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The United Church of Christ (UCC) has joined a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting kindness across the United States. The initiative, called “The United States of Kindness,” is led by the Values in Action Foundation and brings together organizations including national brands, schools, civic leaders, first responders, influencers, and nonprofits. The campaign seeks to foster greater connection and compassion through everyday acts of kindness as the country approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President/CEO of the UCC, participated in a recent meeting of the Kindland National Leadership Council at The Metropolitan Club in New York City. The council includes senior executives, civic leaders, and faith-based representatives who are committed to advancing kindness as a central value for America’s upcoming milestone anniversary.
“The United Church of Christ is partnering with Values in Action on its national initiative United States of Kindness, an amplification of its work and mission in Cleveland for over 30 years,” Thompson said. “This effort promotes kindness as an essential value, one which is rooted in the Christian faith as love of neighbor. When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God and the second is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Kindness is love in action.”
As part of the campaign’s goals for 2026, Americans are encouraged to complete and share 250 acts of kindness each. The initiative plans to use co-branded content, social media efforts, events, and community outreach to promote participation.
Stuart Muszynski, founder, President and CEO of Values in Action Foundation stated: “Rev. Thompson’s leadership and voice brought a powerful perspective to our conversation. Her commitment to compassion and to turning kindness into action bridges communities and inspires hope, reflecting exactly what the United States of Kindness initiative and our overall mission are all about.” He added: “We are very much looking forward to future collaboration with the United Church of Christ to help bring our divided nation together and inspire hope for current and future generations of Americans.”
The project aims for significant outcomes by December 2026:
- 250 million acts of kindness
- More than 10 million people reached through media
- Over 25,000 schools involved
- Engagement with approximately 10 million students
- Participation from more than 10,000 organizations and nonprofits
- Thousands of stories shared nationwide
- A National Kindness Impact Report published
Research cited by Kindland indicates that embedding kindness within workplace culture can improve employee satisfaction, retention rates, productivity levels—and ultimately benefit organizational performance while advancing positive social change.
The Kindland National Leadership Council supports these objectives by helping expand national reach through advocacy efforts primarily focused on high school students in economically challenged areas. Their main goals include reducing violence and bullying while increasing graduation rates, job readiness skills, and optimism among youth during a time marked by division.
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