Having fibromyalgia, depression, and Parkinsons, after a long time struggle to find my true self, I am committed to help others suffering to rise + shine! I am taking a creative writing class to confront PD , we share our stories in our community, letting others with PD know that they are not alone! Also, I started to lead improv classes for my people-laughter is the best medicine!

I left my motorcycle parked in a busy place with the keys in it. Hours later when I returned, a note was there. Someone had hidden the keys and left me a note telling me where they had left them, that they had called the police to notify me by phone and wishing me a happy day!

We are donating money for kids with rare diseases every month. Our little is a lot for someone else.

My son had the experience as an exchange student in Fukuoka and found two fantastic families who welcomed him as if he were a son with so much love and kindness ❤️ I thank them for opening the door of their home and their hearts to him.

Disability representation matters.

Anything is possible.

Queer representation matters.

With his passion for aviation and the industry’s inclusivity gap, Rushil founded Aviate International.

Here are 5 tips for how we can channel kindness, avoid harm, and empower ourselves and others on social apps!

As Faria says, advocacy and organizing can help one find the path toward healing and resilience.

Your self-worth is not determined by your mistakes in life, this mental health counselor says.

Girls’ stories matter. And they’re vital for our mental health, Malavika says.

Click to learn more about 8 Women Changemakers you should be following!

Losing his wallet on Good Friday morning in 2023 inspired Kevin to launch his nonprofit, Kindness Worldwide with a vision “to create a culture of kindness in communities throughout the world.”

25-year-old Leisha is working to advance menstrual equity with this grassroots movement.

It’s OK to take a mental health day. It’s OK to rest. Learn more about Uzi’s journey today.

The tangible nature of art provides a visual representation of one’s experiences, serving as a catalyst for introspection, insight, and ultimately, healing. Here’s how art helped Meera + how it can help you, too.

As you continue to take on your semester, Nikoletta suggests trying these methods to help you succeed!

BTWF Advisory Member Audrey reflects on a transformative day discussing mental health with other youth.

Make the moments with loved ones count.

How the bravery, kindness, and love of one’s culture can help support your mental health.

Here’s how Mariana is actively shaping a better Mexico—one with increased access, understanding, kindness, and empathy for those with mental illnesses.

Giving grace becomes a revolutionary act in a world that frequently thrives on criticism and judgment; it not only improves the lives of those receiving it but also helps to build a society that is more compassionate and harmonious. Learn more about how to give grace to yourself and others.

In this Channel Kindness Radio episode, Lela chats with her friend about recovering from addiction and how those struggling can find support

If you’re having trouble celebrating your birthday, check out these tips!

If you’re struggling with change, find inspiration and comfort in these videos.

Fear of missing out can significantly impact mental health – here’s some tips to help you through it!

Check out the ‘Teenage Handbook’ Contest and help create a digital collection about teen issues by teens for teens.

Through Afghan Girls Success Gate, Aman tirelessly works to provide educational opportunities for Afghan girls to pursue their studies abroad, opening doors to a world of possibilities beyond the borders of Afghanistan. Learn more about the nonprofit organization he founded alongside his siblings that provides education to girls deprived of learning opportunities.

Asher launched Voters2Be to educate key demographic communities of Generation Z about civic education, democracy and political issues, the importance of voting, and the history of voting rights. Through interactive teaching, Asher aims to inspire students to register to vote when they turn 18 and encourage their parents to vote.

Learn more about Kelli’s story, a journey through Autism Resilience. 

Research shows that climate change impacts our wellbeing. Here’s how to cope with the changes climate change brings.

Abdulquadri provides a heartfelt letter to those who are struggling with their mental health right now.

As a mental health counselor, Christie shares tips below to help you reap the benefits of therapy.

A decade ago, Mariana found her soulmate in her best friend and chosen sister. The concept of a soulmate extends far beyond romantic relationships, as their deep bond challenges outside perceptions of them. Mariana values the beauty and depth found in meaningful connections.

Custom woodworker Eric Miller created little wooden hearts, Infinite Love Hearts, as a pocket token of kindness to give to people who could use some kindness, appear marginalized, deserves gratitude, a thank you, or just need a smile. Since 2019 he and other Kindness Envoys have handed out over 72,000 Infinite Love Hearts to create ripples of kindness and pay kindness forward. He has also created kind art including BE KIND signs with the hearts on them as a reminder to ourselves and others.

I am a special education teacher of 20 years who lives in Roanoke, Virginia + am the author of Sammie the Salmon, a children’s book I wrote about my son who was born 3 months premature. His beautiful twin sister passed 11 days after birth. I became a special education teacher because of my awesome brother who had cerebral palsy. I saw how he was treated at times and it broke my heart as a child growing up. The Sammie the Salmon book raises awareness about people with special needs.

I started to write and send via FB gratitude messages to people, whom I appreciate, trust and love, saying, why I appreciate and am grateful of having them in my life! Who have been at my side during the super good and bad days and understand me with my chronic illnesses. WE laugh, cry, act, do grazy things together! When I saw the positive effect of my kind act, I felt so filled with happiness!

Check out the amazing work of conservation activist’s Jane Goodall’s nonprofit, Roots and Shoots, the Peace Day Challenge, and find out how you can get involved.

Social media can make us doomscroll, but there is good content out there if you can find it. Check out these seven black activists talking using their socials about their lived experience and advocating for change, and how to follow them right now.

Our own Emma Carroll shares her reflection of her own mental health on world mental health day and encourages you to break the silence.

A former nurse, our very own Susan Horrell shares her thoughts on her time in the profession and reflects back on experencing the COVID pandemic through the eyes of herself and other healthcare professionals, as well as offering addiional tips to say “thank you.”

Representation is impoortant. Find out how Matthew helped to create more LGBTQ+ representation on his college campus.

Technology can be used for good. Check out how Ssmsung is using their tech to help victims of domestic violence.

The Jared Box, named after a little boy who passed of childhood cancer is 2000, is honoring his memory by making kid-friendly boxes filled with toys for hospitalized children.

After losing a family member to suicide, the Notarianni family started running marathons to fundraise and increase awareness for domestic violence and abuse.

These three youth leaders from around the world share how we can all create kind, brave, and mentally safe spaces.

Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month!

High school and college students lead a powerful Ally Workshop, exceeding expectations and inspiring change in their community to Stand Together Against Racism

A kinder, braver discussion with Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta.

Here are three key actions you can do to make a significant impact in preventing suicide.

Hold on to hope.

Through cinema, Mariana was able to navigate her own mental health journey.

Caitie was somehow who meticulously planned out her life. Now, she’s learning to take life’s twists and turns as they come.

Rohan and Anya Satija founded Let’s Learn Foundation, a nonprofit that donates books and school supplies to underprivileged schools.

As Sophia navigates adulthood, she shares her thoughts on solitude, the enduring bond of friendship, and the art of self-discovery.

Learn how you can share the hair love today!

As her busy summer comes to an end, Khloe shares how she takes cares of her mental health!

Vaishnavi shares her appreciation for boy band BTS and how they’ve helped support her mental wellness.

Promoting mental health care is one of the most gratifying and kindest acts imaginable.

Meet the Mexican-American Founder Championing Change for Young Disabled People Around the World
Cripple Media Founder and mental health advocate Emily Flores shares her tips for kindness and wellness in the community.

Because you deserve care, attention, and love.

International Advisory Board members, Caitie and Malavika, talk about mental health stigma in their countries and the power of vulnerability.

This artist’s Infinity Rooms are actually a multi-dimensional reflection on mental health.

Here’s how you can help create change for the mental health and disability communities.

During a time when she was struggling to find joy, Kemi was able to find solace in stories.

As high school students, Audrey and Shruti share their tips for engaging in kindness toward themselves and others in such a competitive school environment.

Join Desmond in nurturing the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth!

Advisory Board member Vaishnavi shares more about her mental health journey and reminds you it’s OK to not be OK.

What is it like being a third-culture kid? Malavika shares what “home” means to her.

206 Second Graders in Brooklyn, NY come together to create a powerful anthem titled “Kindness is Beautiful.”

For people with chronic illness, mental health can be tied so closely to physical health. Here’s how you can help cope.

Our very own Dr. Claudia shares how and why we should let young people take the lead.

These high school students (and siblings!) are changing the world, one connection at a time.

A teen shares how high school debate and reading queer theory helped him through his journey of self-discovery and coming in touch with his sexuality.

Lela, a young Liberian medical student is helping families with her “Help a Mother and Newborn in Liberia” initiative that raised over $125,00 Liberian Dollars in donations.

I’ve never been able to say out loud that I’m bi, but the other day my friend said that she accepts me no matter what.

I fed a lost dog and gave him shelter during winter.

Kindness is a beautiful feeling. One of my past student shared this when recalling her childhood memories: When she suffered from trauma caused due to a cancer and lost her hair, her classmates cornered her. To help my students better understand her emotionally, I paired each of her classmates with her on a different day. I have forgotten but my student still remembers how I helped her classmates be kinder to her.

After Devin made history by being one of the few amateur photographers to make the cover of TIME Magazine, he started a GoFundMe to provide cameras for the youth in his community.

As a child, Ilwad fled war-torn Somalia. Twenty years later, Ilwad returned to her home country and is now responsible for designing and overseeing the peace and human rights programs at the nonprofit her parents founded in 1990, called Elman Peace.

In 2018, South Africa declared a national emergency – they were 3 months away from running out of municipal water. Three years later, South African city dams are 100 percent full.

Diligent grassroots efforts by the coalition No Border Wall Coalition (NBWC)  paved the way for the cancellation of unconstructed border wall contracts. Instead a binational park will be built in its place.

Afghanistan veteran Richard co-founded an organization called CreatiVets to help other veterans who are suffering with art and music.

Two pastors started justNeighbors, a way to walk side-by-side with the people of the neighborhood and show their love. During the pandemic, they continued to give by paying off the medical debt of dozens of community neighbors.

When Anisa was five years old, she fled Somalia with her family and received help from a pediatric clinic that primarily serves lower-income, immigrant, refugee, and minority populations. Two decades later, she now runs this clinic as its Director and as a doctor.

Gaia Amazonas, a Colombian non-profit, is training Indigenous young people to protect the land, animals, and culture of the Amazon rainforest.

As a trans man, I have been and still am constantly bullied by people in the workplace. Because of that, I’ve always felt as though I’ll never be good enough or man enough. I feel like I’m at a stand still in my life. I have reached out to a few LGBTQ teens that were in need and just needed someone to hear them. In doing so, I’m worried about my situation less and more focused on how I can help them.

Currently work as a Counseling Psychologist at Thailand’s National Mental Health Hotline. I always love to help people feel better about themselves. Lets spread love & kindness!

Dancing Through Parkinson’s is a class that is building confidence, community, and well-being through dance therapy.

Teviot Fairservis is the founder of Cat Beach Sanctuary – the coolest animal rescue in Penang, Malaysia where rescued cats receive loving care.

Nomusa Zikhali is a courageous primary school teacher fighting the poaching crisis in South Africa through the power of education! breakingtheirsilence.com/

“The class is more than learning how to cook for me…When I get out, just because I’m a felon doesn’t mean life is over.”

A touching story of one survivor’s resilience and healing after the trauma of bullying.

Tim Paule and Nicole Lindsey are transforming their community one hive at a time.

Give Cafe is a 100% plant-based restaurant giving 100% of its profits to local Indonesian charities!

Did you know that it is nearly impossible for tires to decompose? That means the first tire ever made is still out there. Watch how Indosole, “the world’s most ECO-nomical flip flop” is turning tire waste into shoes!

Dr. Pablo Davistos is changing lives one smile at a time in Quinto, Ecuador.

Isaac Chukwu Udeh is a contemporary Ghanian artist creating art with a positive impact.

This is the story of Judah – a Ghanian fashion designer who uses his hardships to uplift others.

The Portland Rehab Centre provides hope and healing to the people of Jamaica.

Santa’s not the only one with reindeer friends! Up in the Arctic Circle at Tromsø Arctic Reindeer, Johan Isak invites guests from all over the world to interact with the reindeer and experience the Sámi culture and traditions!

“You don’t owe me a thing. I’ve been there too. Someone once helped me out, just the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here’s what you do: don’t let the chain of love end with you.” For over 50 years, Thomas Weller has dedicated his life to rescuing people stranded on the side of the road. A hero of the highway – asking for nothing in return except that you continue to pay it forward.

If you ride BART, you may recognize this man! William Cromartie is a BART station agent who finds meaning through the simple act of saying hello.

Not only is Rogue Valley Farm To School working to put meals on the table for families in need, but they’re also increasing access to healthy food and supporting nutrition education programs!

Did you know that 1 in 4 families with children in the United States is struggling to put food on the table? When the Covid-19 pandemic hit Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, the community rallied to support farmers and feed families. Find out how Rogue Valley Farm To School is moving massive quantities of food directly to families in need.

Unidos Si Se Puede (United Yes We Can) is a non-profit organization in New York City helping low-income immigrant families eliminate barriers and engage with their community!

What started as a way to bring folks together who wanted to have fun and create has turned into a non-profit arts organization connecting the LGBTQ+ community of Cincinnati. Find them on social media to check out one of their shows if you’re a Cincinnati local or visit their website to find out how you can get involved.

We are proud to share the story of Cielo, a non-profit focused on supporting the Indigenous community in Los Angeles. Started by a mother and daughter, Cielo takes a human-centered approach to their work, understanding firsthand how hard it is to be socially and culturally isolated.

Groundwork Ohio River Valley is all about authenticity. They’re putting Cincinnati on the map by fighting for environmental justice and building green spaces in neighborhoods that are equitable and accessible for all!

Febby and Maggie are determined to finish their education, a goal that is complicated as they navigate the complexities of teen motherhood and a daily arduous trek to school through rural Malawi. Today, this goal has become more accessible through one initiative. World Bicycle Relief. Access to a bike means a shortened commute by an hour and a half, and showing up as an engaged participant in the classroom.

Lauren Singer shares her tips about going zero-waste and speaks about the benefits of sustainable living!

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people in Upstate, South Carolina. We envision a thriving Upstate, SC community where all LGBTQ+ people are strong, safe, and successful.

Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Center has empowered LGBTQ+ individuals through supportive services and awareness while aiming to be the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ+ individuals.

Our mission is to build a brave, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, non-judgemental, and visible space and community for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) youth, families, and allies in Southwest Colorado. We want to demystify stereotypes and empower through education.

Our organization was founded in 2017 with a focus on mental health and wellness for our LGBTQIA + BIPoC community. Our programming is CampSeen, which is a camp that brings our youth into nature, we have transeen, which focuses on transgender and non-binary people and their families, Black Pride Colorado, and our clinical program.

ALSO Youth is a local non-profit organization that empowers LGBTQ+ Youth and allies to create inclusive communities. We offer programming and counseling services to youth, and inclusiveness/diversity training to the community.

South Bay LGBTQ Center’s mission is to create spaces where all LGBTQ+/Queer people can thrive through cultural awareness, community building, community service, and learning opportunities. We hope to foster greater inclusion as well as an understanding of our LGBTQ+/Queer and other intersecting communities in the South Bay area.

We are a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to providing spaces and support for queer St. Louisans to thrive. Our mission is to serve and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community in the St. Louis MO-IL Metro Area and beyond—by providing an empathetic listening ear, safe and reliable connections to identity-affirming resources, as well as education and advocacy for queer St. Louisan needs.

We operate a Youth Group called Prism where LGBTQIA youth can meet other folks like them and work with certified counselors through high school. Having connections keeps queer kids in the south safe and alive and we believe it is important for supporting parents with LGBTQIA kids to have us as a resource and safe place to ask questions and get help making sure their kid not only survives but thrives during these crucial years of development.

Cake Society Co is dedicated to holistically empowering all bodies through a healthier and happier way of not only living but thriving. Our service is both inspired by and centered around the Black, Brown, Immigrant, Trans, and Gender-Expansive Community. Our goal is to increase the positive mental health impact of our community, through access to health, wellness, and fitness.

Founded in 1973, Pacific Center for Human Growth is the oldest LGBTQIA+ center in the Bay Area, the third oldest in the nation, and operates the only sliding-scale mental health clinic for LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC people and their families in Alameda County.

Shoals Diversity Center is the first and only LGBTQ Center in North Alabama located in Florence Alabama.  At Shoals Diversity Center we believe with absolute certainty that variety is a significant need for every person to experience love and connection in life.  Embracing diversity in gender, sexual orientation,  and ethnicity is vital to the future growth and contribution of our community and our entire society.

Open Arms began as a rape crisis center 30 years ago but added the LGBT+ program a few years ago. Our staff members provide services such as advocacy, peer counseling, support groups, crisis intervention, and resource and referral information to both victims of sexual violence and those in the LGBT+ community

Founded in 2015 by Mohamed Q. Amin in response to anti-LGBTQ+ hate in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, the Caribbean Equality Project (CEP) is a community-based organization that empowers, advocates for, and represents Black and Brown, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, and queer Caribbean immigrants in New York City.

Youth Outlook seeks to meet the ever-evolving needs of LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and communities. We offer 14 Drop-In Centers per week across 7 counties in northern IL as a social and recreational place for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 12-20, to find support and build community.

The mission of RPYA, to provide a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) youth is in direct alignment with the goals of the LGBTQ initiative to address health inequities.

Seacoast Outright serves, supports, and advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in the Greater Seacoast area of New Hampshire, southern Maine, and northeast Massachusetts. We host weekly youth groups, and a monthly parents support group, and partner with many other non-profit agencies to ensure our LGBTQ+ kids have access to mental health services, medical services, and mentorship.

Sam & Devorah Foundation was founded in 2016 to honor the memory of Sam Price, a trans woman who took her life while a student at Oberlin College. Our mission is to support trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth and young adults by creating safe spaces where they can connect, thrive, and be empowered.

First City Pride Center is an inclusive advocacy, social, and service organization actively working to meet the needs for safety, empowerment, education, and wellbeing of Greater Savannah’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Diversity Community Youth & Families Program, we take a communal approach to providing support to our youth and families. Through a partnership with local organizations, our families and young people will be able to develop a support system from within their own affirming community.

Positive Images is a grassroots nonprofit organization serving Sonoma County since 1990. They are proud to offer a warm, welcoming, and affirming environment for people of all ages to explore their individual identities, develop leadership skills, and contribute to our collective community.

To bridge the gap that leaves the LGBTQ+ community behind when it comes to equality that is equitable in education, social services, and human dignity in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC) founded in El Paso, TX in 2016, is the preeminent nonprofit that handles the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community not only in El Paso, but in a service range of 250 miles including two states, Texas and New Mexico, and two countries, the U.S. and Mexico.  Our mission is to create a community space in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed, asexual, agender, non-binary, pansexual (LGBTQ+) people and their allies can heal, grow, and empower themselves and others.

To encourage, assist, heal and empower our LGBTQIA+ community, through respect, advocacy, and passionate hearts to promote thriving in society.

Live Out Loud in partnership with families, schools and communities provide LGBTQ+ youth with role models, resources, and opportunities to help them discover their own voice and become leaders of change.

The Office of LGBTQ Resources supports and empowers students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions to strengthen and unite our Yale University community. We accomplish this through programs and services that promote community, education, and advocacy.

The Haus of McCoy is a community hub for queer and trans youth of Lawrence, KS. The need for community is now more important than ever. We strive to build a community that allows queer and trans youth to thrive, where they can be themselves, explore their passions, and be seen and valued for all that they are. We value a no-strings-attached giving model — giving that is immediate and agile to meet the ever-evolving needs of our most marginalized populations.

Naples Pride is a volunteer-based grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that started in 2017 with the mission to unite and empower the LGBTQ community of SWFL, to educate and foster social change and equality for all. As of October 2020, we also opened the Naples Pride Center, a safe, supportive space for the inclusive LGBTQ community to gather, unite, create change and get much-needed resources.

The mission of All Under One Roof LGBT Advocates of Southeastern Idaho is to affirm the diverse identities and lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people by promoting a safe and inclusive community that emphasizes respect for individuals, advocacy, education, and resources that promote cultural diversity, healthy living, and full achievement of personal potential.

Prism United serves LGBTQ youth in Southwest Alabama by providing in-person and virtual gatherings for preteens, teens, and parents of LGBTQ youth. Prism also provides referrals to affirming healthcare providers and LGBTQ cultural competency training to students, educators, clinicians, and nonprofit staff across the Lower Alabama community.

Coastal Bend Pride Center is a program of the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, a community health center that is the only area organization that provides LGBT+ affirming access to medical care, HIV services, mental health treatment, and social support programs.

Visuality, Inc. ( a community center without walls) was formed in 2011 when there was nothing in Lee County for the LGBTQ+ community. We created a 501C3 and Visuality enhances and sustains the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus communities and our allies by providing activities, programs, educational events, and services that create community, empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity.

The Montrose Center empowers our community—primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, Transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals and their families—to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We envision a healthier society marked by permanent, positive changes in attitudes and behaviors toward the LGBTQ+ communities, and the ability of all LGBTQ+ individuals to realize their fullest potential.

Stonewall Alliance of Chico is committed to cultivating a safe, open, inclusive environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ and ally community. Stonewall Alliance unites, strengthens, and affirms the community through support, resources, education, advocacy, and celebration.

We provide the community with a safe space to hold meetings, support groups, a lending library, events, and social interactions, and we provide resources that encourage advocacy, education, and entertainment.

LYG empowers QTBIPoC/LGBTQIA+ youth to grow into healthy and resilient leaders through community connection, life skills education, and social advocacy.

LGBT Detroit envisions a Michigan in which its citizens are treated fairly and equitably under the law and activate, amplify, and sustain LGBT+ culture, education, advocacy, and human rights.

Daniel G Wilson, creator of Festival Lingua Franca – Toronto’s only all-ages rock music festival featuring exclusively BIPOC musicians- is on a mission to break stereotypes.

There are bucket list locations that people all around the world want to see. But maybe the more impactful places we visit are less popular but more meaningful? Dharavi, India doesn’t typically make it onto the “must-see” list for visitors. But director Noa Iimura challenges these preconceptions with an intimate portrait of the local lifestyle through the eyes of selfless children. 

Millions of Americans face hunger every day, while extra produce rots on farms. These college students are changing that. And what started as a small project to see if a link between farms and food banks was even possible, became a project that is providing thousands of meals a week to communities in need.

Most people listen to music every day. But have you ever wondered about the music astronauts listen to in orbit? You may be surprised at how much music has been involved in NASA’s history. Discover rock music’s place in outer space!

Dharavi, India doesn’t typically make it onto the “must-see” list for visitors. But director Noa Iimura challenges these preconceptions with an intimate portrait of the local lifestyle through the eyes of selfless children. 

Founded by a trans man of color, I Am Human was created to empower the lives of LGBTQIA individuals. Our goal is to create a safe space for individuals who are homeless, living with HIV, and trans youth, with a focus on those who experience discrimination due to their lifestyle or gender identity. We aim to break the barriers with regard to the societal disparities in education, employment, healthcare, and housing.

Founded in 2017, the Salus Center serves Lansing’s LGBTQIA+ communities as a gathering space and information hub, and we advocate for the rights of our community members by honoring and affirming the interconnectedness of oppression. We empower you to build on the legacy of LGBTQIA+ activism and manifest a life that is authentic, safe, and full.

The mission of Akron AIDS is to broaden the network of caring organizations in the minority community; influence social norms that contribute to the prevention of HIV/AIDS, and increase advocacy for social services for people of color who are living with HIV/AIDS, and people who have suffered from sexual orientation stigma within the African American community.

SOJOURN provides social, educational, and leadership training to teens. We have a sex education program, SEX ED QUEERIES for teens and EveryBODY for 10-12 yrs.

We are a small yet mighty organization advocating for the rights of individuals who have experienced discrimination and for policies and ordinances that make our cities more inclusive. The Center offers support groups and safe zone training for the community. The Center is a conduit for change, support, and community building. We believe in treating our community and allies with dignity, patience, and respect.

Youth Pride, Inc. is the only nonprofit in the state of RI that specifically serves LGBTQ+ youth through a variety of programs and services. These programs and services include support groups, social groups, individual counseling, case management, access to our Basic Needs Pantry, and more. All programs and services are free to our youth. We consider youth anyone 23 or younger.

Heartland Equality was founded after 5 friends put together the first-ever Western Kentucky Pride Festival in 2019. We realized that there was a huge need for sober safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Western Kentucky. Since 2019 we have developed over 15 programs for the community in the 26 counties we serve. Our Youth, Trans, and Trans-Youth groups are the backbone of our agency making sure that everyone is supported, included, and affirmed.

The Frederick Center exists to support and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people and our families so we thrive, accepted, and affirmed, in the broader Frederick community. We achieve this mission through support programs, advocacy efforts, networking events, resource assistance, and providing opportunities for upward mobility.

Our goal is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning population of Bay County by providing activities, programs, and services that create community; empower community members; provide essential resources; advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support LGBTQ cultural diversity.

Founded in 2017, Transinclusive Group is a Trans-led non-profit organization that advocates to protect and defend equality for Transgender and all LGBTQ+ individuals by building trust and relationships with community providers to end discrimination, stigma, and racial disparities to address social determinants of health.

The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Inc. (GEAE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the region’s LGBTQ+ community and its straight allies through educational programs, social events, and opportunities for service, which are designed to strengthen our voice and improve the quality of life in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Our mission is to create a world in which all LGBTQIA+ youth are supported to reach their fullest potential. We cultivate Resilience, Compassion, and Confidence in the youth community and engage in intersectional and intergenerational dialogue with a particular focus on Gender & Racial Justice. 

The Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center is an open affirming environment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identity expressions. We empower our community through education, advocacy, and collaborative networking. We strive to be Western Montana’s voice for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

We Are Family (WAF) is a Southern grassroots community-based organization founded in 1995, and is the oldest LGBTQI+ serving nonprofit in the state of South Carolina that supports queer, trans, and ally young people. WAF cultivates affirming spaces for LGBTQI+ and ally youth by providing direct services, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities that have a lasting and measurable impact.

We offer support to the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society by giving them the necessary help to strengthen their community and family environment. Waves Ahead manage SAGE Puerto Rico and its LGBT + Senior Community Center. Sage Puerto Rico is a subsidiary of Sage USA, which provides advocacy and services for LGBT+ older adults.

Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, Inc. is dedicated to affirming acceptance between diverse groups of people, raising awareness in our community of the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Questioning, Queer, Asexual, and Allied (LGBTQA) people through support, education, and community outreach on the issues of diversity.

Uplift places an important emphasis on mental health therapy. Since we are the only safe space of our kind in the Upstate of South Carolina we have youth in several other counties in the Upstate of South Carolina we hope to one day get the funding for all of our youth who are in those counties to receive free mental health care also!

TransNewYork’s mission is to educate, empower, and enhance the lives of Transgender, Gender Non-conforming, and Non-binary Individuals globally through advocacy, community visibility, human and social services, advanced knowledge, and lifelong learning development of self.

TREES, Inc is an education-focused nonprofit working to build inclusive communities.  We use education and resource building to help community members improve their communication skills as it relates to gender-diverse people.

TAA was created to help transgender folx in South Carolina get name and gender marker changes. We have evolved and added other programming, specifically focused now on safe housing.

Transcend Charlotte provides free mental health, social and social support services to transgender, gender diverse, and gender questioning youth and adults (18±) in the Charlotte-metropolitan area. We provide name change workshops, case management, peer support groups, and more.

TransFamily Support Services was founded to support trans youth and their families through their journey with gender. We are working towards creating a society where everyone is affirmed in their gender at any age.

Our mission is to support and empower transgender youth, young adults and their families while educating the state of South Dakota and surrounding communities about gender identity and gender expression.

Every day, The Network is dedicated to building and maintaining a comprehensive support network for LGBTQ individuals and families across the age spectrum, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable within the LGBTQ+ community: LGBTQ+ youth, transgender and nonbinary individuals, and older adults.

Art students Hung I-chen, Guo Yi-hui, and Cheng Yu-ti collected polluted water from 100 locations in Taiwan + preserved their creations in polyester resin. The project is intended to spread awareness about water pollution.

Thanks to the advice and mentorship from a health services teacher, Krista – a high school student who spent a large amount of time in the foster system – was empowered to go to college.

Disability advocate Rachel Kolb shares her experiences being deaf and how we can all live in a more inclusive world.

For some people with disabilities, surfing and enjoying the water can be difficult. Operation Beach Head provides adventurous and safe sports for individuals with disabilities, making sure that all ocean-lovers can surf. 

No Limits for Deaf Children helps deaf and hard of hearing students learn with confidence in a fun and creative setting. This non-profit proves that with the right support children can do anything, sometimes even proving their own teachers wrong.

A community of young people come together to learn Muay Thai, a national sport and martial art, also known as Thai boxing. Alto Peru is transforming the lives of children in Chorrillos.

Step inside the Intention Room at Roosevelt High School – a safe space that aims to reshape school culture into a healing space – where students feel loved, encouraged, and empowered.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Brian Taylor traveled across the country, offering free grooming services to struggling pet parents and connecting people through the love of dogs.  

At the Italian Home for Children in Massachusetts, music specialist Joel Sindelar volunteers his time helping kids reconnect with curiosity and joy through music.

Troubled by the rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the pandemic, Maki’ilei Ishihara created “Poi Dog,” an animated video poem celebrating multiracial heritage. 

These volunteers completed the world’s largest meditation hall – named Heartfulnesss –  in only four days. Despite having no supervisor, set schedule, nor wages, this group of young people proved that when people find fulfillment in giving, everyone gains. 

As members of the AAPI community are being violently attacked due to racism and xenophobia, Moonlynn Tsai, as co-owner of Malaysian restaurant Kopitiam, decided to use her restaurant as an anchor for “Heart of Dinner,” a community relief effort to provide meals and provisions to elderly in the neighborhood.

After being caught in a crab trap, Winter the dolphin lost her tail and was taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she was fitted with a silicone and plastic tail that enabled her to swim normally. Her story inspired the movie “Dolphine Tale”!

Visionary John Hardy dedicated his life to a revolutionary project – The Green School, the largest eco-infrastructure in the world. With a tailor-made campus that emerged from the jungle, it has grown to 400 students and an inspiring example of education for sustainability.

Allison “The Youthpreneur” James founded Girls: Live, Love, Laugh, an organization that supports girls’ lives by removing some of the obstacles that may stand in their way, so that the can become successful, productive and happy women in society.

The Human Rights Alliance produces the annual PRIDE celebration for Santa Fe, NM, and is in the process of expanding its services by partnering with the Community College to open and LGBTQIA+ center in Santa Fe.

The GLO Center is the oldest LGBTQIA+ center in Missouri, established in 1996, and its mission is the serve the lgbtqia+ community in the Ozarks through support, resources, education, and advocacy to create a more inclusive environment where all can thrive.

Our LGTBQ+ resource center offers a variety of services, including social support groups, LGBTQ+ affirming professional training, special events, an in-house affirming therapist, community connections, and much more. We work to provide a wide array of programming to provide connections and resources to all members of our community.

We read books to youth ages 5-13, that help to inspire Inclusivity, Diversity, Empathy, Self Love, Confidence, Self Worth, Cultures, and the value of differing family make-ups. We want to instill open-mindedness and hearts to youth to hopefully eliminate Bullying, Biases, and Bigotry; to future generations.

The Equality Crew was founded in April 2021 by a 14-year-old transgender Arkansan, Phoenix May, who realized there are tons of organizations that support LGBTQ+ adults but very few focused on kids. Instead of waiting for it to happen, Phoenix decided to take it into his own hands because he believes that everyone deserves to live in a world that is equal.

The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection’s mission is to create spaces for connection, community, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people, our allies, and our neighbors. They are the leader in the Seven Rivers Region in bringing pride, equity, and social justice to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Our mission is to provide a safe, affirming space to learn, grow, build community, and access support and resources.  We provide community resources, like a curated library, a gender-affirming healthcare provider list, a closet with free clothing for LGBTQ+ folks in need, and supportive programming and activities for LGBTQ+ youth, parents, and transgender and non-binary adults.

Sussex Pride is a new organization working to support, celebrate, and strengthen the LGBTQ Community in Sussex County and the state of Delaware.  We are a diverse group of individuals from across the county.

We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free counseling services to the LGBTQI+ community and much more. Currently, we have 5 pro bono slots, and as we grow, we would like to be able to have all slots at no charge to the client.

Stand with Trans empowers and supports transgender youth and their loved ones. In our work, we strive to create a future where trans youth can thrive and live authentically. Our vision is a world where gender-diverse youth are validated and celebrated.

Shenandoah LGBTQ Center: Our vision is to build an inclusive rural Shenandoah Valley where our LGBTQ+ community can thrive. The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center is a community-based organization that strengthens the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, education, programs, and safe spaces.

The Rainbow Rose Center fosters an environment of inclusion, equity, and health where all LGBTQIA+ community members thrive in York County, Pennsylvania. We envision an inclusive community where all York County individuals feel safe and welcome in their everyday lives.

Rainbow Families supports, educates and connects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) families, parents and prospective parents by offering a wide variety of education programs, support groups, opportunities to connect and more.

Qweerty Gamers provides a productive platform for people to connect & learn from each other while playing video games. Our platform provides unique perspectives of LGBTQIA+ Gamers, microgrants for content creators & game developers with a passion for more diversity in video games, & a medium for individuals and creators to share their experiences, accomplishments, & expertise.

Queer Family Planning Project (QFPP) is a small nonprofit organization that provides mini-grants to LGBTQIA+ families and/or individuals to build their families through IUI/IVF, adoption, and surrogacy. For trans men, we will help cover the costs to freeze eggs. We are 100% volunteer run and all our funding comes from public donations.

QSpot fosters the health, well-being, and pride of New Jersey’s LGBT and allied community by providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach.  QSpot works tirelessly to fulfill its mission while operating a safe and welcoming LGBT community center in Asbury Park, NJ.

We are a leading resource in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area for shelter and support services that improve the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and beyond (LGBTQIA+) youth who are experiencing homelessness.

Our mission: To expand awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal.

PRISM is an LGBT non-profit organization that works to expand access to LGBT-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida. PRISM lives where more and more young people turn to for information: online.

The purpose of the Pride Community Center is to educate the public about sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, advocate for civil rights under the law and social equality for the Community, and provide resources like cultural services, emotional support, mental health services, health information and avenues for personal growth to enhance self-esteem.

Pride Center West Texas provides youth programming (including the area’s first and only weekly queer youth group and youth center) aimed at supporting kids in surviving and thriving as they live in our state with the highest gay and lesbian suicide rate in the country (Report on Suicide and Suicide Prevention in Texas, 2020).

Pride Center San Antonio serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV communities by connecting them and their families to community resources like free mental health services, peer support groups, case management, counseling, and group therapies.

Our center provides essential support to the LGBTQIAP+ community where little or none was previously available to address a wide range of needs from health education, legal name changes, resource access, and more.

The mission of Pride Center of New Jersey is to provide a safe and welcoming space for all individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ to find support, educational tools, health and education resources, and social opportunities within a community of acceptance.

Pomona Pride Center was created to do more around providing resources, socials, and programs for the LGBTQIA community. We work to empower the community by finding and creating safe spaces, advancing educational and art programs as well as advocacy.

OutCenter Southwest Michigan’s mission statement is to provide support and advocacy for respect, understanding, and nondiscrimination for LGBTQ+ people and their families in Southwest Michigan.

Our mission is to serve as a bridge that promotes education, advocacy, and social justice for all LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Western Pennsylvania. We strive for this through our vision to cultivate a more collaborative, diverse, just, and empowered community.

Out On The Lakeshore is the only LGBTQ+ charity organization in the Greater Holland, Michigan area, serving approximately 3 counties along Michigan’s western lakeshore. OOTL provides support, social programming, special events, and community education for the local LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

We serve more than 30 communities in the MetroWest Boston area, with close to 20 programs each month for LGBTQ+ children and youth from PreK through high school. We also offer educational workshops for community organizations looking to be more inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ youth.

Out in the Open connects rural LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge, and power. We are guided by strong organizational values like Celebrating Resistance, Seeking Joy, Working for Racial Justice, and Affirming that Rural Can be and is Queer.

Our largest current program is Lion House, which provides emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and transitional housing to LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and families in the Kansas City metro area.

Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) and its chapters provide a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth in Central Florida, while offering weekly peer-to-peer support & mentoring group for LGBTQ youth in Central Florida.

Within less than two years we’ve developed training programs, housing, peer support groups, plus more. We’ve met the needs of the LGBTQ communities in 6 counties surrounding Onslow County and look forward to providing more support by the end of 2023.

With the collective power of LGBTQ+ serving nonprofits, we co-locate partners and work collaboratively to provide enriching programming and deliver culturally responsive care through place-based community development.

We envision a world where queer youth are free to explore, discover, develop, and express their true, authentic selves without fear and with the love and support of a diverse community of peers and adult role models.

Laura Janney, a mother of a gay son, started Muncie OUTreach 10 years ago to help youth feel less isolated. Indiana is a red state and part of the bible belt and there are very few organizations to support LGBTQ+ youth. We have a high rate of suicide attempts and a long wait for therapy. We feel that peer support helps to create community and build self-confidence.

Building and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Modesto and the Central Valley through education, outreach, and advocacy.

Through our center, we host support groups, supply emergency food, hygiene products, masks & clothing, facilitate community education, provide senior services, host sexual wellness workshops, offer mental health support, and accommodate community gatherings for progressive groups.

MCAC provides state-wide virtual supportive programming as well as in-person programs that include drop-in hours, safer sex/health and wellness workshops, special events like Prom and Summer Camp, crisis services, free HIV/STI testing, and state-wide resources.

Love on a Mission is a nonprofit organization creating a safe place for LGBTQIA+ youth in our community to feel unconditionally loved and accepted for being their authentic selves. Our goal is to have our own facility and also have available an emergency bed shelter for those that find themselves homeless after coming out to their families.

Louisville Pride Foundation celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and advances equity and representation for all people. We produce the Louisville Pride Festival and manage the Louisville Pride Center.

Since receiving our non-profit status, we have been building on the momentum that has propelled us into new avenues of service to our community.  This has included the forming of support groups, monthly social events, developing an Ally Directory, and expanding Pride month celebrations.

Our mission is to strengthen and empower all youth, however they identify, to overcome obstacles by providing housing, supportive counseling, community education, and advocacy.

LGBTQ+‌ ‌Center‌ ‌Lake‌ ‌County‌ ‌is‌ ‌dedicated‌ ‌to‌ ‌providing‌ ‌space,‌ ‌diverse‌ ‌programming,‌ ‌and‌ ‌cultural‌ ‌activities‌ ‌in‌ ‌an‌ ‌affirming,‌ ‌compassionate,‌ ‌and‌ ‌safe‌ ‌environment‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌greater‌ ‌Lake‌ ‌County‌ ‌area.‌ ‌

Our mission is to provide safe and brave spaces for the social and personal development of LGBTQ youth. Our physical and virtual programs offer hope in the lives of each youth served.

Our mission is to serve LGBTQ+ elders, youth, and everyone in between. We offer programming, advocacy, and outreach for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies in southeastern North Carolina. We work for a future where all of us are healthy, happy, and thriving.

The University of North Florida LGBTQ Center envisions a university where all people are fully included and affirmed, and where justice, equality, and respect prevail.

The LGBT Center of Greater Reading provides free counseling services, support/social groups, care coordination, food pantry access, warm meals, emergency relief funding (name changes, rent, etc), professional development, workforce development, and drop-in hours. We have the goal that all may live a life of fulfillment, inclusion, and celebration.

We envision a world free of marginalization where all LGBTQIA+ people are free to be who they are and love who they love. The organization was founded in 1977 by a group of young college students who were not allowed to hold same-sex activities on the University of Kentucky campus. In reaction, they started a grass-roots organization to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ people in Central Kentucky.

We provide resources and create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community in the KC metro. We have regular programming including three support groups, a monthly book group, social events, educational events, and an LGBTQIA+ makers marketplace.

The mission of the Institute for LGBT Health and Wellbeing is to serve as a conduit for education, wellness, training, and research.

Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center offers an array of services, such as substance abuse education and prevention, transgender support services, domestic violence classes, LGBT competency training, youth activities, support for loved ones of LGBTQ+, mental illness support groups, HIV counseling, and testing, and much more.

Henderson Equality Center is a community-supported organization to engage, empower, enrich, and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, allies, and queer community of Henderson, NV by providing a safe space, pursuing resources, and providing courses focus on educational, social, support, skill building, and job assistance classes for at-risk, low-income LGBTQ youth and adults.

We create safe spaces for our community to connect with one another, to learn, share and advocate for one another, and for the larger LGBTQIA+ community.

We offer the community a food pantry, a pet food pantry, personal care items, household cleaning items, and a free little pantry.  We are also the only organization that delivers food to those that can’t make it to a pantry.  We offer resources, a free little library, and community space.

Our facility offers a variety of resources including a free lending library, meeting spaces for LGBT-supportive groups, and a directory of LGBT-friendly businesses, organizations, and counselors while also serving as the headquarters for the South Carolina Pride Movement.

Great Lakes Bay Pride’s mission is to provide sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) education, advocacy, networking, and resources to individuals and organizations in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region.

GenderNexus is bringing transgender and nonbinary communities together across Indiana to foster a community that is healthy, informed, and empowered.

We build platforms for Queer and Trans folk to thrive, with young folk helping with programming, ensuring there is something for everyone at the table.

EDGE New Jersey ( End Discrimination. Gain Equality) is a non profit organization founded in 1994 to address the needs of the HIV+ communities in New Jersey.

Our mission is to empower transgender people while building community and advocating for social justice by providing supportive services and mutual aid.

Founded in 2014, Diversity Collective Ventura County is the only nonprofit in our County that is solely dedicated to sourcing and resourcing the LGBTQ+ community.

Colors+ was established in  2018 for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 19 and under to ensure that all programs are overseen or run by mental health professionals.

CoastPride is an organization created by our local community in San Mateo County to improve the support, visibility and awareness of LGBTQ individuals and families in coastal communities.

Clock, Inc’s purpose is to provide a non-judgmental, safe and reliable community center for LGBT+ individuals, to reduce any feelings of discrimination or isolation.

We are working toward our goal to open a center that is fully inclusive and offers a safe space for youth to come after school and on the weekends.

We empower individuals and communities by providing safe and inclusive environments that promote self-determination, resilience, wellness, and a sense of community.

Working to promote equality, safety, and quality of life for western North Carolina’s LGBTQ+ and allied communities.

Creating community through our activist center, educational bridge, & safe-space for our LGBTQIA youth, intersectional families, & all our marginalized folx.

ARAY creates a space where LGBTQ+ youth can be their authentic selves, make friends, get resources, grow as leaders, and be celebrated for every facet of who they are.

Paying for groceries of elderly and those in need at the supermarket.

Despite the war in Ukraine, Ukranian-based Yulia Kosareva has kept her small business of creating custom pet portraits open. Yulia sends as much of her Etsy profits as she can to a family of volunteers organizing humanitarian aid in Kharkov who risk their lives distributing food, medicines, and essentials.

After some very heavy showers damaged Oroville’s most prominent dam, hundreds had to leave the area due to flooding. The neighborhing city of Woodland began to help evacuees establish shelter. Shortly after, families throughout the community began to welcome the evacuees in addition to donating items such as diapers for babies and food for animals.

High school student Jessica Goldberg co-founded the nonprofit Performing for Pencils to provide local youth-in-need with basic school supplies.

Jason was born with a rare congenital spinal disorder that made him unable to walk unassisted. In 4th grade, his peers decided to hold fundraisers to buy him a racing wheelchair to fufill his dream of  “running” Utica New York’s Boilermaker. Now, his family has decided to “pay it forward” with a nonprofit committed to providing adaptive sporting equipment to children with physical disabilities or challenges.

Theresa shares her selfies to promote body diversity and encourage other teens to be comfortable with their bodies.

Massachusetts’ Point Neighborhood came together to help clean up the Peabody Street Park. Around 100 people attended and in total they picked up 400 pounds of trash!

Pruitt opened The Vine – his very own restaurant – at the tender age of 22 and has helped raise $10,000 for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, which used the money to feed 60,000 people.

To help combat bullying online, Hack Harassment, works on creating solutions that empower students to be kind online and speak out against harrassmnet.

After a terrible skiing accident left her paralyzed, Kelly founded the Kelly Brush Foundation, a foundation which helps athletes with paralysis purchase adaptive sports equipment.

Sharon created a non-profit organization in 2010 called Community Outreach Training Center, for she saw a need in the community to help the less fortunate youth and their families. The organization is aimed towards the homeless population, very low to moderate income families, and those seeking employment and career development.

Creatively WILD Art Studio provides various art programs, including art classes for youth ages 5 to 17. The art studio envisions an inclusive, love-driven community that values creative education as an integral part of the academic and personal development of its youth.

“When I went to college and met other queer people like me, my eyes were almost immediately opened to these spaces. I can vividly remember the first time I rose from the escalator during Pride in my city, being greeted with the warm sun on my face, rainbows in the air, and glitter floating by. It was in these moments that I realized it was okay to be me.” – Matthew

Domestic Harmony Foundation, “a community-based organization committed to promoting peace, safety, and harmony in families by providing support and guidance,” provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence coming from South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds.

Thrasher Magazine’s Skateboarder of the Year, Brian Anderson, bravely told Vice Sports: “Hi, I’m Brian Anderson, and we’re here to talk about the fact that I’m gay.” Though Brian he feared coming out would hurt his career, he’s glad he did and he now encourages others to express themselves confidently and passionately.

A banner that read “Make Kindness Contagious” transmitted a vision for Mayor Tom Tait, inspiring him to run for mayor of Anaheim, California, on a platform of kindness. Establishing kindness as fundamental to the city’s operations, he made it his mission to heal the city from within. And he won.

Jenna lost her best friend, Kennedy, in 2014 due to suicide. In her honor, Jenna, and her friends created t-shirts to help spread mental health awareness and donate money to The American Suicide Foundation.

L.A. Pride created #OwnYourPride hashtag campaign to share love through the screen! It’s a simple means of expressing acceptance, compassion, and self-love.

Kids’ Food Basket, a nonprofit organization serving nearly 7,500 kids each weekday in West Michigan, works to empower communities by attacking childhood hunger, so that young people can learn and live well

When she was a junior in high school, Melissa started volunteering at Call2Talk, a confidential mental health and emotional support call line that provides a safe place to talk to anyone going through a hard time in their lives.

Alex advocates against bullying in schools and has been developing an anti-bullying curriculum to be used in schools across his country! “At the end of each lecture, I launched a challenge called “Seja Gentil” which consisted of taking a selfie, with a motivating message, and posting it on social media to create a culture of kindness.”

Although he faces difficulties himself and has limited mobility, that hasn’t stopped Joshua from helping his community.  In looking for a purpose in his life, he has identified causes he can contribute to and use his abilities of compassion, motivation, and perseverance. He recently completed a “sock-a-thon,” collecting socks for Calvary Chapel Antelope Valley’s Abound Ministry which serves the local homeless population.

“During my sophomore year in high school, my friends, our community, and I created the Teen Life in Healthier Delray Beach Club with the goal of promoting mental health awareness in our school community.”  – Kenesha

Ali and Raegan are founders of Sound Board NYC where they conduct free workshops in music, poetry, rap, hip hop, and songwriting aimed to provide an artistic outlet for youth.

In order to help provide for those in need, Beatrice collects used glasses and donates them. Every few weeks, Beatrice takes these boxes of donated glasses to organizations that refurbish them to be reused in other countries, such as Lions Club International, Doctors Without Borders, and the University of California Berkeley.

A Safe Place Lake County works to provide a “continuum of care” to those affected by domestic violence. This ensures that victims receive comprehensive services for not only themselves but also for their children.

As the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign – the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in America –  history, urgency, and authenticity play a large role in Sarah’s life. The foundation of the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) mission is to achieve true lived equality + advocates for the LGBTQ+  community.

“As the youngest child, who happens to have Down syndrome, I saw how hard my mom worked to make sure that my speaking skills and physical abilities were the best they could be.With the skills she has taught me, I have been able to dream big dreams. She embraced and encouraged my dreams.”-Hanna

Joy Daguiso works to advocate for mental health with the Flourish Circle, an initiative started by a community of peers that aim to provide a safe and affirming space where people can feel listened to, supported, and accepted.

Teens Aanand and Rohan cofounded a nonprofit called Magical Motors aimed to create accessible toys for children with developmental disabilities.

The star of the the 2011 film Dolphin Tale – Winter the Dolphin – has served as an inspiration for entire communities. After being caught in a crab trap, Winter lost her tail and was taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she was fitted with a silicone and plastic tail that enabled her to swim normally.

Known as “The Kindness Guy,” Leon travels the world spreading kindness to strangers. His inspiration? When he was bullied in school, a kid he had never met before invited him to sit with him at lunch. That act of kindness changed everything.

YHELP! – a nonprofit that empowers youth to take control of their mental health – developed the YHELP! ARTS program, which consists of weekly lesson plans, workshops, and collaborative projects that help teens with their self-esteem building, coping skills, and goal setting.

Lauren Singer – an environmental activist who fit five years of trash into a single 16 oz jar – encourages others to live a zero-waste life.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Lauren – a Texas native – describes how her community pulled together to help one another rebuild, gain faith, and provide for one another.

Jeremiah understood how big of an issue bullying was in his school + wanted to be there to help his peers. He soon created an anonymous Twitter account called @WestHighBros which he utilized to send out compliments to his fellow peers + encourage kindness.

Erika Page has been living with vitiligo – Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease – since she was seven years old.  After twenty years of living with the condition, Erika decided to share her story on her blog, Living Dapped. Since then, Living Dappled has grown to be a collective voice of girls and women with vitiligo, featuring guest bloggers and multiple perspectives. The blog has been able to inspire other girls with vitiligo who need support and community.

Tom Golisano helped support the Special Olympic’s new initiative called Healthy Communities, a program designed to increase the access to health care in local communities that athletes live in today. “I try to be kind in less visible ways,” Tom said. “My son, who is now an adult, has a developmental disability, and he has taught me that it’s important to treat everyone with respect and kindness.”

Tia helps start a summer performing arts camp called PATAsphere, whose mission is to provide all children with a safe, accepting, supportive, and engaging learning environment, and additionally trains them in the performing arts. We teach children ages 7 to 18 years old how to apply biomechanical knowledge about the voice, physical movement, and emotional expression into performance

Cassidy is part of a mental health committee at her school called Project Aware to raise awareness of mental health issues and, ideally, help end the stigma around mental health. This committee has helped planned a Mental Health Awareness Day and has even hosted an assembly with Kevin Hines, one of the few people to ever jump off of the Gold Gate Bridge and survive.

Courtney Boyce took a hobby to a whole new level and started “Mesa Gilbert Rocks,” a rocking group where members decorate rocks with various messages and designs. They hide these decorated rocks in various locations, with the mission to brighten someone’s day.

Eager students at the University of Rochester volunteer for Refugees Helping Refugees (RHR), a non-profit dedicated to providing social services, such as vocational training, English classes, healthy living programs, and legal counseling for the city’s adult refugee community.

High schooler Heather founded Youth for Troops, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is focused on celebrating the service of our nation’s veterans. Through various service projects such as visiting nursing homes, assembling care packages for active troops, holding flags during honor flights, and marching in local parades, the Youth For Troops team is filled with passionate, dedicated, and driven young people who aspire to make a difference.

Cornerstone Family Programs, a 200-year-old nonprofit agency, provides resources to help empower people to meet + overcome life’s challenges.  “Together we impact the lives of over 6,000 people. We believe that everyone deserves a chance for a happy, healthy and productive life.”

#HashtagLunchBag, a nonprofit program that gathers volunteers to make sandwich bagged lunches, delivers them with love notes and donates to the homeless community.

Thousands of young people joined together for March for Our Lives – a protest against the ongoing school shootings across the country.

Thousands of brave people gathered in Miami to advocate for gun control on the heels of multiple school shootings.

Assembled with hand-written posters demanding safety in schools, 5,000 Rochesterians of all ages and backgrounds gathered for the March for Our Lives to protest against gun violence.  The march and rally were organized by local students of the greater Rochester area and the youth social change organization Teen Empowerment.

2-1-1 Broward, a 24/7 comprehensive agency with trained and degreed counselors, assist hundreds of individuals by providing mental health support to people experiencing suicidal ideation and referrals to residents all across Broward County.

The phrase “Hate Has No Home Here” stands proudly on yard signs, posters, and bumper stickers as a message of kindness and inclusivity.

These signs stem from a larger campaign that was started by six neighbors in North Park, Chicago. Using the phrase created by a kindergartener and a third grader, and graphics from a local designer, the team launched the project to stand against racism, discrimination, and hate.

Erin Fury, the Associate Director of Pace University’s LGBTQA + Social Justice Center advocates for a more inclusive community at Pace University and helps support students who are struggling.

In her childhood, Angie was bullied, coping with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the classroom, and, as Angie described it, being “different and strange.” Now, Angie is an illustrating bringing attention to children’s differences and encouraging them to embrace their superpower.

A powerful advocate and activist, Sapphire Andersen, created the Tell Her She Can campaign – which encourages and empowers women across the country, a reminder that women can do anything they put their mind to.

As a young boy, Ricky was timid and shy. As he grew older, he worked with the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), a nonprofit that promotes service learning in schools and communities across the United States, to realize the importance of his voice, its place in the professional world, and his role as a youth. Now, he encourages his peers to use + own their voice, too!

Roochute – the rainbow parachute mental health movement – welcomes you to relive your favorite day in gym class, Parachute Day, and to take a moment to have meaningful conversations about your mental health and wellness in a safe space. “With each bloom, we encourage each person to ‘pay it forward’ – the happiness created underneath the parachute radiates through acts of kindness and positivity.”

After seeing friends go through tough times, Gabby Frost founded Buddy Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to tackling issues such as mental health and bullying. Buddy Project’s main goal is to pair “buddies” with each other to create long-lasting friendships online, and to show people they are never alone.

With family as its central focus, FCCLA –  also known as Family, Career and Community Leaders of America – aims to promote leadership development in young people through career exploration, chapter activities, community service, and leadership opportunities.

The Random Acts of Kindness Etc. club, also known as RAKE, was created for kids by kids. The RAKE hosts kindness events, such as visiting a senior care center for those with memory loss and Welcome Wednesdays, in which students give out free hot chocolate to their peers.

The teachers at Lake Forest Academy work to encourages students to be global citizens – students that are good representatives of their community in other communities. From participating in habitat restorations to keeping veterans company at a veterans hospital, students are eager to complete multiple service projects a year.

Through After School Meals programs, which allows low-income children the opportunity to receive free nutritious meals, Feeding Tampa Bay works to “change lives one meal at a time” with the ultimate vision of creating a hunger-free Tampa Bay.

Two students who attended the incredible March for Our Lives event in response to school shootings advocate against gun violence with protest. 

Ali and her friends are part of a high school student body advocating in solidarity for transgender rights.  The goal of the students involved was to create a more inclusive, accepting campus, and show support for transgender human rights.

Tiffany and Caleb used their wedding as an opportunity to two give back to two different but important causes–To Write Love on Her Arms and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In total, the couple raised over $200,000!

Motivated by their mutual experiences with eating disorders, Christina Grasso and Ruthie Friendlander co-founded The Chain, which provides peer mentorship to those struggling with eating disorders in the fashion and entertainment industries.

GraceFull Cafe serves food to everyone who walks through their doors – whether they can pay or not. 

I’m always trying to cheer people up ! To give them hope and a light in the darkness ! To show them another way ! To be a beacon of hope ! And a true friend!

Students at the Boys and Girls Club made Jayla a beautiful sign that expressed the gratitude they felt for Jayla sharing more about her international poetry and art project, the I Matter competition.

Addressing her mental health and going to therapy helped Grammy-nominated singer Cassadee realize mental health is a journey worth taking. Getting help is one of the bravest things you can do, she says.

Proyecto Empatia (Project Empathy), a Uruguayan grassroot socio-educational project, works to help the 190 teenagers in the country that are deprived of liberty in juvenile prisons.

The United Nations General Assembly celebrates its 30 anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Roman shares why protecting the rights of a child is one of the kindest things you can do.

Psychologist Dr. Persampiere reminds youth that music can have a very soothing impact on our emotional and physical state and there is science to back up this claim!

Palakh, 18, created an organization called Break.The.Ice, a youth organization, formed by students for students, where we talk about all things taboo and help in creating an enlightened youth community across the globe.

As a first-generation Indian American and daughter of immigrants, Saloni has seen and heard firsthand the taboo around mental health in South Asian communities. She turns to Brown Girl Therapy to create content geared towards children of immigrants that touches on common struggles.

Jayla practices self-kindness by expressing her emotions through poetry. She even spoke emotionally at the March On For Voting Rights rally, demonstrating the power of her words.

The kindness of his friends encouraged Franz to feel supported to come out. “Their kindness and their love, as well as the strong spirit of my family, saved my life and I even got the confidence to come out as gay.”

Everett, 19, founded Good Spokes, raised over $2,500 for World Bicycle Relief, an organization that delivers specially designed, locally assembled, rugged bicycles for people in need.

YHELP! Helps, they created Holiday Wellness Baskets for teens and young adults to receive gifts that combine wellness products and cool clothing items. The wellness items were created by YHELP! such as journals of hope, positive pens, wellness water bottles, inspirational bracelets to encourage teens and young adults not to give up and know their worth.

After growing dependent on pills, Laurens-Jan’s felt like he was spiraling out of control. One night at a train station while disoriented, he realized there was only one train left to his destination. Even though he was running late to the train, a conductor stopped the train to let him on. This kind act left Laurens-Jan at peace + inspired to get the help he needed.

Hannah, a 19-year-old sustainability advocate, founded Hannah4Change, a non-profit dedicated to fighting issues that impact the planet. By encouraging her peers to recycle, be mindful of ocean health, and protect endangered animals, she helps to make the world a more environmentally-friendly place.

Through therapy, Squishmallows, music, and late night walks, Kirah practices being kind to herself by taking care of her mental health. “You are never alone,” she says. “No matter what, even if you don’t think you have anyone in your corner, I will always be here rooting for you and cheering you on.”

Rebecca wrote “Guion The Lion,” a children’s book that celebrates differences and encourages empathy, shortly after she found out her son Guion had Down Syndrome. The book shows children – and adults, too – how being curious about others and opening up their minds to different perspectives can lead to new adventures.

Having experienced acts of discrimination as someone who identifies as AAPI, Samuel shares how we can combat hate. “Please set aside your prejudices and racial tendencies,” he says. “So please, I ask you, let’s come together as one and survive this year of 2022. Change starts with you, whether you’re ready for it or not.

Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf, CEO of the Herrendorf Family Foundation, founded Face of Today, an organization that ensures all youth and their communities feel empowered through access to mental health resources and education.

LISA  hotline serves mental health needs of individuals and communities seeking help in Bali and Indonesia. “Having experienced how hard it is to find the resources I need when I’m struggling with my mental health, I wish no one ever has to go through what I went through. Suicidal ideation can be extremely intrusive. Talking to someone who completely understands your feelings and emotions can make a huge difference. That’s where L.I.S.A comes in.”

Gabriel and Sebastian Fadel started 96 Bricks, an organization shipping LEGOs to refugee communities, indigineous reservations, and Ugandan villages.

Grace Hatfield writes about the impact that Hurricane Harvey had on her family and offers reflections of gratitude on the kindness she’s experienced during crisis.

14 year old Maxwell Surprenant co-founded Catching Joy, an organization providing service opportunities to young people. Maxwell shares reflections on the Catching Joy Channel Kindness event he hosted with the support of Born This Way Foundation and Peace First.

Elif struggled with social anxiety since she was 14, and when the pandemic hit, she noticed more of her community experienced it, too. She soon started One Smile Effect, Turkey’s first and only youth-led mental health organization that provides free and accessible mental health resources, education and awareness programs.

To help her manage her anxiety, Aurora writes poetry, journals, and leans on her mom for support. She encourages everyone to be kind to themselves by having faith they can get through anything. “Even if the ghost of words and experiences remain like a needle under the skin, we must have the strength to get up again,” she says.

After not seeing any gay couples in children’s books, Lukas decided to write his own book “Freddie and His Colourful Uncles” to increase representation.

Viet Mai is a mentor to middle and high school children whose parents are incarcerated. He seeks to help his mentees build tools for self-empowerment and break the cycle of incarceration.

Bishop Hall Charter School is a non-traditional charter school that offers students resources to succeed at every learning level. The school emphasizes community service through weekly volunteering programs, which range from tutoring to local cleanups.

Kate Slate shares reflections from a Born This Way Foundation luncheon, where co-founder Cynthia Germanotta discussed recent survey findings on young people’s mental health and access to support.

The Ride for Missing Children is an annual event that raises awareness about missing children and helps support families looking for their loved ones. The event is a major fundraiser for missing children community education programs and geographically targeted poster distribution.

Matthew Gates kindly shares strategies for college students to care for their mental health during finals.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) gives young people a path to economic self sufficiency through employment preparation, entrepreneurship programs, summer opportunities, and support structures.

Empower Yolo began as a crisis center for sexual assault survivors and has grown into a county-wide organization that builds resilient communities through hotlines, women and youth leadership groups, community events, and many more kind initiatives.

A mural on the University of Edinburgh campus gave me a sense of power. “Support Women of Color: still brown, still breathing, still woman, still magical,” it read. This mural continued my strength to fight for women’s equality. My sense of the world has very much expanded. These issues are more than just local or national ones – we are fighting the same things across the globe.

The South Shore Children’s Chorus (SSCC), a nonprofit organization that gives students the opportunity to learn and grow as musicians, aims to create a “safe, loving community for students to learn, to grow, and to find their own voice.”

As a Survivor Speakers Bureau (SSB) volunteer with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), Kevin shares his story to hundreds of people every year. The support that Kevin has found at BARCC and the platform for him to share his story with others has been life-changing. “It’s just a different world for me now since I’ve come here,” he said. “These people have become like family to me. These folks are very supportive of me and each other and they are an extremely important part of my life.”

In recognizing that kids impacted by a parent’s cancer are forced to grow up faster than they should,  Camp Kesem works t provide a free one-week summer camp for these kids. It has since expanded to over 100 chapters in 40 states across the country, impacting over five million children.

What started out as Lisa’s 6-year-old son selling hot chocolate on the street in New Jersey would later turn into a company, Mr. Cory’s Cookies. The duo work with charity organizations and even Lisa even works to hire at least 70% single mothers to give them opportunities they may otherwise not have.

Phil, a local entrepreneur and active community member, created a billboard that wrote, “I’m concerned about the blueberries.” The blueberries, he later said, represented the issues in life people all go through. After creating the billboard, 1,000 young people across Genesee County decided to perform random acts of kindness, write about them, and hopefully relieve some of those “blueberries” for someone else.

Public Interest Advocates, a student organization at West Virginia University College of Law, works to raise money to fund summer and full-time jobs in the public interest field. The public interest field mainly consists of providing legal aid to people who cannot afford it. Students in the PIA organization focus on certain issues of public concern such as child welfare, elderly abuse, and domestic violence, and then advocate for the people affected by those issues.

“A good friend of mine was going through severe depression. She lived in the U.K. and I was in Saskatoon. I would call her every day and we’d talk about everything she was going through. She’d tell me about therapy and what her doctors were saying, but also just how her day was going. Just small chit-chats and check-ins. I’d ask how she was doing and whether she wanted to talk about anything…. at the end of the day, knowing that someone has your back is what matters most. It’s as simple as letting them know that you’re there, that if they ever want to talk about something, you’re always ready to listen.”

“When we arrived at a restaurant, people quickly noticed that my grandmother was older. As soon as they saw this, people went out of their way to make her journey from the car to the elevator as easy as possible. People that we didn’t even know were offering her their hands for support, holding the doors wide open so that she could get inside easily, and holding the elevator for her.”

Cassiday shares encouraging LGBTQ+ messages that help us accept and love ourselves, making our world a little braver. Through social media, we are able to spread tolerance, acceptance, and most importantly, kindness.

The South Shore Children’s Chorus (SSCC), a nonprofit organization, gives students the opportunity to learn and grow as musicians. Founded in January 2016 by Kirsten Oberoi and Carey Shunskis, this program aims to create a “safe, loving community for students to learn, to grow, and to find their own voice.”

Jacob participates in Book Buddies, a popular club at the local high school, annually matching about 100 high schoolers with preschool and middle school students “hoping to encourage an excitement for literature, instill an appreciation for pleasure reading, expose students to different types of age-appropriate literature, and foster lifelong readers and learners through positive modeling.”

11th graders from Medford High School brought their school together by offering a way for new English Language Learner (ELL) students to navigate their community. Their new instructional videos and website will be shown to ELL students and parents during ninth-grade orientation and will be integrated into the ELL curriculum starting next school year.

Scott shares how he remains hopeful as someone who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. “Whether that means getting involved in a local LGBT+ organization, advocating for LGBT+ inclusive curriculums and clubs, or just listening to someone’s story, you can make a difference. And you can undoubtedly brighten someone’s day with those acts of kindness.”

The “HEAT Loud and Proud” annual event gives individuals from all different orientations the opportunity to come together and dance the night away in a safe space.

At the Morristown-Beard School in Morristown, New Jersey, one club has one mission: to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to create a more inclusive school community.

Valerie’s House works to serves children, adolescents, and their caregivers, grieving from the loss of someone special in their lives. The organization provides support to around 70 families through potluck dinners, backyard sports, and art projects.

The Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF), a nonprofit organization that provides services and programs to 10,000 LGBTQ+ individuals in the Santa Barbara County, held their fifth annual Youth Connect Conference and PROUD Prom. Over 200 young people aged 12 to 17 from Central and South California attended the event, many of them LGBTQ+.

Gisenia’s cancer story and Lucy’s caregiver’s story come together to turn their pain into purpose. To to put a smile on every cancer patient’s face, they created “WeCareChemoKits.”

The Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club coordinated a run with the community to fundraise for and help fight against blood cancer.

PATCH 21, an educational programming organization, helps educate children of all ages in different areas including a focus on character education, tobacco/drug/alcohol prevention, civic duty and service-learning, clean water awareness, healthy lifestyle, entrepreneurial job skills, and leadership.

Every year since she was 9 months old, Grace Rose and her mom, Leah, have hosted a fashion fundraiser to raise money for the Cystic Foundation, an organization that supports research for Cystic fibrosis, or “CF” for short, is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.

Catalino first had the idea to start a nonprofit in 2002, as he wanted to help low-income students attend college or university, with a particular focus on students whose parents were gardeners. BAGSF is a nonprofit organization that “provides scholarships to students facing significant financial barriers” within San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.

Through the power of horses, Tomorrow’s Rainbow is a special place that helps children that have experienced the death of a loved one.

This mom shares her journey of helping her son with extreme anxiety. Together, they created Buff Bomb Bar – a company that believes that being “buff” isn’t about having muscles or showing off physical strength, but about being mentally fit, active, and healthy. That starts from the inside out. A portion of sales of all our products will be donated to mental health programs and organizations for both adults and children.

The Find Your Anchor project focuses on suicide prevention, awareness, and education. The premise behind Find Your Anchor is that each person needs an anchor. As founder Ali Borowsky puts it, “Establish an anchor – a dependable, stable, secure base that you can hold on to, one that keeps you firmly planted, no matter what winds or storms may come. Anchors are everywhere, you just have to start looking.”

Imagination Library is a book gifting program for children 0 to 5 of any income. Originally just in Sevier County, Tennessee, where Parton grew up, the program expanded and has since delivered over 100 million books. The organization now sends over one million high-quality books a month to children.

Delta Dental of South Dakota Foundation gives children across the state access to free dental care. The foundation aims to improve the quality of oral health in the state of South Dakota. To accomplish this goal, Delta Dental currently has two mobile trucks that provide free dental care to children. Each week, the trucks travel to a new location and deliver free dental care to children ages 21 and younger.

Colleen uses the Instagram eating disorder recovery community as a source of hope and inspiration.

Native American Artist Douglas Miles creates murals all around California in hopes of sharing messages of peace, hope, and comfort.

It’s been 8 years since Rahul overcame the mental trauma I underwent in school. By sharing smiles with others and saying kind words, he works to prevent bullying in his community.

Fourteen-week culinary training are offered to people who are formerly incarcerated, homeless, or foster care, who alongside 200 volunteers every week, create healthy meals from reclaimed, imperfect produce.

Thanks to a program called Tail Waggin’ Tutors, children all over the country can improve their reading skills with the help of a furry friend. By giving children the opportunity to read to therapy dogs, Tail Waggin’ Tutors allows children to practice their reading skills and gain confidence.

Artist Claire Pittman teaches art classes to young children the encourage their creativity and inspire them with hope.

Colleen shares her work wtih Project HEAL (Help to Eat, Accept, and Live), an organization that is creating hope and making a difference by delivering prevention, treatment financing, and recovery support for people suffering from eating disorders, while also reinforcing the idea that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.

Kids’ Food Basket is a nonprofit organization serving nearly 7,500 kids each weekday in West Michigan that hopes to empower communities by attacking childhood hunger so that young people can learn and live well.

The Reflect Organization, based in Philadelphia, hosts dinners or “chapters” at schools across the nation to provide students with a forum to speak openly and honestly about any issues that are pressing on their minds.

This community organization brings seniors and teens together to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and spread kindness to one another.

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) works to provide disadvantaged low-income, first-generation students with the proper guidance throughout the college process.

Stir It Up – a small bakery – focuses on employing adults with cognitive disabilities. They provide job opportunities with competitive, fair wages to those who have likely faced job discrimination in the past, and an opportunity to develop work skills.

Joanne, an assistant nursing director of the obstetrics services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, organized a project to bring donations to nurses during COVID-19. It started off with her family and friends dropping off items into bins on her front porch. These included snacks, food, self-care items, candy, and inspirational notes. After receiving these donations, Joanne and her family made gift baskets, and Joanne delivered these to the nurses.

As the head coach of the WNBA’s New York Liberty, Walt Hopkins shares his journey understanding his battle with his own mental health issues, the resources that help him every day, and his altruistic approach to self-care.

Khloe has her own nonprofit called Khloe Kares where she makes tote-like bags and fills them with bare necessity items to give to people experiencing homelessness.

Laura Reed has been a hairdresser for 25 years. She currently works as both a hairdresser and barber in Maryland, but on her days off, she goes out into her community and cuts hair for people experiencing homelessness.

Elissa practices self-care by focusing on the things she can control and letting go of the things she can’t. In this article, she details other ways you can practice being kind to yourself.

Emma uses her privilege to support and amplify Black youth and their voices.

For this school’s community day, students and staff donated to the Narberth Food Bank and made fun hand-washing videos to encourage healthy hygiene during the pandemic.

Trinity used her coding skills to create the website Not a Trend to fight for systemic change for the Black community.  The website features tools and resources to amplify and fight for the voices of the Black community.

4,300 seniors receive daily meals from Meals on wheels San Francisco. MOWSF  delivers tailored meals and groceries to homebound seniors in San Francisco and helps them live healthy and independent lives. It’s one of the largest home-delivered meal providers for seniors in the city, having served over 2.2 million meals in 2019.

Max Lueng was heartbroken when his home in Chinatown was attacked by senseless violence, but he was determined to give back to the local community. To help Asian elders feel safe and protected, he and a group of his friends accompany them on their errands and walks outside.

Nonprofit Nu Nidito–which supports individuals that have lost loved ones to serious medical diagnoses–is sharing kindness by comforting those experiencing grief.

Risa, a teacher, shares how teaching tolerance and talking about race is a kind act in the classroom.

Julian made over 700 thank you cards for first responders, doctors, and nurses to thank them for sacrificing their own lives and for all the hard work they’ve done to help those during this pandemic.

If you’re an unemployed graduate, you’re not alone.  Addie shares tips for coping + know that you are loved, regardless of your employment status.

Morgan practices being kinder to our planet by going green.

Born This Way Foundation’s Taylor interviews poet and performer Rhiannon McGavin about communication, self-care, art, and rest.

Nia Jones, Youth Wellness Consultant for the Black Mental Health Alliance, shares more about the importance of centering cultural competence in mental wellness resources and how to engage in radical self-care.

After being diagnosed with scoliosis, talented dancer Paige started The Paige Fraser Foundation (TPFF) o create a safe space for aspiring young artists, with or without disabilities, in Dance, Music, Theater, and the Visual Arts.

At YHELP! (Youth Help), a social media and web-based organization that is youth-driven but overseen by a team of trained, professional adults in the areas of mental health and life skills, we focus on mental health and life skills development, provide daily social media posts, interviews, podcasts, classes, workshops, and community events designed to provide teens with skills to help them successfully transition into adulthood, and focus on suicide prevention.

During college, I was bullied and led to believe I wouldn’t be successful because I was introverted and quiet. After graduating, I took the time to practice self-love, self-care, and self-acceptance, and now I am focused on all the positive traits I bring to the world. I’m now in medical school and want people to know being an introvert isn’t a bad thing + to focus on the attributes that make them shine!

Rescued my puppy

I received mentorship and kindness from incredible academics who selflessly devoted energy into my mentorship

Kind friends comforted me when I came to understand I was gay in a town where that’s not really “okay”. I am eternally grateful.

There was an ambulance in front of our building this morning. Somebody experiencing homelessness was having a situation & another person experiencing homelessness called the ambulance for him. I walked up & asked the man who called how he was doing and he told me what happened. I thanked him for being a good friend. He went on to tell me how we all need to stick together. He is spot on, so I gave him ten bucks for food. That is not the good deed I am writing about….the good deed was the other man calling. He’s the star!!

I realized that the LGBTQ+ community in my town was disconnected. As someone with a gay husband and a queer child, I recognized the need for community. I started a Facebook group called Anacortes Pride. Our inaugural event was a float in the 4th of July parade. We are now nearly 300 strong, established a nonprofit, and are working to host our first Pride Parade/celebration on June 18, 2022. Our community and all of its intersections are thriving with a new sense of togetherness.
-S. McLeod

Overwhelmed by quarantine, 16-year-old Irene started Cura, a website with free and accessible educational resources for youth to use and keep themselves busy

Inspired by other Gen Z changemakers, Lindsey started “Operation See A Letter, Send a Letter” to spread love and initiate change across the country.

14-year-old William started the nonprofit Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow, Inc., where every bottle of homemade vanilla extract sold helps feed 42 families in East Tennesee.

On his 14th birthday, Nate published “Bullied Not Broken: When the Bullies Don’t Win” a book inspiring stories from actors, musicians, business icons, politicians, and artists on how they faced bullying and what they learned.

Born This Way Foundation’s co-founder Lady Gaga’s sixth studio album “Chromatica” welcomes mental health challenges and brings about moments of vulnerability and empowerment through healing dance music.

Siblings Arjun and Hannah along with their friend Aakshi founded Telehealth Access for Seniors, a nonprofit that collects devices for hospitals and clinics to make TeleHealth more accessible for seniors in their communities.

Born This Way Foundation’s Taylor speaks with disability rights activist Imani Barbarin about disability and living with different marginalized identities for Channel Kindness Radio.

Early childhood educator and author Carol McCloud’s books on “bucketfilling” teaches social and emotional skills and the importance of kindness to children of all ages.

Born This Way Foundation’s Shadille interviews the Founder and CEO of Stronger Than Stigma, Gabrielle Magid, for this episode of Channel Kindness Radio.

Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger and Special Olympics Colorado athlete Hanna shares how her mentor, Stephanie, inspired her to be a champion of inclusion.

On this episode of Channel Kindness Radio, Born This Way Foundation’s Taylor speakes with Jake Sidwell about the intersections of mental health and disability.

Born This Way Foundation’s Josh M. shares how his different family members have instilled kindness in him throughout his entire life.

When the pandemic put these four friends’ schooling on pause, they came together to start Be The Change Coloring Co., a nonprofit that creates educational coloring books and donates all proceeds to local organizations.

Houston shares how after one of his talks on kindness at a local school, a high school senior learned the important difference between being kind and just being nice.

To raise money for Covid-19 vaccine research, Jay, a recovered fibromyalgia patient, climbed up and down Mount Maroon Queensland, Australia for 48 hours.

High schools student Anita started Words For Workers, an organization that collects e-cards to show gratitude for essential workers who worked through the pandemic.

Founder of Find Your Anchor (FYA) a grassroots movement aimed at suicide prevention, awareness, and education, Ali shares Find Your Anchor’s mission and how anyone can be an achor.

After putting productivity before mental and physical wellbeing, Anna Ruth realized that her behaviors were not healthy and decided to put her wellbeing over everything else.

While searching for kindness and motivation, 19-year-old Abigail created Magnify Wellness, an app dedicated to helping its users improve their mental health.

Brothers, Hurshneet and Pravneet initiated Project Smile AZ to help spread smiles by sending thoughtful and caring messages to patients battling with COVID-19 in their native Arizona.

Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit In Kind Boxes sells curated gift boxes filled with organic bath and personal care items. For every box they sell, In Kind Boxes donates one to a family in need.

When once-fulltime musician Erica found herself without a job due to the pandemic, she discovered MusiCares, a nonprofit dedicated to helping musicians in times of need, like herself.

After seeing sentiments of racism and xenophobia spread on social media Olivia and her friends came together to start BakeToDonate, an organization that sells baked goods and donates the profits to social justice organizations.

Mental health and LGBTQ+ rights activist Juan calls to young people to register to vote, use their voices, and fight for social change as the 2020 presidential election approached.

At 21 years old, Antonina experineced almost a decade of mental health struggles. “I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, BPD, and auditory hallucinations..Through therapy, medication, treatment, and an amazing support team over the years I have been able to climb to the top of that mountain and so many more along the way.”

A continuance for our Mental Marathon, we held a 6-hour experience that creates a platform for our community to engage in honest and healthy dialogue about the mental health crisis affecting youth and young adults in our community

After the murder of George Floyd, Rafael wanted to advocate against racism and

Journalist and content creators Melissa and Isabel create #MaskPledge, an initiative that spreads awareness about mask wearing and COVID-19. The two aim to show that wearing your mask is an act of kindness because you are keeping those around you safe.

After beginning high school in a new setting, Ava felt lost and alone. It’s only when she sat down with a group of girls who welcomed her to their group, where she felt friendship and kindness blossom.

I created the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) in my high school. At the time, it was the first in a private special school for kids with complex learning disabilities.

Sibling sisters created Global Guru, a nonprofit that helps tutor 125 students in South Korea, rural villages in India, Australia, China, and 10+ states in the U.S. What started with 3 people has now grown to include 100 team members that work on curriculum development, social media management, scheduling management, and website development.

A rising senior in high school, Sanya worked to learn more about the medical field. COVID, however, prevented her from doing this in person. She soon started Medical Wonders, a community of passionate college and high school students driven to educate and inspire students to to be a part of the medical field. They regularly host interviews with healthcare workers, release informational articles about medical advancements, and provide resources towards volunteer opportunities.

After seeing her peers struggle with their mental health during the pandemic, Natalie decided to remind them how loved they were. under the mental health organization Solely Sunshine, in which anyone around the world, can write a virtual letter of encouragement for free to be delivered to a teen in a mental health facility.

Aged 10 to 21, these Black activists are proof that you’re never too young to create change and build a kinder, braver world.

Since she was 12 years old, Sage has been advocating for the rights of transgender youth. In addition to helping shape policy as a teen, Sage also founded ‘The TEAM Mag’, which amplifies the stories of the LBGTQ+ community.

Libera, a rising nonprofit, helps women and teens tell their stories, address the barriers in their lives, and connect them to resources to overcome those barriers.

When Born This Way Foundation’s Josh H. auditioned for American Idol, he was told to re-audition but this time, as his most authentic self.

Born This Way Foundation’s Maya Smith shares why she asks people to Please Stay, even when the voices in their head seem defeaning.

Inspired by their mother who regularly sends medical supplies and other basic necessities to her native Ghana, these two sisters founded CNK Health Services, an organization focused on giving back to their community, assisting the underprivileged, and people experiencing homelessness.

While celebrating her son Hunter’s birthday, Born This Way Foundation’s Executive Director Maya learned a very important lesson on how to Be There that she shared with us in honor of Stress Awareness Month.

With an eco-fashion line that continues to grow each and every year and her own nonprofit Maya’s Ideas 4 the Planet, Maya Penn is making her mark as one of Gen-Z’s leaders in sustainability and environmental activism.

Salsa bravely shares her mental health journey and reminds us of the important message that we all matter.

After being laid off due to Covid-19, Mallory started Find Your/self Boxes, a company allows people to build custom self-care boxes to send to themselves or their loved ones who are struggling with their mental health.

Born This Way Foundation’s Executive Director Maya Smith reflects on her community’s Reuse Day, the sacrifices her mother made so that their family always had what they needed, and how we can all spread kindness with those around us.

When looking for a meaningful way to give to preschool students he worked with, Upper Dublin teen Aidan started the Spread Smiles Movement.

Katharine Pettit Creative (KPC) partnered with the Black Mental Health Alliance to curate “Transcend, Uplifting Their Voices,” a virtual dance-centered concert that elevated Black Trans, Non-Gender Conforming, and Queer Youth mental health resources.

Anushka is not only developing technology that will change biology and medicine forever, she is also advocating for greater representation of women and people of color in STEM.

Amanda, lupus warrior and kindness punk, started the #LupusWithFlair to spread awareness on lupus and empower fellow lupus warriors to live life with flair.

In addition to raising awareness with #StopAsianHate, AAPI youth are raising their voices, sharing their activism work, and starting thier own nonprofits.

In 2020, Sarah started the Positive Change Project which highlights ideas for random acts of kindness that people can use in their daily lives to create a chain of kindness.

Kindness and gratitude are interconnected! We are so grateful for teachers and everything they do for our communities! Today and every day, we celebrate the teachers in our lives and we invite you to share a story with us about how a teacher has shaped your life!

Born This Way Foundation’s Taylor Parker bravely shares their path to recovery from addiction and offers up valuable words of wisdom to those who may also be dealing with addiction.

Born This Way Foundation partnered with DonorsChoose to double each dollar going to classroom projects that connect students with mental health support.

Eva Maria Lewis – a writer, activist builder, founded of Free Root Operation, a nonprofit organization that intercepts poverty-induced gun violence by investing in the healing and empowerment of Black and Brown communities.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month as well as Mental Health Awareness Month, this group of activists and doctors established Asians for Mental Health Scholarship Fund to support AAPI students interested in a career in mental health to tackle the underepresentation of AAPI mental health professionals.

Born This Way Foundation Chief of Staff, Josh, reflects on his coming out journey, the healing power of dance, and the impact that Lady Gaga’s album “Born This Way” has had on him.

I donated 90 dental hygiene kits to Child Haven, each complete with a short note, quote, and picture of an inspirational figure – to protect ninety smiles and to urge them to shine just a little brighter.

I created Care Kits, each with tie-blankets and personally-written positive notes, to Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

After being diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease, Claude – with resilience and bravery – recieved major surgery, has regained the ability to walk again, and has realized “no change in my physical or even mental health can stop me from driving forth an agenda of kindness, even when it changes the ways I’m doing that.”

10 years ago, Jean’s best friend was raped and murdered. As way to heal, she started The Angel Band Project, a national non-profit that provides free music therapy to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. What began as an act of kindness for those affected by one particular tragedy has become a source of healing for hundreds of people affected by this type of trauma.

Laura turns to “Girl Up Venezuela,” a passionate group of young female Venezuelan leaders to create a massive, positive change in the digital sphere around the way we use social media.

Jenny–otherwise known as “Souper Jenny” + owns community-based restaurants in the city of the same name– decided to go on the road for a six-week kindness tour. Jenny traveled the country to give back, pairing up with local farms, buying produce, and turning it into soup for local communities, in addition to doing random acts of kindness.

Kindness is advocacy + inclusitivity. On International Day of Person’s with Disabilities, Emma shares ways one can be an ally to friends, families, and community members with disabilities.

In 2016, two sisters developed the Never Give Up Experience, a unique and innovative tool aiming at penetrating the silence and isolation surrounding patients experiencing eating disorders. Since the launch of the Experience, Never Give Up has reached out to over 5,000 persons at festivals, concerts, universities, and schools.

During the pandemic, quarantine prevented people from seeing their friends and loved ones. But Brooklyn noticed two children communicating messages on their driveways via chalk. Inspired by their kind messages to eachother, she decided to communicate kind messages with chalk to her friends.

Claire Coder, the founder and CEO of Aunt Flow and Flow Corp, advocates for access to basic quality necessities.

For the past 7+ years, I have been running a mental health organization called Listen, Lucy. I host workshops, talks, and assemblies for schools and organizations. I share my story in hopes to end the stigma, normalize asking for help, and spread acceptance around the world.

For the holiday season, high school seniors, Achla and Dasha, organized a virtual talent show that brought their local community closer during the pandemic. They also raised over $2,500 for Save the Children in the process!

Nora VanRees, 15, created Here N Queer, a non-profit dedicated to LGBTQIA+ advocacy by educating and providing resources to local and international communities.

I am the first transgender woman to have started the process of transition while participating at Putnam Clubhouse. I have become a Leader, Young Adult Coordinator, and the Facilitator and Coordinator of Putnam Clubhouse’s very first LGBTQ+ group.

As we witnessed repeated video footage and images about the lack of value for Black life in America, I launched the “I Matter” project to provide an outlet for youth to process and express their thoughts, fears, and hopes.

I was able to sew and donate over 500 masks by July to give to hospitals and essential workers in Arizona and across the country, sending masks coast to coast from California to New York and even Hawaii.

As Chardalene was buying a book at the Scholastic Book Fair, she realized she didn’t have enough money for a book. A stranger showed her a simple act of kindness and covered the extra cost.

After the Sandy Hook school shooting, the mom of slain child Jesse Lewis created Choose Love, a nonprofit organization honoring Jesse’s memory, providing no-cost and social-emotional learning and character development (SELCD) programs,

When lupus warrior Amanda needed a logo for her lupus awareness campaign, she found kindness in an artist online.

Nonprofit organization The Helpline Center holds its 10th annual Step Forward to Prevent Suicide walk. “If I can save one life, it’s worth every effort,” one of the walk’s advisory leaders said.

Self-reflection is key to our self-awareness, Juan says. In an act of self-kindness, he reflects on his mental health after a year of COVID-19.

As she moved from Texas to California, Terez found new neighbors sharing kindness with her in her new community.

Carolyn listens to the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack to take care of her mental health – reminding herself it’s OK to not be OK.

After losing her hair to Alopecia, Tiffany decided to found the Strands of Hope Campaign, a year-round event that strives to help any child who is suffering from hair loss receive a wig even if they are financially unable to afford one.

Nadya Okamoto, a 23-year-old Harvard student, co-founded August, a lifestyle brand working to reimagine periods. Nadya was also the founder of PERIOD (period.org), an organization fighting to end period poverty and stigma.

At only 8 years old, Maya started her own eco-fashion business – Maya’s Ideas. By the time she was 13, she gave three Ted Talks about environmental sustainability+ started her humanitarian nonprofit.

Teens Arjun and Maya Govindarajstarted a club called, Mission BE A Resource (BEAR) with the goal of spreading awareness about Rainbow Rooms (where CPS workers can go and get supplies for abused and neglected children) and supporting underprivileged children through donations and volunteering.

Allison Raskin – a writer, podcaster, and mental health advocate – started the mental health-focused Instagram account @EmotionalSupportLady to help other’s validate their feelings and provide communtiy to those struggling.

At the start of 8th-grade, Rebekah moved from living abroad in El Salvador to California. But she soon experienced bullying. To combat this and bring her community together, she started Let’s Be Kind Day by gifting her student body the first Let’s Be Kind Tees.

This nonprofit works to provide “LovePacks” – bags filled with a book addressing anxiety and depression; journals, stress balls, resources, and snacks- to kids in need.

Recognizing the lack of LGBTQ+ representation growing up, Sage decided to change the narrative and created a zine that amplifies the creative POC’s in the LGBTQ+ community.

At 7-years-old, Kamaria decided to start her own stationary business to increase Black representation.

When COVID-19 filled Emily with anxiety and trauma, ribbon’s helped her find her center. Through ribbon dancing and art, Emily practices self-kindness and encourages others to do the same.

A strong leader in STEM, Taylor raised $120,000 to send thousands of girls to see STEM movies in which the protagonist was a Black female lead + started the #BlackFriendBookChallenge, in which she fundraises money to distribute “The Black Friend” to schools, libraries, and communities.

Nicknamed “Little Miss Flint,” this young Michigan resident works to improve the quality of water in her neighborhood and communities all across the country.

10-year-old activist Havana Edwards-Chapman advocates for literacy, Black representation in STEM, and gun control all across the world.

Salsa was experiencing suicidal ideation when she was turning 16, but after seeking help and talking to friends about how she felt, she was able to work through her mental health struggles.

For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew gathered his friends and family members to transform an old building into a community center.

Ana learned how to love her body – as she says, “healthy doesn’t mean skinny.”

A strong advocate for women in STEM, Alia’s long-time fascination with space helped her win a prestigious “Genes in Space” competition at the age of 14.

Jayla created the Photo Patch app, which helps youth and their incarcerated parents communicate by sharing photos and letters on a frequent basis.