Be Kind to Humankind Week is an annual celebration that encourages everyone to embrace the power of kindness and to spread love and compassion to those around us. It’s a weeklong opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and make a positive impact.
In this article, we’ll explore what Be Kind to Humankind Week is all about, delve into its history, discover the dates for 2025, and provide you with a list of inspiring ways to show kindness to others.
So, let’s dive in and celebrate the beauty of this remarkable annual event.
History of Be Kind to Humankind Week
In 1988, Lorraine Jara, a teacher and humanitarian, founded Be Kind to Humankind Week.
Lorraine believed in the transformative power of kindness and wanted to create an opportunity for people to focus on acts of kindness and generosity.
Since its inception, this celebratory week has gained popularity and continues to inspire individuals to make a positive impact on the world.
When Is Be Kind to Humankind Week in 2025?
Be Kind to Humankind Week takes place every year on August 25-31. So, the order of the weekdays shifts year to year and it helps participants address different kindness strategies. This year, the days fall from Monday to Sunday. During these seven days, people worldwide will come together as a celebration of kindness to show compassion in their communities.
It’s a time to make a difference, engage in acts of kindness, and inspire others to join the movement of creating a more caring and supportive world.
Daily Ways To Practice Kindness
Motorist Consideration Monday
Practice patience and consideration towards others while traveling. This includes all forms of travel, whether it be by bike, boat, bus, car, foot, plane, train, scooter, skateboard, or wheelchair.
Touch a Heart Tuesday
Take the opportunity to show your love toward others. Just like the old ’60s tune says, “Put a little love in your heart.” The value of love holds true every day. After all, love is eternal and a little bit of love goes a long way.
Willing To Lend a Hand Wednesday
Offer someone your time, help, or advice today. What you do for them does not have to be anything big. Even the smallest help to someone can let them know they’re valued.
Thoughtful Thursday
Whether at home, at school or work, or in public, be thoughtful and considerate of other people. It can be something quite simple: Hold doors open for people behind you. Give your seat to someone else when on the bus or the train. Allow a person with fewer items to go in front of you in line. Leave a nice note for a co-worker or classmate. The possibilities are endless.
Forgive Your Foe Friday
Nurture forgiveness in your heart to alleviate any anger you may feel toward other people or even toward yourself. This can be difficult, but it’s extremely necessary. Forgiving someone who has hurt you is difficult. Forgiving yourself is difficult. But refusing to forgive only adds to our pain.
Speak Kind Words Saturday
Words are powerful. They can make us or break us. They can hurt or heal other people. Think before you speak or press send. You cannot take your words back! Once blurted out, they can destroy a person’s self esteem and self worth. Unkind words can create hate and malice. Cynicism is destructive. Watch what you say.
Sacrifice Our Wants for Others’ Needs Sunday
Today is a chance to do something for someone in need. Let your desires come second on this day and give a little something to somebody else. Invite a friend or family member over for dinner, especially those who don’t get out often. Instead of spending your money on something you don’t necessarily need, donate it. Cook a meal for a sick friend. Assist someone with their phone, tablet, or computer if they need help. Be creative and spread some joy.
BONUS PRACTICE
Random Acts of Kindness
Surprise someone with a random act of kindness. It can be as simple as holding the door open for a stranger, offering to help carry groceries, or buying a coffee for the person in line behind you. Small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day and create a positive ripple effect.
BONUS PRACTICE
Cultivate Kind Thoughts
Take a few moments each day to cultivate kind thoughts toward yourself and others. Practice self-compassion and extend your compassion to those around you. Engage in positive self-talk and spread positivity wherever you go.
Next Steps
Be Kind to Humankind Week is an annual celebration that invites us to spread love, compassion, and kindness. Founded in 1988 by Lorraine Jara, this weeklong event encourages individuals to offer a helping hand, perform acts of kindness, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
In 2025, Be Kind to Humankind Week will again take place August 25-31, this year falling from Monday to Sunday. Make this a time to engage in thoughtful gestures, random acts of kindness, and uplifting words. Together, we can all make a difference and create a world where kindness is celebrated — not just during this week, but every day of the year. Join the movement, spread kindness, and be the change you wish to see.
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Convoy of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to showing kindness around the world, offers six key avenues to tangibly make a difference in people’s lives. Visit convoy.org to discover how you can show kindness to children, women, families, and communities around the world.
