The University of Maine at Presque Isle will give students the opportunity to spread kindness on and off campus between Nov. 13 and 17 by showing acts of hospitality and selflessness as part of the University’s second annual Kindness Week celebration. The week, hosted by the UMPI Inclusion and Civility Task Force, was specifically chosen to coincide with World Kindness Day, which takes place on Nov. 13, and the International Day of Tolerance on Nov. 16.
The Inclusion and Civility Task Force was established at UMPI in Fall 2016 and works to foster inclusion and civility at UMPI in ways that embrace diversity, create solidarity, encourage civil discourse and respect for others, and increase a general feeling of safety on campus.
The week’s activities include Penny Wars between the majors, with all the donations benefiting the local Red Cross. The major with the most points will win a pizza party and Starbucks for the entire program. Donations can be made either in the Campus Center or the 2nd floor of Folsom/Pullen Hall throughout the week.
In honor of Veterans Day taking place in November, students will have the chance to ‘Thank a Veteran’ for their service by writing them a note.
Between Tuesday and Thursday, campus members will have the opportunity to sign the Diversity and Inclusion Pledge, which outlines the campus’s commitment to support all members of the community, encourage civil discourse and understanding, and make campus a safe place.
Students will also have the chance to take part in the Kindness Challenge, checking off as many of the 30 Acts of Kindness on their challenge cards as they can before the Thanksgiving Break. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a Kindness basket.
Campus members will also be encouraged to donate items to UMPI’s Mini Food Pantry. Food, non-perishable goods, toiletries, and other items will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at boxes located around campus.
On Saturday, Nov. 17, students can volunteer at the Central Aroostook Humane Society by playing with animals, cleaning cages, or helping with any other needs.
In addition to all these activities, Kindness Week organizers will be posting sticky notes with words of encouragement and kindness around campus. The Democracy Wall in the Campus Center will pose a question about kindness for campus community members to answer. Resident assistants in the dormitories will write notes to residents and pass out lollipops, commuters will find special notes on their cars, and residence life custodians will be celebrated with large thank you cards to show how much residents appreciate them.
“Our hope is to create a chain reaction of kindness that spreads throughout campus and the community, not just during Kindness Week, but in the weeks and months to come,” UMPI Interim Dean of Students Vanessa Pearson said.
For more information about UMPI Kindness Week, contact Vanessa Pearson at 207-768-9432 or vanessa.pearson@maine.edu.