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The Be Kind People Project Receives Funding from Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority

Written by vauxdigital on . Posted in Press Releases.

The Be Kind People Project Receives Funding from Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority

The Be Kind Booker Van

The Be Kind People Project®, an Arizona-based 501(c)3 non-profit, is honored to announce they have received $80,000 in grant support from The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (“AZSTA”) for design, construction, renovation, equipment, and supplies for its newest project, The BE KIND Community Center™ in downtown Phoenix.

The BE KIND Community Center will be the hub for the work of The Be Kind People Project and be a focus for youth services, fitness and wellness classes, interactive technology learning, and youth development programs.  Also offered will be adult and community opportunities for sports and wellness, social services, family engagement, and volunteerism. AZSTA Board Chair Teddy Eynon stated in support of the grant, “It is a privilege to partner with The Be Kind People Project to build a center to promote health, wellness and youth development in Central Phoenix. AZSTA is proud to support deserving organizations such as The Be Kind People Project and deliver on the promise made to voters who approved Proposition 302.”

“We are thrilled that the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority will be a significant contributor to this important project for downtown Phoenix,” says Marcia Meyer, CEO and Founder, “The vision of the project is to enhance the overall health and wellness of the downtown community, especially for its youth, and AZSTA is a valued partner in making this unique offering a reality.   We thank them for their support and for all that they do for youth and amateur sports in Maricopa County.”

Pledging to offer innovative services and access to youth, their parents, and the community in central Phoenix, The BE KIND Community Center’s location and opening date will be announced in the late summer of 2023.   JC Thompson, Chief Operating Officer added, “The BE KIND Community Center has been designed to be a model for urban engagement and education for youth and adults, and we look forward to working with multiple partners in Phoenix.” It is expected to be functional and begin offering daytime, after school, and weekend programs in the fall of 2023.

For more information and to find out about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, please inquire at info@bkpp.org.

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The Be Kind Booker Van

The Be Kind People Project Reveals The BE KIND Booker Van Funded by Phoenix Suns Charities and Devin Booker’s Starting Five

Written by vauxdigital on . Posted in Press Releases.

May 8, 2023

The Be Kind People Project Reveals The BE KIND Booker Van Funded by Phoenix Suns Charities and Devin Booker’s Starting Five

The Be Kind Booker Van

Phoenix Suns Charities LogoThrough the generosity of Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns Charities, The Be Kind People Project, has a brand new ride! The Be Kind People Project unveiled the transport van in front of hundreds of supporters last week in a ribbon cutting.

The Booker Van, decked out with images of Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker and the theme of RESPECT. INCLUSION. TEAMWORK. EDUCATION will be used for transportation to Arizona schools to enhance services for children with special needs with BE KIND recesses. It will also provide transportation and access for young adults with special needs for career development options.

The BE KIND Booker Van Designs

The $100,000 grant was announced in December as part of Booker’s Starting Five Grants. “We are honored to support The Be Kind People Project thanks to Devin’s generous contributions through the Devin Booker Starting Five program,” said Sarah Krahenbuhl, Phoenix Suns Charities Executive Director and Vice President of Social Responsibility. “The BE KIND Booker Van is such an amazing idea and we’re thrilled to help provide so many opportunities for children and young adults with special needs, something that is so meaningful to Devin and Phoenix Suns Charities.” Melissa Britt, Vice President of Education Practices says, “We are excited to offer employment and volunteer opportunities for young adults with special needs to participate with us at school assemblies, community events, and interaction with THE BE KIND CREW.”

The Be Kind People Project’s Founder and CEO Marcia Meyer added, “We are so thankful to Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns Charities for this amazing gift and the opportunities it will allow us to bring to even more special students and young adults. We feel so strongly that students and young adults of all abilities deserve respect and inclusion and the opportunity to learn teamwork while receiving their education.” Meyer continued, “The fact that we were able to introduce The Booker Van during this exciting time of the NBA playoff run was like icing on the cake—actually more like sinking a 3 point basket at the buzzer to win a game! We can’t wait to pick up our new teammates and get to work.”

View the Phoenix Sun’s Announcement

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K-8 Students to Submit Entries to The Be Kind People Project’s Annual Nationwide Essay Contest

Written by Ashley Brannon on . Posted in Press Releases.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three Weeks Left for K-8 Students to Submit Entries to The Be Kind People Project’s Annual Nationwide Essay Contest

Students Share How They Can Make A Difference

 

PHOENIX, AZ (March 9, 2023) – The non-profit organization The Be Kind People Project encourages K-8 students to enter the Annual Be Kind Make A Difference National Essay Contest about how they can impact their community.

 

This year’s prompt will highlight 10 skills of kindness from The Be Kind Pledge with students submitting responses to “This is how I can use the skills of The Be Kind Pledge in my community.” Students will share examples of how they use these skills in their own life within the essay. All entries are due Friday, March 31, and winners will be announced on Friday, April 28, 2023.

 

Grades K-2 may draw one or multiple pictures with one to five hand-written sentences for entry. Grades 3-8 may write a one-page essay with two to three paragraphs typed double-spaced or written legibly. Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in any option based on their abilities and parent or teacher discretion.

 

First, second and third-place winners will be selected from K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th grade. All winning students receive BE KIND Swag and a BE KIND National Make a Difference Essay Contest Certificate. All teachers of winning students receive BE KIND classroom materials and free access to The Be Kind Break Premium online classroom resources for the 2023-2024 academic school year. Grand prize winners are able to select their prize from the following options: Apple watch, electric scooter, karaoke machine, or a new mountain bike. Second place winners will have their choice of a scooter, waterproof speaker, Converse or Nike shoes and third place winners have the option of choosing from wireless earbuds, a science kit, or magazine subscription.

For more information regarding this year’s contest, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/essay-contest/.

To watch last year’s student winners read their essays, visit The Be Kind People Project’s YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-WQVj463RU

Student Lucas states he wants to make a difference by building more parks and gathering spaces, helping others learn and creating more after-school programs.

About The Be Kind People Project

The Be Kind People Project® (BKPP) is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit that initiates a positive change in the overall learning environment and provides relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, and healthy living for students wherever and however they learn. The organization’s vision is to build a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy and caring citizens and leaders. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

 

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Super Bowl leaves a lasting legacy with The Be Kind People Project’s Community Center

Written by vauxdigital on . Posted in Press Releases.

NFL Foundation invests in The Be Kind People Project to leave a positive lasting legacy beyond Super Bowl LVII

We are THRILLED to announce that the largest Super Bowl LVII Legacy Grant has been awarded to The Be Kind People Project for the buildout of The BE KIND Community Education Center, a creative and holistic hub for community engagement. The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, in partnership with the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, is investing in nonprofit organizations across Arizona to leave a positive lasting legacy.

The Phoenix community center will have a transformative impact on the community and serve as the conduit between service providers and youth who could receive the maximum benefits in social, health, fitness, and arts programming.

With its focus on creating a lasting impact in the state of Arizona long after the Super Bowl game itself, The Be Kind Community Education Center will be a lasting representation of the investment the NFL and Super Bowl Host Committee made in the state and serve generations of citizens and fans into the future.


The BE KIND Community Education Center will provide an engaging space for:

  • After-school classes and summer camps 
  • Performing arts classes and youth recitals
  • STEM and technology classes
  • The BE KIND Education Council 
  • Student mentoring
  • Grandparents care reading programs
  • Mentoring and tutoring programs
  • Sib Shops – classes for siblings of children with special needs
  • Health and Wellness activities – group sports, yoga, dance
  • The BE KIND National Youth Board 
  • Nutrition education and cooking classes
  • Art galleries and expositions
  • The BE KIND Business retreats 
  • Family engagement
  • Space for youth service providers
  • Community service

The BE KIND Community Education Center will further the mission of The Be Kind People Project and amplify our existing programs, partnerships, and impact. Because of YOUR support, this work is made possible. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to The BE KIND Community Education Center!

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Steven J. Tepper to be honored at FULL CIRCLE Gala – Nov. 16, 2019

Written by Rachael on . Posted in Press Releases.

The Be Kind People Project recognizes dean of The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University

(September 2019 – Phoenix AZ) The Be Kind People Project today announced the selection of Steven J. Tepper, dean of The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, as it’s 2019 FULL CIRCLE Honoree. The award will be presented at its annual FULL CIRCLE gala on Nov. 16, 2019. The FULL CIRCLE Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have influenced efforts to initiate transformational positive change for youth.

As dean of The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, Tepper leads the nation’s largest comprehensive design and arts school at a research university. Tepper is a leading writer and speaker on U.S. cultural policy, and his work has fostered national discussions around cultural engagement, creative work and careers, art and democracy, and the work of the 21st century creative campus.

Tepper is being recognized for his leadership in providing excellence in the arts for the benefit of comprehensive youth development education, as well as preparation and support for ASU students and alums to use their unique talents to contribute positively to the community. The Be Kind People Project currently employs 60+ dancers in THE BE KIND CREW, a group of urban dancers and artists who connect with students using inter-disciplinary education techniques inspired by the arts, and has employed over 125 artists since its inception. Approximately 70% of THE BE KIND CREW are students or graduates of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

“Steven Tepper has had a profound influence on excellence in arts education and the preparation of students for a career that is building the next generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders,” says Marcia Meyer, board chair and CEO of The Be Kind People Project. “We see the high quality of ASU students and graduates who are using their skills as members of THE BE KIND CREW. Their talent and commitment to inspire, educate, and motivate today’s primary and secondary students demonstrate full circle results in action.”

FULL CIRCLE 2019 will provide Tepper the opportunity to see his students and graduates in action, as THE BE KIND CREW will present a full stage production at the Madison Center for the Arts on Nov. 16. Click here for more information.

One in three kids have experienced bullying to some extent, whether it be in person or online. By combining hip hop with evidence-based social and emotional learning, THE BE KIND CREW teaches kids across the nation that it is cool to be kind.

“Students immediately relate to THE BE KIND CREW,” says Melissa Britt, national director of creative education practices for The Be Kind People Project. “We use music, dance, and even an occasional body flip to connect with the students so they can learn how to be kind people at school, at home, and in the community.” THE BE KIND CREW puts the skills of The Be Kind Pledge™ into action for effective student learning.

In 2018, The FULL CIRCLE honorees were Christine and Luis Gonzalez, recognized for their commitment to strong personal, family, and community values.

The FULL CIRCLE gala is a ticketed event. See www.BKPP.org/FullCircle for event information or send inquiries to www.BKPP.org or call 602-559-9399.

About The Be Kind People Project:

Founded in 2011, The Be Kind People Project is a public 501c3 nonprofit (46-0720140) based in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on delivering youth-relevant learning opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement and healthy living to build a generation of respectful and responsible citizens and leaders. The Be Kind People Project provides positive solutions for conflict and lifelong social and emotional skills needed to build strong interpersonal relationships. Kindness is at the core of how people of all ages respect, communicate with, and treat others. Because meaningful character education is an essential pillar of effective social, emotional, and academic learning, The Be Kind People Project provides students with an evidence-based learning approach so they will understand what TO do instead of what NOT to do. Based on The Be Kind Pledge, with 10 skills of kindness, The Be Kind People Project offers school assemblies, online learning programs, after school and summer classes, leadership conferences, school gardens, community service projects and family engagement programs. Most programs are led by members of THE BE KIND CREW, a group of 65 professional urban dancers and educators, who teach the skills needed to address the important youth social issues of bullying, academic achievement, youth obesity and healthy lifestyles, and cyberbullying — through music, dance, and spoken word. The Be Kind People Project has nearly one million contacts annually with students, their teachers and their families nationwide.

About the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

ASU’s Herberger Institute is the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country, built on a combination of disciplines unlike any other program nationally and located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Design and arts at ASU comprises the School of Art; the School of Arts, Media and Engineering; The Design School; the School of Film, Dance and Theatre; and the School of Music, as well as the ASU Art Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to redefining the 21st-century design and arts school through developing and scaling ideas to strengthen the role of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture and to increase the capacity of artists to make a difference in their communities. For more information about the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, visit herbergerinstitute.asu.edu

 

 

The Be Kind People Project kicks off Make a Difference May with inaugural “Rise & Shine”

Written by Ashley Brannon on . Posted in Press Releases.

A unique morning of inspiration that includes a “make and take” service project to benefit more than 1,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County

The Be Kind People Project (BKPP), a Phoenix-based nonprofit, is hosting its first Rise & Shine breakfast in conjunction with their Make A Difference May Campaign. The interactive community event, held at The Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday, April 30, offers guests the opportunity to learn more about BKPP, enjoy performances by the BE KIND CREW, hear from inspirational keynote, Jennifer L. Carroll, and make Summer Care Kits as they enjoy their breakfast of Bagels and Bellini’s.

As a precursor to Make A Difference May, BKPP launched March M.A.D.*Ness (*Make A Difference), which included surprise school deliveries thanking teachers and staff members to 112 schools across metro Phoenix, and an invitation for students to participate in an essay contest. Over 300 students from 29 Maricopa County schools responded to the “How are you Making a Difference?” prompt and three winners will be announced, and share their essays, at the breakfast.

In Phoenix there are estimated to be 6,000 people experiencing homelessness at any given time. The Be Kind People Project is collecting travel-sized toiletries to create 1,000 Summer Care Kits for distribution throughout the Valley during Make A Difference May.

The Rise & Shine breakfast concludes by giving guests the opportunity to assemble their own Summer Care Kits. One Care Kit will be kept by the guest to give to someone in need, and the other will be distributed to several community partners that support those experiencing homelessness.

Tickets for Rise & Shine are available for purchase at https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

Christmas in February

Written by Ashley Brannon on . Posted in Press Releases.

Alongside student leaders from Diamond Canyon Elementary School, The Be Kind People Project collected nearly 500 toys and books for children at a domestic violence shelter.

The Be Kind People Project (BKPP), a 501c3 non-profit headquartered in Phoenix, announces their success in collaborating with student leaders at Diamond Canyon Elementary School to collect 500 toys and books for children at Sojourner Center in Phoenix.

Sojourner Center is a shelter for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Their mission is “to provide a broad spectrum of services to victims of domestic violence while working with professionals in the field on education, research and advocacy with the goal of ending domestic violence” (sojournercenter.org).

“Our teachers picked student leaders from each of the grade levels in our middle-grade bands to represent our school as our ‘Be Kind Ambassadors’,” said Assistant Principal Brittany Dyer-Hurden. “Our ambassadors came up with this idea with THE BE KIND CREW® to donate toys to those in need. It was hugely successful with almost 500 toys donated, and so we are really excited and proud of our kids.”

The dedicated group of students and the BE KIND CREW worked together to create a solution to the prompt: “How can you make a difference in your community?”. Over the course of four meetings in the span of five months, they came up with the idea of running a toy drive and worked together to plan and promote it.

Diamond Canyon’s “Be Kind Ambassadors” were led by Miguel Pedraza, a member of THE BE KIND CREW as well as the Coordinator of Education Programs and Social Impact for BKPP. “It was a great honor to have worked with the ‘Be Kind Ambassadors’ at Diamond Canyon,” said Pedraza. “Their sense of urgency, leadership, and willingness to help others surprised me! Students like them will make a difference in our communities because they are leaders that are compassionate for one another, creative, and most importantly, they want to see change. It makes me happy to see leaders like them that are willing to take charge!”

This toy drive is only the start of philanthropic efforts to come as part of BKPP’s Make A Difference May effort, which will officially kick off next week.

The Be Kind People Project announces “Rise and Shine Breakfast,” an inaugural event

Written by Ashley Brannon on . Posted in Press Releases.

A unique morning of inspiration that includes a “make and take” service project to benefit more than 1,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County.

The Be Kind People Project (BKPP), a 501c3 non-profit headquartered in Phoenix, gets ready to host their very first Rise and Shine Breakfast in conjunction with their Make A Difference May Campaign. It is an interactive ticketed community breakfast, held at The Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday, April 30th. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about BKPP, enjoy performances by the BE KIND CREW, and see a live performance of “So Beautiful,” BKPP’s official theme song by Javi Star “Weezy.” Jennifer L Carroll, the keynote speaker will inspire guests as they enjoy their breakfast of Bagels and Bellini’s (featuring Arizona’s only vertical bagel bar!).

As a precursor to Make A Difference May, BKPP launched March M.A.D.*Ness (*Make A Difference), which included surprise school deliveries thanking teachers and staff members to # of schools across Phoenix, and an essay contest. The prompt was “How Are You Making a Difference?”. Over 300 students entered from 29 schools across Maricopa County, and the three winners will be presented at the breakfast.

In Phoenix there are estimated to be 6,000 people experiencing homelessness at any given time. The Be Kind People Project is collecting 13,000 items to assemble 1,000 Summer Care Kits to distribute around the city to Kick off Make A Difference May. To conclude the breakfast, guests will have the opportunity to assemble their very own Summer Care Kit. One they will get to keep and hand distribute and the other they will get to choose which of our partnered organizations the Kit will go to, to be distributed.

About The Be Kind People Project:

The Be Kind People Project (BKPP) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit based in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. Their mission is to initiate positive social change in schools and provide a framework for youth that will improve academic achievement, interpersonal relationship skills, accountability, behavior, personal health and wellness, teacher appreciation and the formation of enduring values.   Their programs serve as a positive approach to bullying by teaching positive solutions for conflict and the skills of being a kind person, highlighted in The Be Kind Pledge.   They have health, nutrition, fitness and a robust program to tackle cyberbullying.   BKPP has nearly one million contacts annually with students, their teachers, and their families in 14 states.   BKPP offers school assemblies, online learning programs, afterschool and summer classes, leadership conferences, school gardens, community service projects, and family engagement programs.   BKPP’s innovative and culturally relevant programs integrate social, emotional, academic, civic, teacher appreciation, wellness, digital responsibility, online safety, and character education with a high energy, interactive approach that CONNECTS with students through the voice, attitude, and urban dance of THE BE KIND CREW®.  THE BE KIND CREW is a group of over 40 highly talented professional urban dancers who are also trained as education specialists and who serve as an inspiration and positive role examples for students nationwide.

 

For more information about the impact that BKPP is making in schools, please email Rachael Vargas: Rachael@BKPP.org or call 602.559.9399.

THE BE KIND PEOPLE PROJECT RETURNS TO BOSSIER CITY ON A MISSION TO SPREAD KINDNESS

Written by Ashley Brannon on . Posted in Press Releases.

The Be Kind People Project bands with community and schools to create an environment for positive academic and behavior program based on respect and responsibility

The Be Kind PledgeOctober 24, 2018 (PHOENIX, AZ) Across the country, news headlines are focused on respect and responsibility.

Schools in Bossier City, Louisiana are doing something about it. Working together to create a positive learning environment that will serve both students and their teachers, Bossier Parish Schools and The Be Kind People Project (a 501c3 non-profit) will present a comprehensive youth development program based on kindness towards others the week of October 22, 2018.

Seven members of THE BE KIND CREW® —a group of over 40 highly talented professional urban dancers and education specialists who, serve as an inspiration and positive role examples for students nationwide —will be visiting Kerr Elementary and Stockwell Place Elementary, the same schools they visited two years ago.

“Based on ten skill sets of The Be Kind Pledge™, The Be Kind People Project works in an innovative and pro-active way to help kids learn what TO do instead of what NOT to do,” said Chief Programs and Services Officer, Bo Whittenton. “We’ve been called the best anti-bullying program available to schools and we never even say the word “bully” to the kids at any time. Instead, we help kids to understand that it’s COOL to be kind.”

Bossier City

“We are excited to bring THE BE KIND CREW® back to Bossier City to work with their students.   We’ve been so impressed with the commitment of the schools and the community.   This is something very special to have such broad support, and we think that the town will feel the positive effects,” says Whittenton.   “In addition, we celebrate teachers, we thank them, and we encourage kids to do the same.”

Recently, The Be Kind People Project released an original music video and song dedicated to an attitude of gratitude for our nation’s teachers.   It will be performed live by THE BE KIND CREW when they are in Bossier City. View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VgnAybwQhY   #BeKindThankTeachers

The Be Kind People Project is encouraging parents, kids and adults who remember teachers who made the difference in their life, to pay it forward by simply sharing the video to their educator of choice to start the school year off in a positive way.

WATERTOWN SOUTH DAKOTA: A TOWN DEDICATED TO BRINGING RESPECT TO THE CLASSROOM

Written by Ashley Brannon on . Posted in Press Releases.

The Be Kind People Project bands with community and schools band to create an environment for positive academic and behavior program based on respect and responsibility

The Be Kind PledgeAugust 13, 2018 (PHOENIX, AZ) Across the country, news headlines are focused on respect and responsibility.

Watertown, South Dakota is doing something about it.   Working together to create a positive learning environment that will serve both students and their teachers, Watertown schools and The Be Kind People Project (a 501c3 non-profit) will present a comprehensive youth development program based on kindness towards others the week of October 8, 2018.

Based on ten skill sets of The Be Kind Pledge™, The Be Kind People Project works in an innovative and pro-active way to help kids learn what TO do instead of what NOT to do.   Says Chief Programs and Services Officer, Bo Whittenton, “We’ve been called the best anti-bullying program available to schools and we never even say the word “bully” to the kids at any time. Instead, we help kids to understand that it’s COOL to be kind.”

Watertown………. (paragraph and quote about Watertown’s commitment and plans)

“We are excited to bring THE BE KIND CREW® to Watertown to work with their students.   We’ve been so impressed with the commitment of the schools and the community.   This is something very special to have such broad support, and we think that the town will feel the positive effects,” says Whittenton.   “In addition, we celebrate teachers, we thank them, and we encourage kids to do the same.”

Recently, The Be Kind People Project released an original music video and song dedicated to an attitude of gratitude for our nation’s teachers.   It will be performed live by THE BE KIND CREW when they are in Watertown.     View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VgnAybwQhY   #BeKindThankTeachers

The Be Kind People Project is encouraging parents, kids and adults who remember teachers who made the difference in their life, to pay it forward by simply sharing the video to their educator of choice to start the school year off in a positive way.