RILEY'S WAY FOUNDATION Leading today for a kinder tomorrow |
OUR MISSION & VISION
Riley’s Way invests in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. Riley’s Way is committed to supporting these young leaders to build a better world that values kindness, empathy, connection, and the voices of all youth.
We envision a future where kind leaders build a better world.
Kindness
Kindness is valuing and respecting others and offering to help without expecting anything in return. Kindness is empathy in action. Kindness is a strength that can build a better world.
Empathy
Empathy is understanding all sides of a challenge, issue or obstacle. This means not just identifying an alternative perspective, but actually seeing things from a different point of view. Empathy enables strong and meaningful connections.
Leadership
Our leaders drive change, build connections and support their peers. Kind leaders think beyond their own circumstances to embody change and strengthen their community. We believe kindness and empathy are leadership qualities to be celebrated and fostered.
Connection Making
Our leaders value diversity and build bridges within and beyond their communities. Treating people with consideration and open-mindedness — and approaching everyone as a potential friend — creates meaningful relationships with individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds and strengthens communities.
Call for Kindness How can you drive change that inspires kindness and builds meaningful connections in your community? To lead positive change with kindness, Riley’s Way is on a mission to inspire kindness in the next generation of change leaders with the tools needed to make a positive impact in the world. In the Call for Kindness, is a national initiative that funds teen-led projects that inspire kindness, strengthen communities, and bring people together. Winners receive up to $3,000 to fund their project and join a cohort of fellows from across the country to participate in our Kind Leadership Series, learning from experts and each other. |
Youth Leadership Retreat The Youth Leadership Retreat brings together inspirational young women from around the country who are kind leaders and change agents in their communities. Teens participate in skill-building workshops where they learn how to tell their stories, communicate ideas, develop an action plan, approach new people, build relationships, and treat everyone as a friend. |
Riley's Way Council Riley’s Way Councils brings together communities of students with different perspectives and supports them to become kind leaders. Currently, Councils consist of partnerships between public and private high schools. Council members work directly with community groups to make a difference on social justice issues through the lens of empathy and kindness. |
Riley's Way Program
Initially, Riley’s Way provided grants to participating elementary schools in New York City to allow them to focus on social and emotional learning for both their teachers and students. This included professional development trainings and workshops for educators and character building assemblies and activities for students.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
100,000+ |
We impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people around the world through our programs and the young leaders we support.
150+ Kindness Fellows |
We provide funding, resources, leadership development, and a supportive community for over 150 Call for Kindness Fellows and counting!
$1 Million+ |
We have given away millions of dollars in grants and leadership support for young changemakers around the country.
PRESS & BLOG
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