Four ways to spread kindness
With so much going on in the world right now, showing kindness to others is an easy way to promote inclusion, respect and community, whatever the environment.
A kindness culture starts with each one of us, so we’ve compiled a list of four ways you can show kindness to people who may benefit most.
Volunteer at youth programs
Part of mitigating the impacts of bullying amongst young people is fostering alternative environments that encourage friendship, teamwork and community. There are many community programs aimed at youth looking for adult volunteers to help with program coordination, mentoring and activity leadership. Whether it’s leading young women on bush adventures, helping children learn to read or umpiring a game of football, your involvement could be the glue that keeps a group of young people together, engaged and thriving.
Volunteer with people with disability
It’s easy to take our natural abilities for granted, but when you volunteer to help a person with a disability it can put life’s challenges into perspective and help grow your own gratitude. Supporting a person who is impaired physically, intellectually or cognitively might involve companionship or advocacy where you may bake, walk or attend gigs together. Through these roles you can help someone feel safe, make decisions and reduce their feeling of loneliness.
Volunteer as a mentor or advocate
When you volunteer as a mentor or advocate of someone from a minority group or with special needs, you are offering connection, guidance, empowerment and a voice for those who don’t have one. Women, men, children, girls, school students, refugees – people from all walks of life – are known to experience positive outcomes from the support of another individual who is invested in their wellbeing and future success. Could you be that person to someone else?
Volunteer in family services
A large segment of Family Services provides care and support to vulnerable women and their children. If you are caring, empathetic and patient, you can use these life skills to engage children in activities, provide an extra set of hands in a home environment, or offer support through listening and companionship. There are women’s shelters, toy libraries, as well as events and programs helping vulnerable families that need volunteers to offer care and compassion.
At the core of kindness is action. Remember, doing any act of kindness, whether at home, in your own community or the wider community can have a much larger impact for those more vulnerable.