End Bullying with Kindness
The Kindness is Free Carnival, presented by Boys & Girls Clubs and chaired by Lori Milgard, is an annual event that creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, serving as a platform for fostering understanding, empathy, and compassion among young people. Carnival-goers embrace the transformative power of kindness through interactive games, workshops, and engaging activities.
By emphasizing that kindness costs nothing but has immense value, the carnival instills a sense of responsibility and compassion in youth, ultimately striving to create a culture where we replace bullying with mutual respect and support among youth.
The WHY
- The risk of depression in children who were bullied is 2.77 times higher than in those who were not bullied
- 1 in 5 high school students report bullying
- The percentages of individuals who have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lifetimes have more than doubled (18% to 37%) from 2007-2019
- Bullying is the most commonly reported discipline problems in public schools
- Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement and dropping out of school
- 69.1% of tweens who were cyberbullied shared that it negatively impacted their feelings about themselves
Event Recap
The 3rd Annual Kindness is Free Carnival took place on April 27th, 2024, and brought together more than 2,000 youth from 10 Boys & Girls Club organizations, 15 school districts and three school communities. The event was declared a bully-free zone and encouraged participating youth to embrace kindness and stand up to bullying.
The 2024 Kindness is Free Carnival was hosted by iHeart radio DJ Lisa Foxx, included musical performances from Rooted and Alexander James Rodriguez, and featured words of wisdom from Dr. Sharona Nazarian, Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills, and the office of Mayor Karen Bass. Influencer Isaiah Garza was recognized by the Kindness is Free movement as the Kindness Influencer of the Year, and he graciously distributed gifts to youth from the Salesian Family Center in Boyle Heights.
All rides, games, food and activities at the carnival were available for free to participating youth. During the carnival, the Kindness is Free program offered engaging workshops, uplifting talks, and interactive experiences designed to leave a lasting impact on youth, inspiring them to carry the spirit of kindness forward long after the carnival concluded. Participants left equipped with practical tools and strategies to incorporate kindness into their everyday lives.
Join the Kindness Movement
By joining the Kindness is Free movement, you become a force for positive change. From taking the Kindness Pledge to organizing events or sharing stories of compassion, there are numerous ways to participate in spreading kindness and promoting empathy. Small acts of kindness can create a significant impact on the world, and your involvement can help foster a culture of kindness, respect, and consideration, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society. Take action today and join us in making a difference through kindness!