SMALL ACTS BIG IMPACT
PROJECT GUIDE
RULES OF KINDNESS CAMPAIGN
Kids make the rules! From September 1st through October 17th, generationOn’s Rules of Kindness campaign,
sponsored by Hasbro, challenges kids and teens to build empathy, be inclusive and show they care.
Hasbro envisions a world where all kids have the compassion, empathy and courage to stand up for
others, that’s why the Hasbro Children’s Fund is proud to power the Rules of Kindness Campaign with
generationOn.
THE ISSUE
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel pessimistic when bad things happen. It is better for your mental and
physical health, however, to focus on good things. Practicing gratitude and showing others kindness can
increase happiness, improve sleep, boost self-esteem, and build stronger, more positive relationships.
WHAT YOU ARE DOING
Complete daily journaling activities and acts of kindness to reflect on the good things in life and spread
happiness.
WHAT YOU NEED!
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Pens, pencils, or markers
Paper
HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT!
1. Think about your day. Write down three good things that have happened.
2. Choose your favorite thing and write about it in detail.
a. Try to find events that were unexpected or surprising.
b. Elaborate in detail about what you are grateful for.
c. Focus on people if you can, it has more of an impact than focusing on things. For example,
a friend asking thoughtful questions about how your day went will feel better than reaching
a new level on your favorite game.
3. Ask what your life would be like if you did not have certain ‘gifts.’ The gifts might be family members,
friends, education, shelter, etc.
4. After you’ve reflected mindfully on gratitude, you will naturally want to spread the feeling to others.
Think of a small act of kindness (A-OK) that you could do for others that will create an attitude of
gratitude in their everyday lives. (List of suggestions to the right)
Learn more at http://generationOn.org/rulesofkindness
Follow us on social media with #RulesOfKindness
5. Complete the small act of kindness. Now you know that you’ve spread joy and can give someone else
something to feel gratitude for!
6. Write down how being kind to others makes you feel, and then plan for your next A-OK!
IDEAS FOR A-OKS
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Write an unaddressed letter of encouragement on a Post It, and leave it in a place for someone to find:
a book, on the bus, on a bathroom mirror.
If you walk by a car with an expired parking meter, put a quarter in it.
Pay for a stranger’s coffee in line, and hope they pass it on!
Open the door for three people in a row.
Pay the toll for the person behind you.
Cook a meal for a family member
Email or write an old teacher who made a difference in your life
Give someone a book you think they would like
Give someone a hug.
Call your grandparents. Call them!
When you are throwing something away on the street, pick up any litter around you and put that in the
trash too.
Write your friend, partner, or family member a list of things you love about them.
Say thank you to a janitor.
Say yes at the store when the cashier asks if you want to donate $1 to a cause.
Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading groceries in their car.
When you hear that negative, discouraging voice in your head, remember to ignore it — you deserve
kindness too!
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
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How did reflecting on the things you are grateful for change your day?
Why did you choose your A-OK? What was special about this act of kindness?
Has a stranger ever done something unexpected and nice for you? How did that make you feel?
Do you think that doing small acts of kindness will make a difference? Why
or why not?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND SUGGESTIONS
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Watch how small acts of kindness can inspire others with this great video!
Read this article to get inspiration for your next A-OK.