Kindness is the act or state of being kind, marked by goodness, charitable behavior, pleasantness, and concern for others. It’s recognized as a virtue in many cultures and religions. And by making one act of kindness, you may inspire others to do the same.

At OAS FCU, we believe that kindness is more than a gesture — it’s the foundation of our cooperative spirit. As we celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13, let’s remember that every act of care, no matter how small, strengthens our communities around the world. Please join us in celebrating such an amazing day!

The idea for World Kindness Day originated in Japan at a 1998 conference of the Small Kindness Movement. Today, it’s officially celebrated in 21 nations.

The goal is simple: to remind everyone that kindness is free, it goes a long way, and there are thousands of ways to brighten someone’s day through random acts of kindness.

How to participate

Or, make small notes using some of this article (or your own words) explaining World Kindness Day, and leave them in random places where people will see them: the elevator, the bus, the gas station pump, or your building’s garbage room.

When November 13 comes around, please try to do something kind! Then, when someone smiles at you and thanks you, just smile back and say:

Happy World Kindness Day.

(If you feel silly doing this, try this trick: keep a couple of notes in your wallet that say “Happy World Kindness Day.”)

Who knows? Maybe the person you are kind to will pay it forward. Or someone watching might be inspired to do something kind for another person. The point is to make a difference.

Inspirations for World Kindness Day

• Hold the door open for anyone you see coming or going.
• Say hi to your neighbors and smile.
• Let someone take your seat -especially if they’re elderly, carrying things, or just look tired.
• Pick up trash you see in the street and put it in a bin or recycling container.
• Offer help to an elderly neighbor when you both have time.
• Invite a neighbor who lives alone to dinner.
• Make healthy snacks for everyone at the office.
• Teach someone how to cook, you’ll have a friend for life.
• Hug someone (with consent!).
• Send anonymous flowers to a coworker who always helps others.
• Donate seasonal clothes to a local shelter.
• Buy a “suspended coffee” at your local café (if they don’t offer it, ask them to start!).
• Buy a meal for a homeless person.
• Rake your neighbor’s leaves or mow their lawn alongside your own.
• Leave a sticky note with a kind message in a public place.
• Write a thank-you email or text to someone who helped or inspired you.
• Leave a positive online review for a local business.
• Tape coins to a vending machine or parking meter with a note: “Enjoy a treat on me!”
• These random acts of kindness are simple, low-pressure, and often contagious.

Kindness projects that require a little preparation

• Tell your kids or friends about this article and plan something together.
• Let your children’s teachers know about the day so they can organize something in school.
• Start a Free Library Box in your neighborhood or building.
• Begin a compost project with your community group.
• Send a care package to a friend or family member who moved abroad.
• Buy used books for your coworkers or friends and gift them on the day.
• Plant a tree (or a bunch!) in someone else’s name. https://onetreeplanted.org/
• Make a handmade card for someone you care about but haven’t seen in a while, and mail it!

Final thoughts

As a cooperative, we believe kindness multiplies when we lift others up. Every one of us, every day, has the power to make a difference — and together, that’s what makes us stronger. Kindness is what unites people — and it’s also what defines our cooperative mission.