In a joint partnership between Utah County, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit organization One Kind Act a Day, leaders and stakeholders announced the launch of a countywide kindness initiative Thursday.

The heartwarming effort looks to foster a culture of compassion and goodwill throughout the county by uniting businesses, organizations, schools, public safety institutions and residents in a shared mission to make kindness a daily practice, a press release explained.

More than two years ago, Gov. Spencer Cox along with local leaders, advocates and the Semnani Family Foundation jumpstarted the One Kind Act a Day initiative in Utah.

Since then, cities, businesses, schools and other organizations have taken a pledge to display kindness through a variety of acts. In early 2024, Vineyard was recognized as the state’s first “Certified City of Kindness” by One Kind Act a Day.

Courtesy Utah County Government

Utah County as a whole now looks to undertake a similar challenge in hopes of becoming the first “Certified County of Kindness” to be recognized by the nonprofit.

In a time filled with division and negativity, Curtis Bennett, executive director of One Kind Act a Day, said the capability to evoke kindness among Utah County communities may prove to be a unifying force. “Utah County’s commitment to creating a ‘Certified County of Kindness’ is not just a title–it’s a movement that we hope will inspire others across the nation to follow suit,” he said in a release.

The official kickoff to the ambitious efforts were held Thursday at a press conference inside Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo.

Community leaders and elected officials were on hand to deliver remarks regarding the potential positive impact the initiative will have throughout the county.

“Our businesses are the heartbeat of this community, and their involvement in this kindness initiative will amplify its impact,” said Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The community is expected to be engaged through various volunteerism events. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce will work closely with businesses, offering ideas and support to ensure their contributions manifest the spirit of the initiative, according to the press release.

Schools and educational institutions are slated to integrate kindness into various activities and curriculum, as well as a social media campaign. A dedicated hashtag, #UtahCountyKindness, will be used to share stories and acts of kindness, inspiring others to join the movement, according to the press release.

Nicole Martin, Provo City public information officer, spoke to why the culture inside of an organization matters while trying to accomplish efforts for the greater good, using the city’s “One Provo” motto as an example.

“What I’ve seen in Provo is that when we give people a cause to get behind, when we give them the opportunity to be a team and have support to express kindness and give kindness, great things happen,” Martin said.

Blair reflected on early conversations about how Utah County could get behind the idea of becoming a Certified One Kind Act a Day County more than a year ago.

“In the spirit of collaboration, kindness, clarity and things that resonate with our community, if we can lead out that way then I’m confident we can change the world,” he said. “In a world of seemingly endless choices, let’s choose kindness.”

Utah County Commissioner Brandon Gordon emphasized the importance of kindness in politics and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. “Kindness is a choice. It makes a huge difference and it’s so simple,” Gordon said.

He also signed a declaration preemptively naming Utah County the first Certified County of Kindness.

Citizens, businesses and organizations interested in participating in this kindness efforts can visit www.thepowerofkind.org for more information.