It all began quite casually. A friend shared a photo of a handwritten sign she spotted around town that resonated deeply. She said, “Lisa, I thought you’d appreciate this. Maybe you could create something similar!” The sign proclaimed:
In This Home, We Stand For:
- Black Lives Matter
- Women’s Rights are Human Rights
- No Human is Illegal
- Science is Real
- Love is Love
- And Kindness is Everything
I was struck by the clarity and power of these messages. They didn’t clash; instead, they united to express a shared sentiment: a call to advocate for humanity, empathy, and kindness.
Given my background in publishing, I have connections with several talented artists and designers. On a whim, I posted the image on my Facebook page, inviting anyone interested to help design a beautiful version. My friend, Sarah Davis, jumped at the chance and crafted a stunning design in no time.
Another friend, Megan Lee, volunteered to coordinate the production of the signs and spread the word. To clarify: this wasn’t my original concept or wording. I merely reached out to my network for support. With a full-time job and a busy family life, I wasn’t looking for extra projects. None of us were. We contributed what we could, playing to our strengths and working collaboratively.
When we shared the design in a community Facebook group, it quickly gained momentum. One post alone garnered over 30,000 shares. Our inboxes overflowed with requests from people eager to acquire these signs.
Through this public initiative, we discovered the original creator of the sign—another mom from Madison, Wisconsin, named Emily Carter. We sought her permission to continue using her words for a greater purpose, and she graciously allowed us to proceed, fully aware we wouldn’t profit from her creation but rather use it to promote the values it represents.
Before we launched, Megan, Sarah, and I agreed that we wanted our project to have a tangible impact on organizations that uphold the values of these slogans. To date, we’ve raised over $7,000 for the ACLU by selling yard signs across Madison and the surrounding areas. We’ve heard stories of other groups nationwide replicating our model, like a quaint coffee shop in Denver that distributed signs to customers for free or a group in Northern California that contributed nearly $2,000 to the ACLU.
One simple search on Instagram with #kindnessiseverything reveals countless images from across the country—these signs adorn lawns from Los Angeles to Miami and everywhere in between. It’s heartwarming to see how these words inspire others. A woman from Grand Rapids shared that someone left her a pound of coffee with a note saying, “I passed by your sign after the election, and it brought me hope!”
After a few months of dedicating several hours daily to field inquiries about purchasing the image, we decided to pass on the design to an organization that could continue the mission while allowing us to return to our busy lives. We donated it to the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health, knowing the importance of women’s health for our community. They’ve managed to raise around $4,000 through sign and T-shirt sales for the women’s marches.
I often share this story because it highlights a powerful truth: four women—three of whom are moms—can achieve extraordinary things when united by a common goal. Despite our busy lives, we’ve made a significant impact.
We have since received numerous requests to expand the sign’s messages, covering topics like environmental issues and religious freedom. This adaptability is the beauty of the sign; it encourages inclusive dialogue. How can we broaden our outreach? How can we uplift those who have faced discrimination or marginalization?
These signs challenge us to embrace inclusivity, to utilize our skills, talents, and precious time not just to improve our actions but to promote goodness in the world.
For more information on this inspiring project, follow them on Facebook at Kindness is Everything. To support the cause, check out their offerings at this link where all proceeds go to charity, or visit this excellent resource for insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, this initiative, started by a few moms, has blossomed into a national movement of kindness, demonstrating the collective power of community and compassion.