The University of Maine at Presque Isle gave 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 included Penny Wars between the majors, with all the donations benefiting the local Red Cross. The major with the most points won a pizza party and Starbucks for the entire program. Donations were taken at tables in the Campus Center and the 2nd floor of Folsom/Pullen Hall throughout the week.
In honor of Veterans Day taking place in November, students had the chance to ‘Thank a Veteran’ for their service by writing them a note.
Between Tuesday and Thursday, campus members had 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 also had 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 could before the Thanksgiving Break. Participants were entered for a chance to win a Kindness basket.
Campus members were also encouraged to donate items to UMPI’s Mini Food Pantry. Food, non-perishable goods, toiletries, and other items were accepted. Donations could be dropped off at boxes located around campus.
On Saturday, Nov. 17, students had the opportunity to 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 posted sticky notes with words of encouragement and kindness around campus. The Democracy Wall in the Campus Center posed a question about kindness for campus community members to answer. Resident assistants in the dormitories wrote notes to residents and passed out lollipops, commuters found special notes on their cars, and residence life custodians were celebrated with large thank you cards to show how much residents appreciate them.
For more information about UMPI Kindness Week, contact Vanessa Pearson at 207-768-9432 or vanessa.pearson@maine.edu.
