What is World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.A.E. World Kindness Day presents us with the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important and unifying human principles. On a day devoted to the positive potential of both large and small acts of kindness, try to promote and diffuse this crucial quality that brings people of every kind together. 

History of World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day was first introduced as a day of observation by the World Kindness Movement. In 2019, the organization was registered as an official NGO under Swiss law, but the history of the group stretches back to a Tokyo-based convention in 1997. An array of institutions and associations based in countries including Australia, Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom had been assembled at this conference because of their dedication to championing kindness in society. The initial configuration of the World Kindness Movement would form as a result of this event, with the written declaration of their inception stating their “pledge to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world.” In 1998, in pursuit of this aim, they would facilitate the launch of the inaugural World Kindness Day. 

The purpose of World Kindness Day as outlined by the World Kindness Movement is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” Since its creation more than two decades ago, the day has achieved truly global notice; events associated with the day have attracted participants from every inhabited continent. These have included activities such as concerts, dance mobs, and the distribution of “kindness cards.” 

While, at present, the day is one of unofficial observance, it remains the hope of the World Kindness Movement to attain official recognition status by the United Nations. Should the group be successful in their efforts, World Kindness Day would join the ranks of recognized days of observance such as International Day of Peace, Human Rights Day, and World Health Day.

Kindness Day was born when a collection of humanitarian groups came together on November 13, 1997, and made a “Declaration of Kindness”. Likewise, on Kindness Day everyone is encouraged to make a similar declaration. Donating books, food, or clothes to your local community is a great way to celebrate. However, pledging to commit just one act of kindness is no less worthwhile: hold the door open for a stranger, compliment your neighbor on their collection of garden gnomes, let your partner have control of the TV remote for the evening.

World Kindness Day History 

World Kindness Day first began as a day of observation by the World Kindness Movement. The organization was registered as an official NGO under Swiss law in 2019. However, the history of the group reaches right back to a Tokyo-based convention in 1997. A range of associations and institutions based in countries including Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States had been built at this conference because of their combined dedication to promoting kindness in society. The initial formation of the World Kindness Movement formed as a result of this event. The written declaration of their inception was created stating their “pledge to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world.” In the pursuit of this aim, in 1998, they would help to launch the inaugural World Kindness Day. 

The reason for World Kindness Day is detailed by the World Kindness Movement. “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” 

This day has become globally recognized since it’s creation more than two decades ago. The many events that take place on this day attract countless participants from all parts of the globe. This day is filled with kindness and activities like dance mobs, concerts, the distribution of kindness cards, and random acts of kindness such as paying for someone shopping or helping someone with their bags. 

While, at the moment, this day is an unofficial day, it remains the hope of the World Kindness Movement to achieve official recognition status by the United Nations. If they become successful in achieving this then they will join the well recognized HUman rights day, World health day, and International Day of Peace as a recognized day of observance. 

Kindness Day Stats

Children 

Bullying is something that is big in the U.S, with 1 in every 4 children experiencing bullying at school on a regular basis. This day is a fantastic way to teach our children to be kind to everyone, even if they are different, and it can also teach them to stand up to bullying when they witness it. It will turn them into brave kids and kind adults. 

Helps With Stress

Yes, that’s right been kind to others means you are less likely to be stressed. People who are kind all the time produce 23% less cortisol, the stress hormone. This means that people who practice kindness age much slower than the average population, because of lower stress levels, it really does pay to be kind. 

It’s A Day Of Unity 

Although this movement isn’t officially affiliated with a political or religious movement, over 28 nations now participate in World Kindness day. The movement is hoping that the day will get chosen by the UN to become an official holiday, at some point in the near future. 

Fun Facts About World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day began after the founding of the World Kindness Movement. It was their goal and hope to start a day that would be able to raise the awareness of the importance of kindness to as many people across the world as possible. Uniting people across the globe. 

The sole purpose of this day is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” It’s a day to learn, teach, and share your kindness with others. 

So, where does the word kindness come from? Its root originates from the Old English word “kyndnes,” which is a derivative from the Middle English word “kindenes,” which means “courtesy.”

Activities You Could Get Involved In On Kindness Day

The trend with this day is for you to commit around three random acts fo kindness to others. 

Some of the activities you could do include: 

• Giving compliments- Smile at strangers passing by, hold open a door, give up your seat on public transport, or compliment someone sincerely on something they have done or have changed such as wearing a new top or new hair cut. Even these small gestures are a nice way of showing kindness to others. 
• Give extra long hugs- Sometimes people just need that extra little bit of care, so if you give out any hugs today make them extra long and meaningful. Connections and kindness go hand-in-hand. You may find that some people wonder what’s got into you, but they will certainly appreciate it. 
• Write a love letter or poem- This is a great one for your significant other half. We can often take them for granted so show your kindness in a letter or poem. 

Why Everyone Loves World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day gives you the perfect opportunity to get creative with your ideas. There are many other days that also encourage people to take their efforts to the max, and this day is no different. Have a think in advance of what you would like to do to show your kindness and appreciation for others in a unique way. 

Many people are extremely focused on their own lives and can easily forget to take a moment to think about what others may need. However, doing something good for others can also be good for you too. It can be really fun planning and seeing the way that others appreciate your kindness. 

It is valuable for everyone to celebrate the benefits and kindness we derive from this core aspect of human nature. World Kindness Day can help to remind us that we aren’t alone in our lives, others are kind and care for us, and we certainly don’t live in a world where good doesn’t exist. 

There are many ways you can celebrate and join in with sharing kindness with others. Whether you share a smile when passing someone you don’t know, send someone some flowers, or simply give them an extra-long hug, however, you decide to celebrate remember that the best thing about Kindness Day is that it doesn’t cost a thing!