Priorities & Projects
Kindness Rocks Campaign
The Kindness Rocks campaign aims to engage local residents on topics of diversity & inclusion and to empower individuals with strategies & tools to foster inclusive & welcoming communities. Because each of us has a role to play in making our community healthier for everyone.
How to Participate:
- Find a rock: Rocks are scattered in parks and trails across the Tri-Cities (Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody)
- Check out the message behind your rock at www.tricitieslip.ca
- Take your photo with the rock & share the message with your networks: Tag us on Facebook @tricitieslip, Twitter @tc_lip, Instagram @tricitieslip; don’t forget to use the hashtag #KindnessRocks
SHARING IS CARING
Kindness is sharing your skills, your gifts and/or your time to show that you care. What can you share with someone else today?
SMILE
“Smile at one you do not know.” One of your greatest assets is your smile. Smiling shows your openness to interact with others. Give it a try and the smile will come back to you.
KINDNESS WARMS THE SOUL
Kindness warms the soul. In our digital-friendly world, we all seek authentic social connections. What act of kindness can you share with someone today?
SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!
See something? Say something! For many, standing up for others can be daunting and can put your safety at risk. There are different ways that you can stand up for others: reporting an incident to authorities, asking others for assistance in intervening, or removing the target from the situation before an incident escalates. See our community protocol for more information.
STAND AGAINST BULLYING
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Pink Shirt Day is nationally recognized as a day for everyone to stand together against bullying. What other ways can you stand up against bullying?
BELIEVE THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD
What are the qualities that you value the most in a community? How can each of us make the Tri-Cities a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and play?
UBUNTU – I AM BECAUSE WE ARE
Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity.” It is often translated as “I am because we are,” or “humanity towards others,” but is often used in a more philosophical sense to mean “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” The term became more widely known outside of Southern Africa in 1994 when Desmond Tutu chaired the South Africa Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Think about how we are all connected and how we can support each other in our communities.
FORGIVE
Forgiveness is a conscious and deliberate decision to release resentment or feelings of vengeance when you’ve been harmed. It does not mean forgetting nor condoning or excusing offenses. Forgiveness has connections to the restorative justice system.
INSPIRE KINDNESS!
Inspire kindness! Did you know that kindness has scientific benefits too? It lengthens your lifespan, improves your heart health, eases anxiety & depression, decreases pain, gives you energy and most of all, it’s contagious! Spread kindness today!
REACH OUT
Reach out to others: whether it’s introducing yourself to others or re-connecting with friends and family. Know that you are not alone. There are also other community resources to combat feelings of isolation, find what you need today.
FIGHT PREJUDICE
Prejudice refers to beliefs or attitudes toward an individual or group based on negative or positive stereotyping. Prejudice and bias are a state of mind. Getting to know individuals and learning more about them are some ways to fight prejudice.
CARE & LOVE
How do you show that you care for others? Tell us the different ways in which you show kindness in our community.
TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
We acknowledge that we are on the unceded traditional territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, which lies within the shared territories of the Tseil- Waututh, Katzie, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Squamish and Sto’:lo Nations. We are truly privileged to be able to live, work and play in our communities. Learn more about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission
LEND A HAND
Helping others is one way to spread kindness around. There are many ways to lend a hand: volunteering with local organizations and events, preserving our natural environment, helping our neighbours move or sharing a meal with others.
HEAR THE UNSPOKEN
Hearing the unspoken means listening to the person with the intent of understanding their situation. Validate their feelings. Sometimes, we want to fix the situation. Take a step back and let the person be heard.
BE A RAINBOW
Kindness makes a difference to someone else. It creates connections and lifts someone up. Try it today! What act of kindness can you share with others?
PLATINUM RULE
You may have heard of the Golden Rule, but have you heard of the Platinum Rule? “Treat others the way THEY want to be treated.” The Platinum Rule requires that you have a dialogue with someone else to understand their needs, their values and how they would like to be treated. What impact do you think the Platinum Rule would have in your interactions with others?
COMPASSION LEADS TO CHANGE
Compassion builds empathy. Empathy empowers people to advocate for change. How can you help bring a voice to those who are experiencing injustice?
STAY TRUE TO YOU
Stay true to you! Celebrate your uniqueness, your gifts and your talents. Our community is enriched by the contributions of each person. Be proud of who you are.
YOU BELONG
You belong. A sense of belonging creates an ownership, a validation that you are valued as a member of our society. How can you help someone feel that they belong in our community?
ALIKE
“I have loved
As have you
Our hearts keep similar secrets
Yearning to be free
What are you afraid of?
Is it this veil I wear?
I have covered just my body
But my heart is laid bare”
Sung and written by Isha Abubakar; Additional music & mixdown by Rolly Osunero
I AM HOMELESS BUT NOT HOPELESS
This story has been submitted anonymously to share their story of homelessness and the impact of discrimination and racism on their life. Think about your perceptions of people. Is there more to them than how they have been labelled by society?
SEEDS OF KINDNESS
Plant the seeds of kindness today with our children to build healthier communities! Did you know that the Tri-Cities have a Children’s Charter of Rights that is signed by each municipality?
BE BRAVE, BE KIND
Be brave. Kindness takes courage. What words can help you take courage and show kindness today?
WELCOMING COMMUNITIES
The Tri-Cities is home to people from many different cultures and languages. Over 30% of residents were born outside of Canada. How have you welcomed newcomers to our community?
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Respect one another. We can overcome differences with respect and understanding.
INCLUSION IS A CHOICE
Diversity is a reality. Inclusion is a choice. How can you include someone in our community? We each have our differences and commonalities — whether they’re similar interests, values or passions. Find someone that you can connect with today.
COMPLIMENT OTHERS
Brighten someone’s day by complimenting someone.
SHARE & CARE
Kindness is sharing your skills, your gifts and/or your time to show that you care. What can you share with someone else today?
DIVERSITY – WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
What does diversity mean to you? Is it just about the different cultures in our community? Could it also be about the different ideas, talents and gifts that each person brings and contributes to our community, no matter their cultural background. Meet a new neighbour today and find out what gifts and talents they have.
COMMUNITY VALUES WE SHARE
What are the qualities that you value the most in a community? How can each of us make the Tri-Cities a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and play?
SEE THE GOOD
See the good. Respect one another. We can overcome differences with respect and understanding.
PLANT KINDNESS
Plant the seeds of kindness today with our children to build healthier communities! Did you know that the Tri-Cities have a Children’s Charter of Rights that is signed by each municipality?
SMILE
“Smile at one you do not know.” One of your greatest assets is your smile. Smiling shows your openness to interact with others. Give it a try and the smile will come back to you.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BRIGHT
Let your light shine bright! Life can be challenging but the challenges are part of your story. Don’t give up. After all, stars can’t shine without darkness.
STAND UP FOR OTHERS
See something? Say something! For many, standing up for others can be daunting and can put your safety at risk. There are different ways that you can stand up for others: reporting an incident to authorities, asking others for assistance in intervening, or removing the target from the situation before an incident escalates. See our community protocol for more information.
LET YOUR TALENTS SHINE
Rosh is an artist, poet, student, entrepreneur. Listen to her story of never underestimating one’s gifts, talents and potential. Follow Roshni on her social media pages: Facebook & YouTube @Roshni Kashyap, Instagram @rosh2013, Twitter @kashyaproshni2
Her book, Don’t Forget You’re Beautiful, is available on Amazon.
LEARN ABOUT EACH OTHER
Listen to Christine’s story about overcoming racism with resilience through art and teaching youth about acceptance.
STRONGER TOGETHER
The ripple effects of love & community can overcome the impact of racism. Hear Mahdis’ message on the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
GET INVOLVED
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes determination, generosity and passion to build welcoming communities. Listen to Teri Towner and how she co-founded the Tri-Cities Friends of Refugees and how the community welcomes refugees.
ASK ME, LEARN ABOUT ME, INCLUDE ME
Noor shares her experience and a compelling message of inclusion and belonging.
BE THE CHANGE
Be the change and see the ripple effects of your action across our communities. Your act of kindness could be the catalyst needed to empower someone today.
Submitted by local artist, Isha Abubakar with additional music & mixdown by Rolly Osunero
SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS
Small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day. From holding doors open to offering your help to words of affirmation, we can all brighten someone’s day.
YOU’VE GOT THIS
Sometimes we all need a reminder that we’re doing great. Compliment someone today and show them that their efforts are not missed!
BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY
Kindness makes a difference to someone else. It creates connections and lifts someone up. Try it today! What act of kindness can you share with others?
PEACE
Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony without hostility and violence. It is used to mean freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups. How are we, as a community, fostering peace amongst our diverse residents? How do we ensure that individuals and groups are free from fear of violence?
PINK SHIRT DAY
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Pink Shirt Day is nationally recognized as a day for everyone to stand together against bullying. What other ways can you stand up against bullying?
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Everyone can make a difference. We each have a role to play in building welcoming and inclusive communities. Share a story of how someone has made a difference in your life.
ENJOY TODAY
Enjoy today. Our lives can be so busy. Take the time to slow down and enjoy a nature walk; or even take the time to chat to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Take care of yourself because you matter!
VOLUNTEER
Our communities thrive thanks to passionate volunteers. Not sure how to volunteer? Check out Community Volunteer Connections to learn about various volunteering opportunities in the Tri-Cities at www.volunteerconnections.ca
ARE YOU NEW HERE?
Are you new to Canada, or perhaps you know someone who is? NewToBC provides a comprehensive list of services and programs available to newcomers to support their settlement and integration needs. Visit NewToBC.ca to learn more.
LEND A HAND
We all have different needs. Equity is a quality of treating individuals fairly based on their needs and requirements. This is different from equality where each and every individual is treated the same way regardless of their needs and requirements. Think about our society and how equity has played a role in shifting cultural norms, practices and policies. What issues could we look at through an equity lens?
CUTENESS OVERLOAD
Sometimes, you just need something cute and fun to look at. Tell us which area of the Tri-Cities you’ve found this cute rock.
DO YOU SEE THEM?
Look around you. Do you see them? The ones who might be invisible to us because they’re different from us. The ones who seem strong but are in need of genuine friendship. Perhaps today is the day you can get to know them.
LIFT EACH OTHER UP
Lift each other up! What encouraging words can you share with someone today?
WHAT ARE MICROAGGRESSIONS?
Microaggressions are intentional or unintentional verbal or non-verbal behaviours or messages about a person’s identity or group membership. Visit tool: Recognizing Microaggressions & the Messages They Send to learn more.
BE INTERESTED
Being interested means listening to the person with the intent of understanding. Validate their feelings. Ask questions. Listen to understand.
YOU ARE ENOUGH
You are enough. You are valued. You are important. You are good enough, smart enough, brave enough. Remember, you are enough.
BE KIND, REWIND
Remember the days when we used to rent movies from the video store? The simple act of rewinding film before you returned to the store was an act of kindness. Rewind to when someone did something kind for you … and acknowledge their brave act.
MICROAGGRESSIONS
Microaggressions are intentional or unintentional verbal or non-verbal behaviours or messages about a person’s identity or group membership. Visit tool: Recognizing Microaggressions & the Messages They Send to learn more.
EQUITY VS. EQUALITY
We all have different needs. Equity is a quality of treating individuals fairly based on their needs and requirements. This is different from equality where each and every individual is treated the same way regardless of their needs and requirements. Think about our society and how equity has played a role in shifting cultural norms, practices and policies. What issues could we look at through an equity lens?
TURTLE LOVE
Sometimes, you just need something cute and fun to look at. Tell us which area of the Tri-Cities you’ve found this cute rock.
KINDNESS HELPS US GROW
Plant the seeds of kindness today with our children to build healthier communities! Did you know that the Tri-Cities have a Children’s Charter of Rights that is signed by each municipality?
UNCEDED LANDS – OUR PRIVILEGE
We acknowledge that we are in the unceded traditional territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, which lies within the shared territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Squamish and Sto’:lo Nations. We are privileged to be able to live, work and play in our communities. Learn more about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission
LOOK AROUND YOU
Look around you. Do you see them? The ones who might be invisible to us because they’re different from us. The ones who seem strong but are in need of genuine friendship. Perhaps today is the day you can get to know them.
SHOWER KINDNESS
Small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day. From holding doors open to offering your help to words of affirmation, we can all brighten someone’s day.
THE SIMPLE ACT OF SMILING
“Smile at one you do not know.” One of your greatest assets is your smile. Smiling shows your openness to interact with others. Give it a try and the smile will come back to you.
OUR WORDS & ACTIONS MATTER
Microaggressions are intentional or unintentional verbal or non-verbal behaviours or messages about a person’s identity or group membership. Visit tool: Recognizing Microaggressions & the Messages They Send to learn more.
LET KINDNESS GROW
Plant the seeds of change by showing kindness. What kind words or deed did you share with someone today?
HOPE: WHAT CONNECTS US
There are so many things that connect us with each other. Hope is one of them. Meet someone new today and share your hopes and dreams.
BRAVE DEEPER CONVERSATIONS
Sharing our traditions is one way of understanding one another in a deeper, more authentic way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out more.
WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO YOU?
What does diversity mean to you? Is it just about the different cultures in our community? Could it also be about the different ideas, talents and gifts that each person brings and contributes to our community, no matter their cultural background. Meet a new neighbour today and find out what gifts and talents they have.
BE KIND
Small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day. From holding doors open to offering your help to words of affirmation, we can all brighten someone’s day.
LET KINDNESS GO VIRAL
Spread kindness and make it contagious! Help make a difference in our community by meeting someone new and connecting them with others.
PEACE, LOVE & UNDERSTANDING
There are many things in life that bind us together, like our desires for peace, love & understanding. These are more powerful than hate or division. How can you help someone find peace, love and understanding in your community?
LET KINDNESS GO VIRAL
Sometimes, you just need something cute and fun to look at. Tell us which area of the Tri-Cities you’ve found this cute rock.
We would like to acknowledge our community partners and volunteers who’ve collaborated on this campaign: BC Farhangian Educators’ Association, City of Coquitlam, Coquitlam Continuing Education (Integrate Tri-Cities), , Coquitlam Public Library, Coquitlam RCMP, Douglas College, Kinsight, MOSAIC, Port Moody Police, Sneaky Native Art, Spirit of the Children Society, Terry Fox Library, Tri-Cities Friends of Refugees Society, Tri-Cities TV, the individual stakeholders, artists and families who shared their talents, and most importantly, the brave individuals who’ve shared and made public their stories and experiences.
This campaign is made possible with support from the Province of British Columbia, Multiculturalism Division.
