in our programs was a collaborative exercise that helped build connections between them. It challenged the youth to think beyond themselves and they are now excited to perform the acts throughout September.” – Jessica Lo, Youth Homes Clinician.

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/ August 22, 2019

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/ June 3, 2019

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BeKind21 Press Release

LADY GAGA’S BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION AND MORE THAN 80 PARTNERS LAUNCH SECOND ANNUAL “21 DAYS TO BE KIND” CHALLENGE

Terms of Service

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!