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  • Youth Changemakers Nationwide Answer the 2023 Call for Kindness

    Youth Changemakers Nationwide Answer the 2023 Call for Kindness

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    Annual program provides funding and innovative leadership development opportunities for young people to tackle some of society’s most pressing problems.

    Press Release


    Jan 18, 2023

    Riley’s Way Foundation opened their Call For Kindness program today, calling on young changemakers (13-22 years old) from across the country to submit their ideas for projects rooted in kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. The Call For Kindness, now in its fifth year, offers youth the chance to participate in a dynamic Leadership Development Fellowship and win up to $3,000 to fund a project that strengthens their local, national, or global communities.

    “It’s been incredibly inspiring to see the range of projects young people are leading in their schools and communities,” remarked Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way Foundation. “Their passion, resolve, and leadership remind us that the hope for the future lies in great part with the ideas and actions of today’s youth.”

    Young people (13-22) are invited to submit a new or existing idea, managing everything from prevailing social justice issues to pressing community-based needs. As many as 36 youth-led projects will receive awards. This year, a separate category will consider 10 projects focused on environmental justice, as the climate crisis and other environmental problems require critical attention. 

    Additionally, Riley’s Way will continue to support a dance and arts category, the Yuriko Kikuchi Arigato Award, in honor of Yuriko, the pioneering dancer, and choreographer. 

    “Becoming a Riley’s Way Call For Kindness Fellow has meant that even if things get hard, I’m not alone, and have all these resources if I need anything,” shared 2022 Call For Kindness Fellow Ryan Syed, founder of SAYA’s Project Loving Me.

    Past projects have addressed the mental health and well-being of vulnerable communities, promoted education equity, bridged the tech industry’s demographic gap, supported those experiencing homelessness, combatted food insecurity, and much more. The complete list of Call For Kindness projects can be found here.

    “The future belongs to a new generation of leaders, who with unshakable determination and a clear sense of purpose, will blaze a trail of innovation and progress to tackle society’s toughest challenges,” shared Ian Sandler, Co-Founder, Board Chair of Riley’s Way. “I am honored to be a part of their journey and will tirelessly work to empower them with the tools and resources they need to make their boldest visions a reality.” 

    Visit CallForKindness.org to learn more and read about past Fellows.

    About Riley’s Way Foundation 

    Riley’s Way Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that empowers a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support, and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. Their programs provide young leaders with the tools and resources to envision and achieve change. Riley’s Way is committed to supporting these young leaders to build a better world that values kindness, empathy, connection, and the voices of all youth. Mackenzie and Ian Sandler established Riley’s Way in 2014 in memory of their daughter Riley Hannah Sandler.

    Source: Riley’s Way Foundation

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  • Riley’s Way Annual Contest Provides Youth With Funds and Training to Launch Social Impact Projects

    Riley’s Way Annual Contest Provides Youth With Funds and Training to Launch Social Impact Projects

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    Young People Across the U.S. Invited to Answer 2022’s Call for Kindness

    Today, Riley’s Way Foundation opened its Call for Kindness program, calling on young people (13-22 years old) from across the country to submit a proposal for a project that will bring more kindness into the world. The Call for Kindness, now in its fourth year, is an annual contest offering young people the chance to participate in a dynamic leadership development fellowship and win up to $3,000 to fund a project that inspires kindness and strengthens local or global communities. 

    “As we move into year two of the pandemic and a country mired in division, we know the role kindness and community need to play in getting through these challenging times in a united way,” said Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way Foundation. “We are looking forward to exploring the creative solutions young leaders have for today’s toughest challenges, and awarding the winning projects with the tools and resources needed to help bring these solutions to their communities.”

    Young people (13-22) are invited to submit a new or existing project idea, tackling topics such as pressing equity and social justice issues or building meaningful connections within the school or community. As many as 35 teen-led projects will receive awards. A separate category will consider 10 projects specifically focused on mental health, recognizing the growing need to highlight this critical issue only amplified by the pandemic.  

    Past projects have been life-changing. They’ve included increasing access to health and wellness resources for vulnerable communities in Washington, D.C.; bridging the demographic gap in the tech industry by providing opportunities to underrepresented youth in New York City; empowering youth in California with the tools needed for expression, free of shame or fear; and helping teens in Kentucky manage mental health through innovative connection and communication techniques. The full list of Call For Kindness projects can be found here.

    “I am always inspired by the projects that young people conceptualize, execute, and lead,” said Ian Sandler, Co-Founder of Riley’s Way and Chair of the Board. “Their kind leadership in action is making our world better right now, one community at a time, and they are living proof that it’s never too early to start changing the world.”

    Visit CallForKindness.org to learn more and read about past winners.

    About Riley’s Way Foundation 

    Riley’s Way Foundation sees a future where kind leaders build a better world and empowers young people to use kindness, empathy, and meaningful connections to drive that change. 

    Contact: 
    Shonda Smith, Director of Communications

    C: 917.589.4688

    E: ssmith@rileysandler.org

    Source: Riley’s Way Foundation

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