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Making Waves of Kindness

The meaning of making waves for our purpose is initiating change through kindness. Why “make waves” of kindness? Because when we stir up kindness, we change climates of rudeness and meanness into cultures of kindness and compassion where people thrive. For American Civility Association’s efforts, those climates are schools, and the people are our children and teens who deserve to thrive.

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Go Kindness!

Scientific studies have proven rudeness is contagious. Rudeness is also dangerous because it can escalate into violence, according to Dr. P.M. Forni, of the 10 years long Johns-Hopkins Civility Project. Thankfully, a study from the University of Florida demonstrates kindness is contagious, too. In fact, kindness spreads quickly, like the common cold. That’s really good news because in the battle between rudeness and kindness, kindness wins! Go kindness!

During the 12 years of implementing and piloting our American Civility Kindness Programs, we have witnessed thousands upon thousands of children and teens embracing kindness over rudeness, time and time again (educators too). Within just a few weeks, even the rudest behaviors begin to be replaced by kinder, more considerate actions.

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How to make Waves of Kindness at Home

• Do an act of kindness for your children to witness.
• Explain how it makes you feel happy inside to do something kind.
• Challenge your family to do an act of kindness either together or as individuals.
• Get together to talk about your kindness experiences and how doing them made you feel.

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Acts of Kindness Ideas

NOTE: Kindness is Good for Mental and Physical Health

Being kind boosts positive brain chemicals like, serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters give us feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Through fMRI studies we see the pleasure/reward centers of our brain light up. Endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain killer, also can be released. It’s a great reward to feel happy and well. Plus, our overall health is better, no matter our age.

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org › Living Well

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Click to register for a FUN FILLED MORNING

American Civility Association

4446-1A Hendricks Ave. Suite 250

Jacksonville, FL 32207

Discover more about our mission at americancivility.com or by reaching out to me directly at amyb@americancivility.org.
Thank you for being a beacon of kindness in a world that needs it more than ever.  With heartfelt gratitude,

Amy Barnett

American Civility Association