Americans participated in Random Acts of Kindness week from 15 to 21 February. This annual event champions the value of kindness and serves as a reminder about how simple gestures can have a much bigger impact on the recipients.

We ask Marilyn Decalo from the RAK Foundation about her thoughts on kindness and graciousness.

Why is kindness important in USA?
Life in the USA can be challenging. Concerns about the economy, our daily responsibilities, and reports of violence are things that can leave us cold and anxious. Although we still live in an age of individualism, we should feel like we are part of a greater whole. This is important to our well-being. Hence, simple acts of kindness connect us closer to one another, help restore the fabric of our society and give us a sense of belonging.

Please share a story about kindness!
In 2009, single mom Dafna Michaelson cashed in her retirement savings to travel the US and record stories of everyday people doing kind acts. She did this for 52 weeks because she believed that these wonderful stories made a difference in America. Check out her story!

What do you want others to know about kindness?
Kindness transforms us and restores our relationships with people. It is a way of being with each other from the heart and honouring what counts most despite life’s obstacles. It takes us to a place of happiness where we may find well-being, encouragement and appreciation for humanity despite daily interruptions. Opportunities for cultivating and expressing kindness are all around us. So do pay a little more attention, and you can see them emerge continually!