Kindness and thoughtfulness for others are values that are important for building character in our students while also creating a culture of kindness in our schools and communities. At The Be Kind People Project, we define kindness as intentionally extending good to others and we believe that everyone can make a difference. Whether in school or online, ignite the power of kindness by allowing students to focus their attention and actions on making a difference through their relationships with others. Use this writing prompt to celebrate positive behavior, enhance the learning environment, and spark a culture of kindness in your schools, homes, and communities.

How I Can Make a Difference
Prompt: “If I were in charge of making my community a kinder place, this is what I would do.”
While not required, you can use these Social and Emotional Learning themes and examples to inspire your submission:

• Self-awareness – “How can I make a difference by recognizing and using my strengths to help others?”
• Self-management – “How can I make a difference by practicing resilience and positivity to reach my goals?”
• Responsible decision making – “How can I make a difference by being considerate and making responsible decisions?”
• Relationship skills – “How can I make a difference by showing compassion and being a friend even if we don’t always agree?”
• Social awareness – “How can I make a difference by demonstrating empathy, inclusivity, respect, and kindness?”

Each entry should be student-written and align with academic standards. The original writing should answer the question, “How can I make my community a kinder place?”, and be based on real actions of kindness relating to your own life and The Be Kind Pledge™.

• For grades K-2: A one-page picture or picture series accompanied by 1-5 nicely hand-written sentences.
• For grades 3-8: A written essay, maximum 1 page, typed double-space or printed legibly.
• Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in either option based on their abilities and parent or teacher discretion.

Each entry will be judged on the following criteria:

• Demonstrates a sense of connection with the topic, answers the question, and includes a personal/emotional connection.
• Focuses on and uses interesting details and creativity to support the topic.
• Reads with cohesion and ideas flow throughout the writing piece.
• Conveys vivid imagery through appropriate word choice.
• Uses appropriate sentence structure and grammar to support ideas.

View K-2nd Grade Grading Rubric 
View 3rd-8th Grade Grading Rubric

1. The essay must include the student’s name and grade level, as well as the teacher/parent’s name, email address, and phone number.
2. All entries must be uploaded by the student’s teacher, parent, or guardian and received by Friday, April 30, 2021.
3. Upload entries at https://www.research.net/r/EssayContestSubmission2021 OR mail entries to 10869 N. Scottsdale Road Suite 103-254 Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

Entries Due: Friday, April 30, 2021
Winners Announced: Monday, May 17, 2021

Based on their submission, first, second, and third place winners will be selected in each of the following grade levels: K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th-8th grade. Winners will be notified on Monday, May 17, 2021, and prizes will be awarded.

All winning students receive BE KIND Swag and a BE KIND Make a Difference Essay Contest Certificate. All teachers of winning students receive BE KIND classroom materials and free access to THE BE KIND SCHOOL premium online classroom resources for the 2021-2022 academic school year. In addition, one grand prize winner in each category will receive a smart speaker or smart watch, live video call with THE BE KIND CREW, free admission to The BE KIND American Adventure Field Trip, and the opportunity to be featured on a national social media broadcast.