HEART OF UTAH

Provo starts program of “Kindness”

Sep 16, 2020, 6:43 PM | Updated: 8:12 pm

the Umbrella of Kindness, from ProvoKindness.org...

PROVO— Mayor Michelle Kaufusi thinks there are (at least a) couple kinds of kindness.  One is the surface kind, she says, which is when “her kids take out the neighbors trash, or shovel their driveway.”  But what Provo Kindness aims to do, is, in Kaufusi’s words, “go deeper.”

TAKING KINDNESS DEEPER

The mission statement on their website and social media is “To cultivate a community of understanding, empathy, connection, and respect.​”  Kaufusi says this is a critical time to do that because the pandemic has wreaked havoc on our mental health. She says, “Depression and anxiety rates right now with adults are 1 in 3.  In January 2019 they were 1 in 10.”  The Mayor says “the time is now, the need is now, to dig deeper.  Be a little more understanding.  Put ourselves out there. Show our kindness at a higher level.”

TIPS ON HOW TO “ENGAGE” KINDNESS

Kaufusi says their website, ProvoKindness.org, or facebook page is a great place to start.  She says it gives examples and ways to begin changing your level of kindness within your family, then bridging out into neighborhoods and the community. 

There is space on the website for “Kindness Challenges.” Kaufusi hopes as word gets out about Provo Kindness, people will share stories with them. “If people will tell their stories about how they are reaching out and finding ways to unify their community… We’ll take those stories, post them, and turn them into challenges. ‘Here’s an example… now what can you do.'”  

Mayor Kaufusi says Provo Kindness is an ongoing process that was started by School Board member Jennifer Partridge.  And with support from the Fredette Family Foundation, founded by 2011 BYU Basketball and Naismith Award Winner, Jimmer Fredette.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Heart of Utah

Utah history...

Elizabeth Weiler

Division of State History spreading awareness for Utah History Month in January

SALT LAKE CITY — In 2019, Utahs Division of State History created Utah History Month to draw attention to Utah’s history work happening across our state and to document and preserve that history. Utah is entering its’ 127th year of statehood next month and many Utah-culture related events and exhibits will follow according to the […]

1 year ago

Water Canyon High School footbal players stay warm using Dixie High School football teams cold weat...

Alejandro Lucero

Water Canyon football stays warm with help from school district partner

The high school's inaugural football season almost came to an end because of the snow, but strong partnerships gave them a fighting chance.

1 year ago

The very first ever Miss Volunteer America is Mapleton, Utah's own Alexa Knutzer. Photo courtesy of...

Mark Jackson

Mapleton woman crowned first-ever ‘Miss Volunteer America’

Alexa Knutzen said the name Miss Volunteer America represents the organization's new focus on women's empowerment.

2 years ago

refugees Ukraine...

Mark Jackson

Brigham City man uses time between work gigs to help refugees in Ukraine

His family says Solomon Smith is uniquely trained to bring supplies to refugees in Ukraine, after having worked in the Peace Corp in Africa.

2 years ago

Spencer Truman st george wwii veteran...

Simone Seikaly

St. George WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday on Valentine’s Day

Spencer Truman was trained to enter combat in gliders, and fought in Operations Overlord and Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge.

2 years ago

afghan community fund helps refugees arriving in utah - small boy holds drawing...

Becky Bruce

Update: Afghan Community Fund raises more than a million for Utah refugees

The Afghan Community Fund collected more than $1.1 million since mid-October, though Gov. Spencer Cox acknowledged an unprecedented level of need.

2 years ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Provo starts program of “Kindness”