February Month of Kindness

Inspired by Unity Week and Dr. Martin Luther King’s notion of a “beloved community” the City of Spartanburg and its partners are issuing a “February Month of Kindness” challenge to all Spartanburg residents. 

The group of community organizations are launching the effort with the belief that being kind does not mean simply sitting back and allowing old systems to continue to divide us as a nation, but it is kindness that helps us to consider our neighbor’s perspective with empathy and respect instead of malice and resentment. Kindness alone cannot dismantle the barriers between communities, but a shared, reciprocal kindness can become a vehicle to help each of us recognize our shared humanity in the face of a coarsening civil discourse and disunity in our nation.

Community Kindness: Show kindness by doing something for the greater good

1. Donate to a local nonprofit agency and we don’t just mean money! Donate needed items to a homeless shelter or food to a food pantry. 
2. Volunteer! Pick up trash at a park or trail, help an elderly citizen register for the COVID-19 vaccine, or connect with your favorite nonprofit to see if they need any help. 
3. Neighborhood clean up – get some neighbors together to pickup litter or clean up common spaces. Show appreciation to essential workers like teachers, school faculty, healthcare workers,  postal workers, or delivery companies by purchasing their lunch, sending a note of appreciation, or leaving a small snack.
4. Start an art project. Draw a picture showing what kindness means to you. 

People Kindness: It’s the little things we might think don’t matter, but can actually put a smile (even though we can’t see it with a mask!) on someone’s face.

1. You before me – is there something I can do for you? Assist a co-worker with a project, help a friend by dropping their child off at school, pick up a meal for family or friend.
2. Pay it forward – purchase someone’s groceries or food when in line at the grocery store or drive-thru. Simple acts of kindness: Smile with your eyes above that mask, say hello to a stranger, hold the door for someone.
3. Write a note of appreciation to someone special you haven’t talked to in a long time like a teacher, relative, neighbor, or long distance friend. 
4. Get together virtually with family. Use Facebook Rooms, Zoom, Google Meet, or any of the other online tools available to play a game, watch a movie, or just hang out with a group. 

Social Media/Online Kindness: We’ve all seen tensions and tempers rising online, let’s try to be kind on AND offline.

1. Add the #KindSpartanburg Facebook frame to your profile picture! 
2. Share a positive quote that’s meaningful to you on social media. 
3. Update your email signature to include “‘The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.’ -Kahlil Gibra #KindSpartanburg”
4. Say something nice on someone’s post
5. Start a kindness group (group chat, community group)
6. Share something positive from the news

Self Kindness: Sometimes we are so concerned with helping others that we forget about ourselves!

1. Treat yourself to dinner out or try a new recipe at home!
2. Do something you enjoy but don’t often have time for.
3. Read a good book
4. Do something outdoors – go to the park, ride a bike, go hiking, etc.
5. Compliment yourself! Write down a few things you love about yourself!
6. Give yourself a spa day! Make a home spa, get a facial, meditate, or  just rest! You deserve it!

True kindness is not about recognition, but we do encourage everyone to share their acts of kindness on social media with the tag #KindSpartanburg to spread awareness of kindness and encourage others to participate!