—
#DaretobeKind – a Global Movement’s website and social media platform has recently been launched. The website encourages people to share personal stories revealing an act of kindness in face of difficult situations.
The founder’s mission is to prove how kindness can be used in practical ways to build “safer communities and healthier relationships.”
The website is anchored on the belief that each person has an important story to tell, and it is only through sharing stories that people can heal and help others.
“The vision is a SAFER world. The method is KINDNESS. The vehicle is YOU,” stated Gabriella Van Rij, who serves as the movement’s founder. This massive goal arrives at opportune time in view of the present emotional climate in the US which has been plagued with increased levels of fear, hate and violence.
A tragic start to 2018 witnessed 71 dead or injured in school shootings, according to Education Week’s latest figures, despite the fact that legislation and gun control measures are in place. In addition, the National School Walkout on March 14 and the March for Our Lives on March 24 both further showcased the disquiet and growing disillusionment over the present reality of unsafe institutions.
“We believe one person’s purposeful act of kindness within a two-mile radius can launch positive and exceptional outcomes within governments, industries, justice systems, and throughout every sector of society,” according to its Mission Statement.
Van Rij is no stranger to the idea that kindness, especially when it is unexpected, can make a difference. Her own experience was shocking and instantly effective. “I got off a cruise ship to tour the local area a while back. Even though I am an experienced traveler, I found myself accosted by two men who were set on raping me. Somehow, I managed to escape. When I was about to rebound the ship, the police showed up with the two men in custody. They brought to me to identify them. Instead of simply identifying them, I introduced myself, ‘Hi, my name is Gabriella.’ and within a minute, both men saw me as a human and not a victim. They began to sob.
No charges were pressed and I guarantee you those men never acted so horribly ever again.”
Further, by providing a platform for sharing kindness, ideas and inspirational readers’ stories, the aim is to shift everyone into becoming Kindness Instigators. The movement believes that every inspiring story that showcases the good in humanity sparks further ideas of how we each can #BEthedifference in their corner of the globe.
Website: www.daretobekindmovement.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/daretobekindmovement/
Release ID: 358982