Riley’s Way Foundation will award grants up to $3,000 each to teen-led projects
What does it take to be a true leader? Kindness, courage, and strong will, which the current youth are veined with. There is more powerful than people believe behind teens with these, no matter who they are. Who better to lead a national Kindness movement than our youth? The Call for Kindness believes every teen has a leadership quality who wants to make a difference.
This New Year and decade, in a country, divided, Riley’s Way Foundation challenges U.S. teens from 13 to 19 to apply for grants to bring more kindness into the world. A national contest that will award grants to teen-led projects that inspire kindness, strengthen communities, and bring people together.
Jan. 20, 2020, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of building bridges and strengthening communities, Riley’s Way Foundation launched its second annual Call for Kindness Contest.
Call to lead the world
Teens have the idea, passion and drive to make national kindness movement a reality. Through Call for Kindness, Riley’s Way Foundation encourages young leaders to use kindness and empathy to create meaningful connections and drive positive change in the world. It provides an opportunity for young people to dream big, and receive thousands of dollars to implement ideas to make the world a better place.
Laura Kikuchi, Riley’s Way Program Director, says, “I have seen winners strengthen their confidence, independence, and leadership skills, and it has been an honor to support them in their growth.”
Fifteen Call for Kindness winners will be announced on May 6, where they will receive up to $3,000 each to fund their teen-led project. They will join others from across the country in the Riley’s Way Kind Leadership Series, comprising of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning. While some participants are expected to attend the Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat.
Kindness spreads when shared
Last year, Call for Kindness winners reached over 30,000 people. The Birthday Giving Program distributed over 1,500 birthday bags, expanding chapters in Illinois, California, Tennessee, and Florida.
Purple America hosted 22 small groups including new chapters in Atlanta and Wyoming; Womaze grew to over 30,000 subscribers; Grow Healthy worked with 85 youth volunteers, and We Dine Together grew to 60 people and is working to provide programming to 2,500 students schoolwide!
“Riley’s Way has changed me for the better; they were always there supporting me and guiding me through.” One student told them that if it weren’t for this club, he wouldn’t be around today. “I encourage anyone who is contemplating the Call for Kindness to get involved … Across the country, people are trying to make the world a better place.”
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2020.
