“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolutions.”—Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931)
Respect for all cultures and ethnicities. Respect for all spiritual beliefs. Respect for women. Respect for LGBT people. Respect for self. Respect for the Earth. These are the true measures of strength and courage.
Kindness Not Weakness (KNW) is a character education movement dedicated to demonstrating the strength of peace. It’s all about individuals taking personal responsibility for the impact of their decisions on self, others, community, society, and Earth. The brainchild of former perpetrators of hate and violence, KNW sets an example of open, honest strength through a curriculum based in an oral tradition that is common to every culture. Bullies are challenged to acknowledge that everyone has an inherent value equal to their own. Bystanders to bullying learn that everyone has the power to change their world by pursuing the virtue of kindness, which naturally leads to positive action. Victims of bullying are empowered with the truth that the community is better when everyone contributes, enabling them to rise above adversity by engaging with others. By practicing transparency and accountability, KNW presenters and participants illustrate that we can only grow if we are open and honest about both our negative choices and our positive change.
A growing roster of professional tough-guys—including NHL hockey players and UFC veteran MMA fighters—complement the KNW storytellers to deliver the message that being strong and in control has nothing to do with being mean, and everything to do with living a life of peace and compassion.
If your organization is interested in scheduling a Kindness Not Weakness presentation, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the mail icon to the upper right.