About
Every time we do something that helps a community grow more kind, resilient and welcoming, we SPARK Kindness.
Our Mission
The mission of Spark Kindness is to build a kind, resilient and welcoming community where no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported or unconnected. We support families, schools, organizations, coaches, artists, faith and community leaders in building a culture that empowers youth and promotes kindness and respect.
We create and support communities of belonging where people feel seen and valued. We do this in a variety of ways including:
- Educational Programming that empowers parents, caregivers, & community members.
- Belonging Programming that brings people from different backgrounds together in community.
- Organizational consulting and community conflict response facilitation that supports other organizations using Spark Kindness values.
Launched to counter cyberbullying in 2010, Spark Kindness has grown into a nonprofit convener, educator, resource, and friend—and the biggest fan of our community's shared strengths. Spark Kindness hosts speakers, parenting/caregiver groups, community activities, and support whenever needed. All Spark Kindness events and resources are FREE thanks to dedicated volunteers, donors, business and philanthropic sponsors, and our generous community.
Our Impact
A unique, grassroots force in the national kindness movement, Spark Kindness ventures into vulnerable, emotional issues to cultivate skills for caring and equity. We work with schools, parents, and civic institutions. Our “wrap around” programs and resources better equip communities to create lasting interdependence and connection.
“Spark Kindness has made an impact on my life by being an inclusive and thoughtful source of insightful events in our community.”
— Spark Kindness Resilient Community Series Participant
Your donation can increase the number of youth we serve
Benefits of Building A Caring, Resilient Community
We Cannot Do It Alone: “It Takes a Village to Raise a Resilient Child”. Schools and families cannot do this work alone. Raising kind and connected kids is challenging work, and families and schools are already overwhelmed with pressure and expectations.
It’s A Proactive Approach to Supporting Youth & Families. Often a community doesn’t address an issue like bullying or mental health until a tragedy occurs. Why should parents, schools and communities wait to REACT to bullying AFTER it occurs? Through the formation of a network, a community can take a positive and proactive approach to supporting youth wellness.
It Helps the Whole Community. Since the 1980s, the percentage of American adults who say they’re lonely has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent [1]. Though online connection has increased (social media), more and more students and families are feeling isolated. Further, issues like bullying are not limited to youth and schools. Polls have also shown that a significant number of people have been bullied at work [2] and in senior centers[3]. High profile cases of bullying, harassment and hazing have been found in professional sports, and in youth sports as well. Because of the importance of building positive connections, a community based approach is appropriate and effective.
1. “Social Isolation is Killing Us,” New York Times, 12/22/16. 2. According to 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute survey, 30% of workers experienced bullying firsthand. www.workplacebullying.org. 3. Ninivaggi, Frank, “Breaking The Silence on Elderly Perpetuated Bullying” (Psychology Today)
“As a parent, it is so hard to know you are doing a good job raising your kids. The Spark speakers are always inspiring, giving me concrete ideas and nuggets of wisdom that guide my parenting choices and keep me motivated. I also love connecting with other parents who share my values at the programs or when we talk about them afterwards. We are so fortunate that we have Spark in our community, helping us navigate modern-day parenting in such a positive, accessible way!”
— Spark Kindness Member (Parent/Caregiver)
A core principle of our work is that “kindness without justice is incomplete.” Our organization is committed to the work of kindness and justice and the core values of diversity, equity, belonging, community connection, inclusion, and accessibility. This work is an ongoing journey for our organization and we welcome your feedback and contributions. Contact us with questions or to learn more by emailing info@sparkkindness.org
