Kindness

Kindness is Free is a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation of youth by instilling values of equality, respect, and compassion for others. It encourages self-reflection and promotes treating everyone with fairness and empathy.

The movement is expanding, and we invite individuals and organizations across Oxnard and Port Hueneme to join in promoting kindness, emphasizing the impact of small acts of compassion, and encouraging everyone to take the Kindness Pledge, committing to respect others, treat everyone as they wish to be treated, and practice daily acts of kindness.

Kindness is Free strives to create a kinder, more inclusive world where empathy and respect are the foundation of daily interactions, making life better for all.

About Kindness is Free

  • Kindness is Free, powered by Boys & Girls Clubs, was a local initiative created in 2020 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside. This remarkable program, spearheaded by visionary Lori Milgard and the Club’s CEO, JR Dzubak, has since blossomed into a movement that resonates far beyond its origins in Southern California.

    At its core, Kindness is Free aims to encourage a culture of compassion, inclusivity, and respect among the next generation of youth. It teaches the profound significance of treating others with fairness and compassion, both in words and actions. The program is designed to encourage introspection and instill values that underscore the importance of showing respect, treating everyone equally, and practicing empathy.

    The growth of the Kindness is Free initiative has led us to call upon people nationwide to join us in our mission to spread kindness. The underlying message is simple yet profound: small acts of kindness matter, and they are within reach of everyone. We invite everyone to take the Kindness Pledge, a commitment to respecting others, treating them as they would like to be treated, and embracing thoughtfulness in their daily life.

    Kindness is Free empowers individuals of all ages to make a positive impact by embracing kindness as a way of life. By fostering these values, the initiative seeks to create a world where empathy and respect are the norm, making it a better place for all.

The Kindness Pledge

  • The Kindness Pledge is at the heart of the kindness program, and we invite everyone to take part! The pledge is short, universal, and intended to inspire all members of the community, from students and teens to business professionals and celebrities alike.

    The pledge touches on the three keys to kindness and gives you the opportunity to make a public declaration of your promise to be kind. When you make the official pledge, you are gifted a kindness pledge card to carry with you as a reminder of your commitment and a kindness badge to share on social media and in your email signature, commemorating your commitment to the mission.

Schedule a Kindness Pop Up

  • The Kindness Program is mobile! If you’re in the Oxnard or Port Hueneme area, keep an eye out for us as we spread kindness at pop-up events throughout the region.

    And schedule us to come out to your next event! Kindness pop-ups can be hosted at schools, businesses, parks, churches, and anywhere the message of kindness is welcomed. Our pop-ups are curated to promote and deliver greater awareness for kindness in your community. Each pop-up includes the Kindness Pledge, Kindness is Free merchandise giveaways, and other fun surprises.

The Kindness Mission

Kindness is Free wants to empower the next generation by teaching kindness and bringing awareness to its importance in the equal treatment, respect, and compassion for others. Through presentations, pop-ups, and special Kindness Pledge events, the movement is spreading the message of respect and kindness to the Greater Los Angeles area and inspiring youth to take charge.

The Kindness Vision

Our vision is to provide youth with the tools, resources and engagements­ ­ to better understand the meaning of kindness and help shape the next generation’s values while improving their social and emotional behavior, ultimately leading to safer communities. The hope is for individuals and institutions nationwide to join us in promoting kindness by implementing Kindness is Free programming and teaching youth about the importance of equal treatment, respect, and consideration of others.

The 3rd Annual Kindness Is Free Carnival

The Kindness is Free Carnival, presented by Boys & Girls Clubs and chaired by Lori Milgard, is an annual event that creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, serving as a platform for fostering understanding, empathy, and compassion among young people. Carnival-goers embrace the transformative power of kindness through interactive games, workshops, and engaging activities. By emphasizing that kindness costs nothing but has immense value, the carnival instills a sense of responsibility and compassion in youth, ultimately striving to create a culture where we replace bullying with mutual respect and support among youth.

The 3rd Annual Kindness is Free Carnival took place on April 27th, 2024, and brought together more than 2,000 youth from 10 Boys & Girls Club organizations, 15 school districts and three school communities. The event was declared a bully-free zone and encouraged participating youth to embrace kindness and stand up to bullying. The 2024 Kindness is Free Carnival was hosted by iHeart radio DJ Lisa Foxx, included musical performances from Rooted and Alexander James Rodriguez, and featured words of wisdom from Dr. Sharona Nazarian, Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills, and the office of Mayor Karen Bass. Influencer Isaiah Garza was recognized by the Kindness is Free movement as the Kindness Influencer of the Year, and he graciously distributed gifts to youth from the Salesian Family Center in Boyle Heights.

All rides, games, food and activities at the carnival were available for free to participating youth. During the carnival, the Kindness is Free program offered engaging workshops, uplifting talks, and interactive experiences designed to leave a lasting impact on youth, inspiring them to carry the spirit of kindness forward long after the carnival concluded. Participants left equipped with practical tools and strategies to incorporate kindness into their everyday lives.

VIEW CARNIVAL PHOTOS HERE.

The 2024 Rose Parade

For the first time in its storied legacy, the Boys & Girls Club had a float in the Rose Parade in 2024! Thanks to the sponsorship of a generous donor, the Kindness is Free float showcased why small acts of kindness are meaningful while inviting viewers to take the Kindness Pledge of respecting others, treating everyone as they wish to be treated, and being compassionate.

The iconic New Year’s Day tradition was broadcasted live from Pasadena, California, and the 2024 Rose Parade float showcased how kindness has the power to change the world. The float depicted a kind, loving, whimsical elephant leading with his heart to show kindness to a sweet mouse needing shelter from the New Years Day sunshine. The kind duo made their way down the parade route as they shared the message of kindness with the world.

  • Highlights from the Kindness float in the 2024 Rose Parade

  • Port Hueneme Teen Center members made 150 lunch sacks to hand out to unhoused people in our community

  • Be Kind bracelet-making at the Squires Clubhouse

  • The Port Hueneme "Kindness Quilt"

  • New Kindness Is Free swag

  • Our Kindness Ambassadors created and delivered heartwarming cards to seniors in a local nursing home

  • Be Kind bracelets at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center

  • Promoting kindness throughout our community with these Kindness Is Free yard signs

  • team at the 2023 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Regional Conference took the Kindness Pledge