Riley’s Way is inviting young people between the ages of 13-23 years old to participate in their annual Call For Kindness contest. This year’s theme is education equity, and participants are asked to submit their ideas and solutions for addressing this issue by creating projects that promote kindness, empathy, youth leadership, and community involvement. The winners of the contest will receive up to $5,000 in seed funding and a year-long professional development fellowship. The Call For Kindness is a nationwide contest that aims to inspire young people to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Education equity is not only about breaking down systemic barriers and accommodating various circumstances,” explained Call For Kindness alumni Everest Maya-Tudor. “It’s also about creating an environment where learning is seen as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.”
“Young people themselves picked Education Equity as our special category this year,” stated Dr. Christine O’Connell, Riley’s Way Executive Director. “They want to dismantle barriers to education and create opportunities so every student can thrive.”
Students across the country face very different school environments. Unfortunately, many students from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, low-income students, and students with disabilities, don’t have equal access to resources, support services, and enriching opportunities. However, young leaders are taking a stand against these inequities. They are envisioning inclusive solutions based on kindness and empathy, which will improve access to high-quality education regardless of one’s background or circumstances.
“Young people leading with kindness are creating a dynamic and positive force for good that our world desperately needs,” shared Ian Sandler, co-founder and Board Chair of Riley’s Way. “They are paving the way for a more vibrant leadership landscape that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to a kinder world.”
The Call For Kindness boasts an innovative model for youth development, combining start-up funding ($5,000) with leadership programming — all grounded in kindness and empathy. Past projects have addressed mental health and well-being, promoted racial justice, bridged the tech industry’s demographic gap, supported those experiencing homelessness, and much more. Up to 40 youth-led projects will be awarded, with 10 focused on Education Equity, three awards in the A Kinder World For Animals special category, and one in each of the other special categories: Interfaith Connections and Dance and the Arts.
The Yuriko Kikuchi Arigato Award (“Arigato” means “thank you” in Japanese) supports projects in dance and the performing arts in honor of Yuriko, the pioneering dancer, choreographer, and keeper of Martha Graham’s flame. The purpose of the Interfaith Connections Award is to foster education, connection making, and acts of kindness across different religious or cultural communities. The A Kinder World for Animals Award addresses the well-being of animals and the important role that animals play in human lives.
