In 2003 a kitchen table conversation between the founder of ServicSpace and a young student unleashed the tidal wave of kindness now known as KindSpring. They were discussing the unpleasant rituals and pranks that take place in educational institutions and wondered aloud what would happen if the intention behind playing pranks on people was flipped on its head. What if instead of playing mean practical jokes, people started playing kindness pranks on each other? What if they left an anonymous calling card behind inviting the recipient to pay-it-forward and keep the spirit going?
A small team of volunteers immediately put their heads and hearts together to set things in motion. Within the span of a month the first set of Smile Cards had been written, printed and put into play. Today Smile Cards have been translated into a dozen different languages and are shipped to over 90 countries across the globe.
One of the learning experiences for upper primary and high school students in the S.E.A.T Project Education Program, is to consider the Jane Goodall quote, “Children Can Change The World”. The students research student initiated projects and ‘kids helping other kids’. KindSpring is on the list!
The KindSpring team believe that generosity is generative — the good circles back to support us. Some people share creative ideas of compassion, some contribute stories of inspiration, some sponsor cards for others — and in all these and many other ways the kindness just keeps spreading!
Website: KindSpring