A call to kindness: We are stronger together; let’s be a force for good
Together, people can be a force for good. Starting in San Antonio, let’s take productive steps toward a kinder, steadier future.
Together, people can be a force for good. Starting in San Antonio, let’s take productive steps towards restoring a kinder, steadier future, our guest columnist writes.
I have worked in public relations for more than two decades, and from my experience, I can say this is a “never have I ever” time in history.
This year reminds me of the dark pandemic days of 2020. It was day after day of reading shocking headlines, being surprised by people’s actions and trying to figure out what to do or what might happen next.
We should recall what we learned in 2020 to guide us through these tough times. The best moments of 2020 were when people supported each other.
We united as “stronger together” and shared. We resourcefully made do with what we had while discovering new ways to work, go to school and live. Volunteers took risks to deliver supplies or meals to neighbors in need.
Where has that care gone?
In public relations, the best practitioners focus on building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships between organizations and the people they serve.
Too many people don’t stop to think about what their actions today will do to their tomorrow. They’re not thinking critically. Instead, they allow their emotions to determine their actions.
We know hotheads can spark devastating fires, and we’re seeing those issues and crises in all kinds of environments and at all levels of leadership.
In my industry, we recommend a “call to action” in important messages. In these times, let’s issue a “call to kindness.”
Let’s be kind to each other and to ourselves. Spreading hate, greed and grievance destroys. Spreading kindness grows relationships, opportunities and our capacity to persevere through tough times.
Here are some simple approaches forward:
Verify information before you adopt it as fact.
Think before you post online. If you wouldn’t say it on a stage, don’t say it online.
Think before you speak or act. When in doubt, don’t move forward.
Help someone else. Research shows helping others makes us feel better.
Look for the good, and steer clear of the bad.
Treat all people respectfully.
Be encouraging.
Care for yourself if you’re feeling mad, sad or anxious.
Ask for help when you need it. Provide help however you can.
Think long term. Will your actions today help you tomorrow?
Prioritize exercise, sleep, laughing and supportive relationships.
Work on yourself and let others work on themselves.
Let logic win over emotions.
Be kind in how you treat yourself and others.
Gently have tough conversations that allow for evolution.
Share a wave, smile, laugh or a coffee.
Stay away from what upsets you.
Set a constructive goal and work toward it in a small way every day.
Caring character traits are being dismissed at a national level, and that’s causing devastation now and could have a negative impact for years to come.
Together, people can be a force for good. Starting in San Antonio, let’s take productive steps toward restoring a kinder, steadier future.
Copyright [2025] The San Antonio Express-News (www.expressnews.com). Reprinted with permission.