One Kind Act a Day is building communities of kindness, and we want you to join us. We are happy to simply engage with your community in spreading messages of kindness internally and externally. Additionally, we offer the opportunity to work towards awarding you a “Certified City of Kindness” proclamation. Below is a list of steps and requirements for earning this prestigious honor. Upon completion we will set a date to bestow a beautifully framed award, engage with the press, state and community leaders, and help promote your city as a partner with One Kind Act a Day and a positive contributor within the broader community. We welcome you to join us in creating kinder communities.

Required:

• Demonstrated Acts of Kindness: The primary requirement for a kindness award is typically a demonstrated record of acts of kindness. This could include helping colleagues or citizens, being inclusive, showing empathy, standing against bullying, community events, or performing community service.
• Consistency: The city needs to demonstrate a consistent pattern of kindness over time, rather than isolated acts of kindness.
• Impact: The impact of the kind acts should be considered. Impact can include reductions in bullying, innovative programs, citizen feedback, observed acts of kindness, and should be documented and shared with city staff and council.
• City Resolution supporting One Kind Act a Day as a partner.
• Participation
  • 50% participation of city employees in pre and post surveys
  • 50% staff signing up to take our Kindness Pledge
• Liaison Appointment: please appoint someone within the company who is willing and able to act as a liaison with One Kind Act a Day

Optional: Please complete a minimum of six (6) items

• Awards may be given to individuals or groups who have had a positive and significant impact on the community through their kindness.
  • Candidates for a kindness award may be nominated by city staff, elected officials or other members of the community. These nominations may be accompanied by specific examples of kindness. Kindness awards may consider a person’s character and integrity. This includes honesty, respect, and overall ethical behavior.
• Efforts made to engage youth in kindness activities.
  • Recruit youth volunteers to serve as kindness ambassadors who promote kindness initiatives and serve as role models within their neighborhoods and schools. Provide training and support to help ambassadors spread kindness throughout the community.
• Outreach to local businesses to participate with One Kind Act a Day and/or other kindness initiatives.
• Placards or banners in city spaces promoting kindness.
• Select a charity to benefit from kindness initiatives.
  • Partner with local nonprofit organizations to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for residents. Provide information about volunteer needs and facilitate connections between volunteers and organizations.
• Add One Kind Act a Day logo and link to City Website
• Create a Service and Kindness Community Committee – youth and/or adults.
• Kindness Challenges
  • Organize challenges that encourage residents to engage in acts of kindness and then share their experiences on social media using a specific hashtag. Offer recognition for individuals or groups who demonstrate exceptional kindness.
• Video essay competition
  • The city might ask citizens to create an essay or participate in an interview to explain their commitment to kindness, plans for continuing to promote kindness, or kindnesses observed in your community.
  • These videos could be incorporated into social media posts by the city and OKAAD.
• Kindness Art on display at City Hall.
• Challenge another City to take on the kindness certification process.

Please, have fun! The primary focus is to foster positive social connections, inclusivity, and improving the quality of life for residents in your city.