Riley’s Way Virtual Youth Leadership Retreat 2020

Around the world, we are watching as teens push movements forward like climate-change and racial equity. The Riley's Way Youth Leadership Retreat is a shared space for young women who are change-makers in their communities to come together, network, and grow their leadership skills.

The Importance of Utilizing Your Entrepreneurial Mindset for Positive Change

While enduring a pandemic and our generation’s civil rights movement, I, along with many other young women, have a countless number of ideas to aid in the fight for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for all. At times, we creative leaders may doubt ourselves and our capabilities. To combat this self-conscious feeling, Ms. Grasso reminded us of the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset.

Reflections on the 13th Film

"...I come out of watching “13th” feeling hopeful, not hopeless. This discussion is happening at my dinner table with my teenage kids on a regular basis. It is happening across the country, and not just on college campuses. It is happening at Riley’s Way because the teens we work with said it is an absolute necessity."

Remembering Riley and Looking Forward

As we move into our 7th year at Riley's Way Foundation, we are reminded that Riley's spirit of kindness and friendship is at the heart of everything we do. Riley Hannah Sandler continues to inspire us and our work each and every day. We are filled with hope for what lies ahead as our mission of kindness and empathy is more important than ever. Thank you all for being part of it!

The Beginnings of the Riley’s Way Alumnae Network

Riley’s Way has always been an active part of my own community, centering the voices of young leaders like myself to enact change, and so heading off to college without Riley’s Way was impossible to imagine. I hope to continue the lasting connections and projects I’ve been able to form because of my experiences with Riley’s Way.

#BeKind21 – Riley’s Way Kindness Calendar

Riley's Way is excited to be joining Born This Way Foundation and over 150 other organizations in committing to kindness as a verb. Because leading today for a kinder tomorrow means making it an intentional act. Stay tuned, our full kindness calendar will be released on Sept 1st!

Interning at Riley’s Way

As I have grown into the person I am today, I have taken on new leadership roles at Riley’s Way, shaping the programs I was a part of. I have cultivated my own definition of kindness. I believe kindness is radical.

Kindness in Action: How to Activate Compassion in Family Routines

Jocelyn Greene on childsplayinaction.com

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation Launches Third Annual “#BeKind21″ Campaign Encouraging Kindness And Compassion

Born This Way Foundation

Jayla’s School Closets: This Teen Gives Back and Wins Riley’s Way Call for Kindness National Competition as She Makes a Difference

Renee J. Turner on citylifestyle.com

Summer Reading

Happy Summer! We hope you add Riley's Way to your summer reading by following us on social media and taking a few minutes to read about what we have been working on below. Hear from some Riley's Way Call for Kindness winners and get teen recommendations for summer reading and viewing.

The intersection between self care and my GirlUp Leadership Summit experience

The GirlUp experience reminded me that so many beautiful and intelligent girls from all over the world have the same dreams and passions as I do! We may not have all been able to physically see each other in person, but an energy of unification, empowerment, and kindness radiated through my computer screen. 

Ian Sandler discusses the future of leadership, and it’s about to get international

Victoria Taylor on linkedin.com

The Kindness of Teenagers Creating Positive Changes in Their Communities

Riley's Way featured on NY1

NYC Teens Get Creative To Give Back And Connect During Coronavirus Shutdown

Nina Kapur on cbs.com

Nya Marshall ’21 Recognized for Her Work With Riley’s Way

Nya Marshall on horacemann.org

My (Virtual) Buddy Reading Experience

The buddy reading program started by Riley’s Way has changed my view of self-isolation.

Congratulations to our graduating seniors!

At Riley's Way, the past months have been about listening, reflection, action and celebration. We continue to support our community and elevate student voices, and even kicked the month off by ringing the NASDAQ closing bell with teens from our different programs. We supported missed milestone celebrations for schools across the country and our Councils hosted an open and honest conversation about mass incarceration and racism.

Conversations in Solidarity

In this time, we must reckon with the realities of injustice and systemic discrimination against black people in this country. We must face these realities and dedicate ourselves to antiracism and solidarity.

Kids Make Birthday Dreams Come True

David Gogokhia on voanews.com

Riley’s Way Foundation Rings the Closing Bell

Riley's Way on nasdaq.com

Riley’s Way Co-Founder Ian Sandler on how the foundation is helping the next generation of leaders

Ian Sandler on yahoofinance.com

Reese Potash interviewing Sonika, founder of the Birthday Giving Program

My name is Reese Potash, I’m from New York, and I’m 12 years old. I grew up in an empathic family, who loves helping others, and I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing foundation this year, and in the years to come.

In Solidarity and Kindness

Today, and every day, we stand against racism. We stand with our Black students, teachers, and colleagues, and communities. And today, we know many in our community are hurting. We are paying attention and committing to do more. We are here for you and are working to create spaces to listen and support our students, faculty and larger community.

Teen empowers kindergarteners with virtual reading in underserved communities amid COVID-19

by Emily DeCiccio on foxnews.com

Finding Purpose in Kindness

by Ian Sandler on thriveglobal.com

Be a Kind Leader

by Ashley Lin on acacamps.org

Riley’s Way Foundation Announces Winners of the Call for Kindness

by Christine O'Connell on patch.com

An Interactive Self-Care Workshop to do in your Community

Self-care: What is it and why is it so important, especially amidst such a hectic time?

Kind Leadership Series | Earth Force

During the call, I was captivated by Grace’s many examples of passionate students able to enact meaningful change in their communities, both big and small, through the Community Action and Problem Solving Process. 

We Called, They Answered!

On May 6th, we celebrated 22 new Call for Kindness winning projects and announced three continuation grants from the inaugural 2019 class. Last year’s class reached over 35,000 people around the world; we hope to have an even greater impact this year!

Collective Kindness

As we enter the next weeks and months, we believe that Riley’s Way’s core value, a collective commitment to kindness, is more crucial than ever. Our approach: empathy, intentional kindness, and meaningful connection, shall not change; yet how we put it into practice can, and must, adapt to unforeseen circumstances in which we find ourselves.

Sharing Student Voices: Stories that Inspire

If you have been following the Sincerely, Hueman podcast, you have heard the stories of some of the incredible and inspiring Riley's Way students, and the story of Riley from our founder, Ian Sandler. If you missed any of the episodes, we have complied them for you here.

Telling Our Stories

We launched our 2nd annual Call for Kindness contest; were featured in Psychology Today, multiple news articles and a TV interview; launched a partnership with the Sincerely Hueman podcast to feature our student voices and more!

National Grants Available for Young Leaders

by Christina Mayo on miamiherald.com

A Call for Kindness

by Stephen Gray Wallace on psychologytoday.com

Contest awards teens money to help make the world a kinder, more empathetic place

by Christine Mitchell on WHNT News 19

Rileys Way Announces the Call for Kindness Competition for Teens

by Christine O'Connell on patch.com

Calling All Teens Who Want to Make a Difference: Riley’s Way Foundation Announces the Call for Kindness, Annual Contest Awards Teens Dollars to Help Make the World A Better Place 

Riley’s Way Call for Kindness 2020

The Case for Kindness

by Stephen Gray Wallace on psychologytoday.com

Kind Leader Spotlight Series

Introducing our Kind Leader Spotlight Series! Every Friday we will be showcasing leaders who demonstrate the positive change we hope to create in the world.

The Significance of Empathy and Kindness Today

As the meeting progressed, it became clearer to me that everyone in the room believed empathy and kindness are two values that we hold near and dear to ourselves. By focusing on the issue of mass incarceration, we are deriving change by using some of our most cherished values.

Creating An Organization From the Ground Up: Confident, Healthy Women

However, we were grateful for the experience from participating in the Call For Kindness contest because it prepared us in terms of finding partner organizations and laying out deadlines before starting. With support from our school, The Hewitt School, we began by initiating a drive.

Sincerely, Hueman: Stories of Kindness and Doing Good

In this episode, we will hear from Ian Sandler, a loving father and the co-founder of Riley's Way Foundation and Dr. Christine O'Connell, Executive Director at Riley's Way Foundation.

Happy New Year from all of us at Riley’s Way!

Riley's Way saw some amazing firsts in 2019, and we are excited to dream even bigger in 2020.

What a Year

“Riley always wore a smile on her face and rarely let anything get her down. She would be proud that we chose to focus on how she lived her life by approaching each encounter as a chance to make a new friend.” -Ian Sandler, Proud Father of Riley Hannah Sandler

Support Riley’s Way on this Giving Tuesday

On this Giving Tuesday, a day on which millions of people give to favorite charities, please choose to support Riley’s Way and our mission to empower the next generation of kind leaders.

With Gratitude

Tomorrow is about remembering things we are thankful for. At Riley’s Way, we are thankful for our community: all of you.

Another Exciting Month at Riley’s Way!

The momentum continues from our first annual Youth Leadership Retreat on a beautiful September weekend.

What a Day in an Immigration Courtroom Taught Me

Witnessing these hearings inspired me to work with the Riley’s Way Council to help immigrants in any way we can.

We Give Thanks

The kids at the Sisulu-Walker Charter School reminded me of what Thanksgiving truly is about...they taught me that in our fast-paced world, it’s important we don’t forget the power of kindness.

Partnership in the Making

This was a unique and exciting evening. At a topical level, it highlighted the need for more conversation between different groups working for the overall good, and it pinpointed issues around technology that might not have otherwise been raised.

Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat 2019

We were so excited to bring together over 70 young women leaders from across the country to talk about what it means to be a #kindleader, make #meaningfulconnections, and use #empathy to drive positive change in the world.

A Change-Making Weekend

To most, kindness is a virtue or trait but, because of Riley's Way, more people are understanding that it’s about shining through difficulties and to “always have a smile on your face” as Riley said.

Riley’s Way is My Way

Kindness is a crucial trait to have if you intend on creating effective and sustainable change, and it doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive with taking initiative, working hard, or making yourself heard.

Immigration, Language, and Empathy

Having had the chance to observe the realities of those facing the government in immigration court with the Riley’s Way Council members was an important experience for all of us in practicing empathy and gaining a deeper insight into the lives of those we wish to help and support.

A Weekend Away with the Changemakers of Our Generation

The atmosphere was celebratory and joyful. I could feel the kindness surrounding me throughout the entire weekend.

Elegant Warrior Podcast with Riley’s Way

Listen to the Riley's Way Program Directors talk to Heather Hanson about Riley's Way programs.

Exciting News from Riley’s Way

What an exciting start to the new school year at Riley’s Way! It has been filled with lots of firsts.

A Magical Weekend

A blog by Riley’s Way Co-Founder Ian Sandler about his experience at the Youth Leadership Retreat

Riley’s Way Foundation Names Dr. Christine O’Connell As First Executive Director

NEW YORK (September 26, 2019) – Riley’s Way Foundation has named its first Executive Director, Dr. Christine O’Connell, who will lead the next stage of growth for the organization.

“What the Constitution Means to Me”: Riveting, Beautiful, Personal

What I liked the most about the show was how the audience was able to interact with Heidi’s points, especially during the debate she did with a brilliant young woman named Rosdely Ciprian.

Sharing Riley’s Way with Teach for America

Along with explaining more about this incredible day where so many students came together and our upcoming film project, our presentation developed into a strong, engaging conversation.

A Reflection

Leading our Council was an endeavor filled with joy and fulfillment, along with a lot of hard work and persistence. Through this adventure, I learned more about myself, my peers, and how we worked effectively as a group.

Riley’s Way Awarded Philanthropy Award for Youth Empowerment

Thank you to News Corp / The New York Post for recognizing the strides Riley’s Way has made to inspire youth to use kindness and empathy as a tool to lead the world into a better tomorrow!

Donating a Difference

Accepting one’s queer identity is difficult enough, but for many, finding a community where they can safely express themselves is impossible. I was lucky enough to be born into a loving family and have a supportive group of friends. However, many are not as lucky.

Teen-to-Teen Letter Writing Event | 5 Ways You Can Help

With the intention of providing support and showing care to other teenagers, on May 2nd the Hewitt School and Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria Riley’s Way Council hosted an event dedicated to writing letters to immigrant teens in a detention center in Homestead, Florida.

How Interning for Riley’s Way Greatly Impacted Me

Kindness, empathy, leadership, and making connections are the core values of Riley’s Way Foundation. Through these values, more than 1,000 children from private and public schools have been positively impacted as they learn to spread kindness.

Families Behind Bars: A Glimpse Into the Lives of Forgotten Women

On a rainy Monday on May 14th, a few of my fellow Riley’s Way Council members, Lauren, Laura and I headed over to St. Phillip's Church to attend the Families Behind Bars event (a #kNOwJusticeHarlem series) organized by the organization Circles of Support.

Poker Player Forms Charitable Foundation After Death of 9-Year-Old Daughter

By Peter Alson on pokernews.com