TL;DR:
- Embrace National Random Acts of Kindness Day by adopting a soldier, volunteering, leaving gratitude notes, and more.
- From pen pals for soldiers to planting trees, engage in varied acts of kindness to make a positive impact.
- “Start With Hello” on February 17th, fostering connections through simple greetings and selfless gestures.
In the United States each year, individuals have the opportunity to participate in the National Random Acts of Kindness Day. An act of kindness is free and can be given at any time or any day. Participating in the National Acts of Kindness Day is a chance to commit to being kind and spread positivity. This may be someone you know or a random person you don’t know.
Allow your heart to guide your willingness to give unselfishly. Click To TweetAdopt a Soldier
Adopt a solider by becoming the soldier’s pen pal, send the solider a care packet, or write a letter thanking the solider for their service.
Day of Service
Commit to a day of service by volunteering at an aging population retirement facility, animal shelter, or homeless shelter.
Gratitude Note
Leave a gratitude note to someone who made you smile. This could be a thank you for being kind or thank you for making my day.
Mix It Up Lunch
Mix it up by eating lunch with someone who is eating lunch alone because they are new, shy, or afraid to ask to join a group. (Read more on this from learningforjustice.org)
Pay It Forward
Pay it forward by buying a cup of joe for someone in line at your favorite coffee shop. Or give a meal to someone who is residing at a homeless shelter, or even a first responder on duty at a fire station, police station, or hospital.
Get in Touch
Phone a family member or friend that you have been out of touch with just to check in.
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Plant a Tree
Plant a tree to give back to Mother Nature.
Hold A Door Open
Hold open the door of an office building or a car door to allow the person to walk through it.
Self-Care with a Friend
Invite a friend to go for a walk or get a manicure.
Start with Hello
Start your day (February 17) by saying hello to as many people as you are comfortable with.
To sum it up, National Random Acts of Kindness is not confined to the aforementioned actions. Allow your heart to guide your willingness to give unselfishly.
About La-Shanda West
La-Shanda West was born in Laurel, Mississippi but raised in Miami, Florida. She attended K-12 schools within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools District. She once dreamed of becoming the first female President of the United States when she won 8th grade Student Council Vice President. Seeking political office may come later, for now, La-Shanda uses her teaching network to advocate for safe schools, student-centered classrooms, and women empowerment.
La-Shanda West has served the Miami-Dade County Public Schools District for 22 years teaching secondary social studies. In the past five years, she has taught Cambridge Business AS Level. Her philosophy of teaching, it takes a village to educate the whole child through care, support, and stakeholder involvement.
Her leadership experience includes being the iPrep Academy Leader, Leadership Florida Southeast Council Education Chair, Donors Choose Teacher Ambassador, and Bill of Rights Teacher Council. La-Shanda holds a Masters in Reading K-12 from Florida Memorial University, a Historically Black University in South Florida. She earned an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2017.
From 2017-current, La-Shanda is the teacher sponsor for Students Together Against Negative Decision (STAND). She serves Sandy Hook Promise National School Advisory Council. Beside education, leadership, and advocacy, La-Shanda West accolades includes being Florida Chamber Campaign School and Community Leadership Program Certificate of Completion 2021, Veterans Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher Recognition Award 2021, National Celebrity Educator 2016, Florida Social Studies Beginning Teacher of the Year 2002, Miss Royal Poinciana 1992, and Miss Sunburst 1990.
