‘Call For Kindness’ Contest Open; Funds Teen Leadership Projects

ACROSS AMERICA — A foundation that aims to encourage leadership rooted in kindness is seeking proposals for projects that help accomplish that in its fourth annual “Call For Kindness” contest, which comes with up to $3,000 in funding each for 35 teen-led projects.

The Call for Kindness, by the New York City-based Riley’s Way Foundation, is open to people ages 13-22. The deadline for proposals is April 1.

In general, proposals may be for new or existing projects that promote equity, address social justice issues, or build connections in schools and communities.

“As we move into year two of the pandemic and a country mired in division, we know the role kindness and community need to play in getting through these challenging times in a united way,” Riley’s Way Foundation Executive Director Christine O'Connell said in a news release.

A separate category will consider 10 projects specifically focused on mental health, a critical issue amplified by the pandemic, O’Connell said.

Examples of past projects funded by the initiative include the Flint Justice Project, a detailed database of community resources compiled in response to that Michigan community’s lead water crisis; and Purple America, which brings teens representing both conservative and progressive viewpoints together online to talk about political and social problems.

Others have expanded access to health and wellness programs in struggling Washington, D.C., communities; bridged a demographic gap in New York City’s tech industry; gave young people in California the tools needed to discuss “taboo” topics without shame or fear; and helped Kentucky teens develop communication techniques to better manage their mental health.

“I am always inspired by the projects that young people conceptualize, execute, and lead," Ian Sandler, Riley’s Way co-founder and board chairman, said in the news release.

"Their kind leadership in action is making our world better right now, one community at a time, and they are living proof that it’s never too early to start changing the world,” he said.

The foundation is named for Sandler’s 9-year-old daughter, Riley, who was about to enter the fourth grade in 2014 when she died suddenly in her sleep at an overnight summer camp.

The Call For Kindness contest is held in her memory, and the project embodies her kind spirit, O’Connell said.