Kindness is Free is a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation of youth by instilling values of equality, respect, and compassion for others. It encourages self-reflection and promotes treating everyone with fairness and empathy.

The movement is expanding, and we invite individuals and organizations across Ventura County to join in promoting kindness, emphasizing the impact of small acts of compassion, and encouraging everyone to take the Kindness Pledge, committing to respect others, treat everyone as they wish to be treated, and practice daily acts of kindness.

Kindness is Free strives to create a kinder, more inclusive world where empathy and respect are the foundation of daily interactions, making life better for all.

KIDNESS IS FREE HISTORY

  • Kindness is Free, powered by Boys & Girls Clubs, was a local initiative created in 2020 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside. This remarkable program, spearheaded by visionary Lori Milgard and the Club’s CEO, JR Dzubak, has since blossomed into a movement that resonates far beyond its origins in Southern California.

    At its core, Kindness is Free aims to encourage a culture of compassion, inclusivity, and respect among the next generation of youth. It teaches the profound significance of treating others with fairness and compassion, both in words and actions. The program is designed to encourage introspection and instill values that underscore the importance of showing respect, treating everyone equally, and practicing empathy.

    The growth of the Kindness is Free initiative has led us to call upon people nationwide to join us in our mission to spread kindness. The underlying message is simple yet profound: small acts of kindness matter, and they are within reach of everyone. We invite everyone to take the Kindness Pledge, a commitment to respecting others, treating them as they would like to be treated, and embracing thoughtfulness in their daily life.

    Kindness is Free empowers individuals of all ages to make a positive impact by embracing kindness as a way of life. By fostering these values, the initiative seeks to create a world where empathy and respect are the norm, making it a better place for all.

TAKE THE KINDNESS PLEDGE

  • I pledge to show respect to others

    I pledge to treat others as I wish to be treated

    I pledge to be compassionate

    I pledge to do one act of kindness every day

    The Kindness Pledge is at the heart of the kindness program, and we invite everyone to take part!

    The pledge is short, universal, and intended to inspire all members of the community, from students and teens to business professionals and celebrities alike.

    The pledge touches on the three keys to kindness and gives you the opportunity to make a public declaration of your promise to be kind. When you take the official pledge, you are gifted a kindness pledge card to carry with you as a reminder of your commitment and a kindness badge to share on social media and in your email signature, commemorating your commitment to the mission.

SCHEDULE A KINDNESS VISIT

  • The Kindness Program is mobile!

    If you’re in the Ventura County area, keep an eye out for us as we spread kindness at pop-up events throughout the region.

    Schedule us to come out to your next event! Kindness pop-ups can be hosted at schools, businesses, parks, churches, and anywhere the message of kindness is welcomed.

    Our pop-ups are curated to promote and deliver greater awareness for kindness in your community. Each pop-up includes the Kindness Pledge, Kindness is Free merchandise giveaways, and other fun surprises.

    Kindness is Free also hosts Kindness workshops, were our Kindness Coordinator does a deep dive into respect, equality and compassion in 4-week sessions.

    See a need in the community? Partner with Kindness is Free to meet needs such as creating hygiene kits, feeding unhoused neighbors, donating blankets to animal shelters and more!

KINDNESS IS FREE at the Rose Parade

For the first time, the Boys & Girls Club proudly joined the Rose Parade! Thanks to the Skylight Foundation, our Kindness is Free float has appeared in 2024, 2025, and 2026, spreading the message that small acts of kindness make a big difference.

Each year, our whimsical floats have captured hearts on New Year’s Day, broadcast live from Pasadena, California:

  • 2024: A kind-hearted elephant holds an umbrella over a little mouse, showing that a simple act of care can brighten someone’s day.

  • 2025: Two squirrels share an acorn, reminding everyone that generosity and sharing bring people together.

  • 2026: The Three Little Pigs put aside differences to work together, transforming their story into one of friendship and collaboration.

Through three consecutive parades, the Boys & Girls Club has shared a simple but powerful message: kindness is contagious - and it’s a tradition worth celebrating.

2026

2025

2024

For more information contact:

Jennifer Orozco I Jorozco@bgcop.org I 805-815-4959 x219

  • Highlights from the Kindness float in the 2024 Rose Parade

  • Port Hueneme Teen Center members made 150 lunch sacks to hand out to unhoused people in our community

  • Be Kind bracelet-making at the Squires Clubhouse

  • The Port Hueneme "Kindness Quilt"

  • New Kindness Is Free swag

  • Our Kindness Ambassadors created and delivered heartwarming cards to seniors in a local nursing home

  • Be Kind bracelets at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center

  • Promoting kindness throughout our community with these Kindness Is Free yard signs

  • team at the 2023 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Regional Conference took the Kindness Pledge

  • Kindness is Free & Smart Girls Club members volunteering at a Day of Hope, providing nails and beauty services for cancer survivors and patients