Our daily sights and sounds, architecture and schedules, all carry the potential to lift up ourselves and others. From a playground "buddy bench" to class that connects beyond the classroom to artful messages of inspiration, these stories chronicle small creative structures that create the conditions for empathy to emerge. --Daniela

The Empathy Bench

When students are sad, or looking for someone to play with, they can sit on the "buddy bench". Fostering a culture of empathy in schools around the globe, kids are trained to notice and support fellow classmates who sit on the designated bench. Read Full Story »

Sharing with the Homeless

Ms. Omania's third graders and their families melt down walls between hearts, as they collectively unleash the human spirit as they make and gift lunch to the homeless in their city. Read Full Story »

Rock On

The idea is simple. Paint a rock with an inspiring message, and leave it in a well-traveled spot to make someone's day. In one town, 300 elementary school students paint over 600 stones with smile-inducing messages. Read Full Story »

'Be The Change' Idea

Leave an uplifting message for someone to find. [more]