Sunmark Foundation Hosts Kids Kindness Workshops at kipp schools

In 2021, the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation joined with Beekman 1802, one of the largest independent skincare companies in the United States founded on an act of kindness, to launch its first ever “Summer of Kindness” program. With a goal of spreading kindness in our local communities, kids up to age 12 “deposited kindness” by submitting ideas on how they would spread kindness where they live.

Twelve Summer of Kindness projects were completed throughout the summers of 2021 and 2022,  with Kindness Crews – comprised of Sunmark Credit Union and Beekman 1802 employees, and Sunmark Foundation volunteers – reviewing all submissions and selecting ideas to become Kindness Projects. Projects were fulfilled with the Kindness Crew working together with the child who submitted the form to bring their idea to life and spread kindness in their community. Learn more about our Kindness Projects here.

Last year, Sunmark and Beekman 1802 enhanced the Summer of Kindness program with the addition of Kids Kindness Workshops, partnering with area teachers and youth group leaders to bring kindness to their classrooms or organizations. During workshops, children learned what it means to be kind and how even the smallest act of kindness can leave a positive impact on the world. The Kindness Crew facilitated group discussions on the meaning of kindness and help children brainstorm how to spread kindness in their homes, communities, and school. Groups also completed a hands-on Kindness Project to benefit a local organization in their community.

This year, the Sunmark Foundation has completed three kindness workshops at KIPP Schools in Albany and Troy. During workshops, the Kindness Crew met with 4^th graders to discuss ways they could be kind to their peers, their school, and themselves. They then brainstormed how they could spread that kindness into their community through kindness projects. Students at the three schools have also started a pen pal program to learn more about each other and will ultimately complete a kindness project together later in the school year.

“Working with the KIPP schools was a great way to kick off our workshops for 2023. The students were thoughtful and considerate, and their ideas to spread kindness are sure to leave an impact on their community for years to come.” Audrey Stone, Community Engagement Program Manager and Foundation VP.

Are you a teacher or youth leader who would like to bring kindness into your classroom or organization? We can bring the kindness crew to you! Workshops are tailored to fit various age groups and schedules, visit our Workshop page here or contact Audrey Stone at Audrey.stone@sunmark.org

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