April 12, 2023, will be “One Kind Act a Day” Day in Utah.

This statement was declared through a resolution approved by both the House and the Senate during Utah’s 2023 Legislative Session and signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on March 14.

Kindness, states the resolution, provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction to those who act kindly and can have a powerful effect on those who receive kindness. It can also be contagious: one small act of kindness can spark another act and promote positive behaviors from others.

The resolution specifically references the work of The Semnani Family Foundation, a Utah nonprofit organization, to promote its One Kind Act a Day initiative. The goal of the foundation is to “honor, recognize, and celebrate the inherent good in people, and to cultivate one of the most important gifts of all — our faith in humanity, and our belief in a better, kinder future for all people, all over the world.”

Kindness is a worthy goal – but why is it worth the attention of our entire state legislature? The reason is simple and, at the same time, almost incomprehensibly grand: kindness has the power to positively impact every aspect of our lives, from our families to our workplaces, our neighbors to our business relationships.

As a chamber of commerce, we strive to improve the business environment for Utah Valley companies and employees. Possibly the best way to encourage and grow the healthiest business environment possible for us and our children is simply to be kind in one’s dealings with others.

Our world is becoming more and more polarized, particularly when it comes to political views. As our valley grows in population – by 2065, Utah County is projected to have 1.6 million residents, equaling that of Salt Lake County – many are moving here from out of state and bringing differing opinions, beliefs, perspectives and world views with them.

I encourage all to view this explosive growth and change in our neighborhoods as an opportunity to learn more about others, to see life through the lens and experiences of others while you introduce and share your experiences and perspectives. As you interact with others, ponder how you can temper your words and speak in a kinder fashion. Think of how you can cast a wider net when collecting a variety of opinions and perspectives. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

This approach does not require you to give up your own beliefs and opinions; it simply involves striving for thoughtful, respectful, inclusive communication with others. In other words, it’s kind in action.

When I was hired as president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber, my predecessor Stan Lockhart advised me that advocating for principle-based policies would be a big part of my job. I replied that I thought I could do that, but I had reservations; I had a real aversion to politics.

He responded that it wasn’t about politics, it was about communicating the importance of Utah Valley’s quality of life and how that quality of life could be supported and improved through the business community.

As you look for ways to increase your daily dose of kindness to others, realize that this is exactly what you are doing: you are directly impacting and increasing the quality of life for all of us who live in this beautiful valley.

As the resolution passed by the Utah State Legislature declares: “Our community can be the nexus of a rippling effect that can transform the globe with kindness.”

Commit to learning about someone from a different background or culture than your own. This could be a neighbor, a coworker or someone you meet while running errands. Take the time to listen to their stories, ask questions and try to understand their perspective.

Share your own experiences and perspectives with them as well. Use this opportunity to expand your knowledge and empathy and strengthen the bonds of community in your neighborhood.

The goal is not to be judgmental or try to change someone’s mind; it’s to be open-minded and curious about someone who may have different life experiences than you do. By doing so, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of others, but you may also find common ground and build stronger relationships.

Be the stone that causes the ripple of kindness.

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