In 1990, a simple phrase sparked a movement that would shape generations of young people across Kansas City: “Kindness is Contagious…Catch it!”
For Barbara Unell, that phrase wasn’t just a slogan; it was a call to action.
A Dream Takes Root
The story begins with a burst of inspiration. In 1990, after seeing the words “Kindness is Contagious…Catch it!” on a poster, Barbara felt compelled to act. She drove straight to her children’s elementary school registration and shared the idea with Jacque, their school counselor. Together, they imagined something bigger than a campaign or a classroom lesson.
They envisioned a school-based initiative that would intentionally teach children the behaviors we all hope to see in our homes, schools, and communities:
- Apologizing
- Caring
- Empathy
- Praise
- Forgiving
- Listening
These values, simple yet powerful, would become the heart of the Kindest Kansas Citian concept.
What began as a brainstorming session blossomed into the Kindest Kansas Citian Essay Contest and eventually, an annual Awards Banquet that now celebrates more than 35 years of impact.
Why Kindness?
The foundation of the contest rests on something both intuitive and evidence-based: relationships matter. Research in child development consistently shows that the presence of even one caring, supportive adult can dramatically influence a child’s long-term well-being and resilience. Studies on protective factors confirm what this initiative set out to do decades ago: connection and modeled kindness change lives.
From the beginning, the hope was bold and clear:
Every child should have at least one person who shows them how to live kindly by living that way themselves.
The essay contest invites students to reflect on someone in their life who embodies those qualities, whether it be a teacher, coach, neighbor, parent, grandparent, or mentor. Through their writing, children name and celebrate the adults who have made a difference.
And in doing so, they learn to recognize and replicate those behaviors themselves.
Three Decades of Stories
Over the past 36 years, nearly half a million essays have been written by students across the Kansas City metro. Two generations of children have now grown up with the Kindest Kansas Citian tradition.
Each essay tells a story. These essays often highlight mentors who listened, friends who stood up for someone, family members who forgave, or adults who noticed and cared.
Collectively, these essays form a living archive of what children truly need, and what we all need, the difference that a Kindest Kansas Citian makes in our lives.
The annual Awards Celebration is a powerful moment of public celebration, where nominated Kindest Kansas Citians hear, often for the first time, the profound impact they’ve had. Tears are common. So is laughter. Always, there is gratitude.
Impact Beyond the Essays
Over the years, the Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Celebration has not only celebrated kindness but also fueled programs that support students in the classroom.
To date, the event has raised over $2.5 million in support of Synergy Services’ School Based Integrated Services.
These funds directly support critical services, including:
- On-site therapists embedded in local schools, making mental health support accessible and immediate
- Individual and group counseling for students experiencing trauma, anxiety, family instability, or violence
- Crisis response and safety planning for students in urgent situations
- Collaboration with teachers and school staff to support students’ emotional regulation and resilience
- Family engagement and connection to additional community resources
Through these services, students are able to learn, grow, and thrive in environments where their emotional and physical safety are prioritized.
Join Us: Be Part of the Kindness
The Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Celebration is more than an event. It’s an evening that shows us that simple acts of kindness can have an effect far greater than we could have ever imagined
When you attend, you will:
- Hear powerful essays written by local students
- Celebrate extraordinary individuals who model kindness daily
- Support life-changing services for children and families
- Leave inspired to live out kindness in your own sphere of influence
We invite you to be part of this legacy. Attend the event on April 17. Sponsor a table. Come ready to listen and be reminded of the extraordinary impact one person can have.
Because kindness is still contagious.
And together, we can keep catching and passing it on for generations to come.
