Project seeks to inspire acts of kindness
In the midst of the stress and fatigue that classes can carry, a small act of kindness can make a big impact on someone who could use a word of encouragement.
Alicia Moore ’14, a member of the Student Assembly recognizes how powerful a simple positive gesture can be. Moore took this idea of spreading kindness around campus and created the 1,000 Acts of Kindness Project.
The project, which began in November, encourages William & Mary students to perform kind gestures and submit their actions online. The project has two goals: to boost the morale in the William & Mary community and show how the small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact on people.
The acts can be as simple as a smile, a hug, or a note offering a few words of encouragement. Students submit their acts of kindness online anonymously, and the submissions will be revealed in art projects throughout the school year.
Moore explained how she came to the idea of the 1,000 Acts of Kindness Project.
“I think many students are familiar with the idea of random acts of kindness and more so the idea or concept of a culture of giving,” she said. “ However, especially in the context of engagement here at the College, I wanted to do something that would highlight the importance of giving with intention.”
As students become increasingly involved in studies and extracurricular activities, it is important to pause and reflect on how their actions affect other people’s lives, Moore said.
“When we actively seek opportunities to make the lives of others better, there is a powerful impact not only on the people we give to but also within ourselves. We become more aware and purposeful in our actions, and those we come across are encouraged and inspired to do the same,” Moore said.
