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Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO, The King Center, states, “My father’s ultimate dream was to have people from all backgrounds come together and celebrate our differences as well as our commonalities...The are many ways to give back and honor the spirit of my father not only on this King holiday, but every day, and make this time of commemoration meaningful.” It is in this light that we reflect upon and commit ourselves to "the simple art of living together as brothers [and sisters],” a vision held by King for broader society, by committing to ONE ACT OF KINDNESS starting January 17 through the end of the month.

Kindness need not be hard or cost anything. It is a core value of the Bitterroot Valley and woven into the fabric of our local culture. As our population grows and we find ourselves looking upon new faces, this call to action is the perfect time to set an intention, engage in an act of kindness, and positively influence your community today!

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
― Martin Luther King Jr
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To download the "Kindness is" infographs above, 
​click here.

To download the "Commit to Kindness" poster:
Click here for the landscape version
Click here for the portrait version

In the Community
  • Volunteer your time for a community event or organization
  • Donate food and money, if you can afford to
  • Call a friend who you haven’t spoken to for a while 
  • ​Post a card or letter to someone you are out of touch with 
  • Send flowers to a friend, out of the blue 
  • Tell your favorite store clerk they're appreciated
  • Send someone a handwritten thank you note  
  • Offer to help an elderly or vulnerable neighbor  with shopping, errands or chores
  • Check on someone you know who is going through a tough time
  • Lend your ear – listen to a someone who is having a bad day 
  • Wish a passer-by a good morning or afternoon
  • Be a considerate cyclist/driver  
  • Pick up trash lying around in the street  
  • Smile and say hello to people you may pass every day, but have never spoken to before 


At Home
  • Tell your family how much you love and appreciate them
  • Help with household chores
  • Take the dog on an extra walk
  • Initiate playing a game with siblings that THEY like
  • Share a book - read it out loud together

On Social Media

  • Write something nice or encouraging on a post you appreciate  
  • ​Acknowledge and validate someone’s story – if they are having a difficult time you don’t have to have all the answers, sometimes a like or a brief ‘I’m sorry to hear this, is there something I can do?’ is enough to make them feel heard  
  • Think about what you share – if it's just critical and not constructive, think twice about posting it. 
  • Think about your comments and replies. Try not to say nasty things, or pile on where somebody questions another person’s actions   


Why Kindness Matters

You may recognize the expression “it is better to give than receive,” but did you know this is backed up by research?

People who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness. They may even live longer. Kindness can also help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing.

We all have so much going on in our lives - including competing strains and stresses – not to mention the current coronavirus pandemic. This can see kindness pushed to one side, in favor of what is urgent or trending now.

By committing to kindness in our daily words and actions with other people, we can reap emotional dividends. It can really make a difference and especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling.

Now is the time to re-imagine a kinder society that brings its members closer together and better protects our mental health. And it takes YOU to make it happen!

Kindness is choosing to do something that helps others or yourself, motivated by genuine warm feelings.   

Kindness, or doing good, often means putting other people’s needs before our own. It could be by giving up our seat in a waiting room to someone who might need it more, or offering to help a peer pick up their belongings when their backpack spills out onto the hallway floor.

Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing, by reducing stress and improving mood, self-esteem and happiness.

There are so many ways to help others as part of our everyday lives. Good deeds needn’t take much time or cost any money.  
​

Small changes can make a big difference. 

Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.: the man, the mission, and the national, as well as world impact he has had.

Learn about King's vision for the Beloved Community through downloadable PDFs that include "Teach-In" materials for classroom lessons and activities for youth of all ages.
PreK-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12

Tell someone you appreciate and care about them with a card!
Make you own or print the card we've created below.
Whichever you choose, just be sure to do it!

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BEAR     
406.363.5410
515 Madison St
Hamilton, MT 59840
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  • Home
    • Contact Us >
      • Facebook
      • Blog
  • About BEAR
    • Our History
    • Staff
    • Board Members
    • Community Connections
    • Sponsors
  • Programs
    • Venture OUT Mentoring Programs >
      • 1:1 Mentoring
      • School based programs
      • Peer Mentor Program
    • Summer Camps
    • Venture Ed
    • Ropes Challenge Course
    • Photos
    • Special Events >
      • Valentines Wine Tasting Fundraiser
      • BEAR calendar
  • Our Impact
    • Testimonials
  • Get Involved
    • Become a Peer Mentor
    • Donate
    • Connect to BEAR
    • 10 Ways to Help
    • Wish List
    • Employment Opportunities