Host a Kindness Break for Autism Speaks
Think the world could use a little extra kindness today? We do, too. True acts of kindness spark meaningful connections and those connections build genuine acceptance of people with autism. More than ever, we recognize just how important connecting through kindness is – even if that connection is made virtually!
So, why not get your friends and family together by hosting a virtual Kindness Break – convening a digital community that will not only raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks, but put a little more kindness into the world for people with autism.
We all want more kindness but for so many people kindness isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. More than two-thirds of children with autism report having been bullied. Let’s start the kindness – connection – acceptance chain and make that statistic a thing of the past.
Kindness Breaks are mini-events hosted solo or with a group (via video platform of your choice!) to add more kindness to the world and raise funds for the mission of Autism Speaks — including critical work to increase global understanding and acceptance of people with autism. You can take a Kindness Break solo or virtually with colleagues, classmates or community – whatever format works best for you.
For event hosts, when you raise your first $25, your official Kindness Break kit will be delivered* with goodies including:
- Event Decorations
- Kindness Cup Labels, Stirrers & Napkins
- Autism Speaks Mission Cards
Every participant who raises $100 will receive an awesome Kindness Cup* — a 24oz Tervis tumbler with a simple message: Be Kind. It’s our way of saying thank you (and turning you into a kindness beacon!).
Here are a few ideas to help you get started!
- April is World Autism Month and there couldn’t be a better time to start a conversation in your community about kindness. Pick a date in April and set up a video conference call with some friends for a cup of coffee or beverage of your choice. For those parents out there, considering setting up time for a virtual play date or lemonade stand! April doesn’t work this year? Consider hosting a Kindness Break in October for Bullying Prevention Month.
- Coffee break? I think you mean Kindness Break! How about hosting a Kindness Break with your work buddies? You can go big with a company-wide event or keep it simple by inviting your department to check-in with one another and catch up over a cup of coffee . Get your colleagues to pitch by asking them to come to your virtual event with their favorite recipes ready for sharing. Now you’ve built teamwork and camaraderie into your kindness campaign!
- Set it up solo. We totally get it: crowds, even virtual ones, are not for everyone. Pick a date for your Kindness Break and set aside an hour on that day to take time to be kind to friends, family, acquaintances and the autism community. Use the time to post words of kindness on social media and tag friends specifically or post on others’ timelines. Or go old school! Pick up the phone and tell someone why they matter to you or use our downloadable stationery to write a real letter and put it in the mail.
While you’re creating these kindness connections, consider how you and your network can bring kindness to people with autism and those who love and support them – especially now. Record a message of kindness to post to your social media tagging @autismspeaks, share a story of kindness you’ve witnessed in the autism community or simply share why you care about creating a kinder world for the people we serve!
When the world is more autism-friendly, it's more everyone-friendly. We need you to bring this vision to life.
Are you ready to take your Kindness Break? Visit act.autismspeaks.org/kindnessbreak and help us reach our goal of 1,000 kindness breaks this April!
*Due to COVID-19, shipments of the Kindness Kit and Tervis tumbler may be delayed.