Everyday acts of kindness

The type of neighbourhood circle is not a group at all, but a composition of all the everyday acts of kindness individuals demonstrate to each other. While some personal acts of kindness may seem small in comparison to larger endeavours, they play an important role in bringing people together and setting the norms for inclusive neighbourhoods.

During COVID-19 small acts of kindness earned greater recognition, in which trends like #kindnesspandemic grew across social media. People in neighbourhoods decorated their windows with rainbows and teddy bears to brighten neighbours’ spirits. The Willunga Country Women’s Association (CWA) helped link members of the evening branch to some of their more vulnerable members as a way to provide support.

While recognition for everyday acts of kindness rose during COVID-19 their importance needs to be acknowledged moving forward. Acts like rallying to a neighbour’s aid when a pet is lost or quietly fixing a neighbour’s garbage bin when they notice it broken works to build relationships and trust within neighbourhoods.

Examples:

#kindnesspandemic; ‘bin-fairies’; lost pet heroes; Plant Drop S.A; 1000 Hearts.