World Kindness Day

Post-it notes stuck on a wall with words of affirmation written all over them

World Kindness Day

A life-sized, colorful poster of the word KIND with a person standing, arms outstretched, as the letter "I".

“Kindness is the language which a deaf can hear and blind can see.”

Mark Twain

WWU Kindness Day 2024

World Kindness Day is celebrated on November 13, but WWU will be celebrating Kindness Day a little early this year, starting on Friday, November 1! We hope you’ll swing by the Kindness Booth in Red Square and the Miller Hall Collaborative Space between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to get a little refill on kindness in preparation for World Kindness Day!

WWU Kindness Booth in Red Square (under the Miller Hall overhang) 

  • Grab a free cup of hot cocoa or coffee
  • Pick up a Be Kind button
  • Make some fun crafts
  • Write your favorite kindness quote, advice, or a kindness shout-out to a friend or colleague on a sticky note to be added to the mural in the Miller Hall Collaborative Space.

Miller Hall Collaborative Space 

  • Visit with one of the sweet Whatcom Therapy Dogs between 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 12:30 – 2:00 PM
  • Write your favorite kindness quote, advice, or a kindness shout-out to a friend or colleague on a sticky note and put it up on the Kindness mural that will be up in the Collaborative Space until the Thanksgiving break.  

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, November 1!

People of various ages petting and enjoying the company of dogs in a busy indoor public space.
A golden retriever sits on the floor surrounded by three people petting him. The dog has a green vest and a stuffed toy in front of him.

What is World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day was launched in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, and is celebrated annually on November 13. 

The objective of World Kindness Day is to “highlight good deeds in the community, focusing on the positive power and common thread of kindness which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and zip codes.” (Wikipedia)

If you would like more information about WWU Kindness Day please email us at wwukind@wwu.edu.

“If you define kindness as being nice, considerate, or friendly, then kindness is not enough,” said Jim Graham, psychology professor and member of the Kindness Day Organizing Committee.

“Given the historic and current issues facing the United States, kindness has to be bigger than that. The practice of kindness needs to include a willingness to stand up and take action on important issues and to hold ourselves and our community accountable for how we treat others. I’m excited about the panel. I expect the panelists will challenge the contemporary notion of kindness and encourage us to expand our notions of what kindness means and how kindness looks. Sometimes, kindness means a warm smile and an encouraging word. Sometimes it means speaking up for social justice and taking action against oppression.”

Uzma Ahmad Randhawa

A conversation on kindness with Uzma Randhawa

Hunter Stuehm, current WWU Trustee and graduate student in audiology, sits down with Uzma Ahmad Randhawa. Uzma is a trained clinical psychologist and counselor among being a committed advocate for vulnerable families and children. In her interview, Uzma shares quotes that are important reminders, as well as the impact of simple kind acts - even as simple as a homecooked meal!

Steve Swan

A conversation on kindness with Steve Swan

Hunter Stuehm, current WWU Trustee and graduate student in audiology, sits down with Steve Swan. Steve is a former university Vice President and has been involved in several community organizations through Whatcom County. In his interview, Steve discusses the role of his faith in understanding kindness and the importance of thinking about others.

Sislena Ledbetter

A conversation on kindness with Sislena Ledbetter

Hunter Stuehm, current WWU Trustee and graduate student in audiology, sits down with Dr. Sislena Ledbetter. Sislena is WWU's executive director of counseling, health, and wellness and is a social psychologist by training. In her interview, Sislena discusses the concept of radical self-care and describes the impact of placing ourselves in someone else's shoes.

Laural Ballew

A conversation on Kindness with Laural Ballew

Hunter Stuehm, current WWU Trustee, sits down with Laural Ballew. Laural is the executive director of American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations Relations & Tribal Liaison to the President. In her interview, Laural discusses the role her family has played in helping her understand kindness and how she leads others with mentorship and love.

Leonard Jones

A conversation on kindness with Leonard Jones

Hunter Stuehm, current WWU Trustee and graduate student in audiology, sits down with Leonard Jones. Leonard is the current director of WWU's university residences, a role in which he oversees residential education and housing on campus. In his interview, Leonard underscores the importance of losing our judgments of others and remaining flexible, always being prepared to learn.

Celeste Mergens

A conversation on Kindness with Celeste Mergens

Hunter Stuehm, current WWU Trustee and graduate student in audiology, sits down with Celeste Mergens. Celeste is Chief Executive Officer of Days for Girls and an international leader among social causes. In her interview, Celeste discusses the role others have played in her success and the importance of leading our lives with gratitude.