TOP LEFT : ASHLEY RYAN ; ALL OTHERS : COURTESY OF ABILITY AWARENESS PROJECT

WIDE REACH Ability Awareness Project founder Shadi Pourkashef ( who goes by Anami ) estimates that the project and World Kindness USA together reach at least 20,000 people online per week . Many Laguna Beach residents have also opted to participate by placing Choose to be Kind signs in their yards and creating kindness cards . On Nov . 12 , the city will once again celebrate World Kindness Day with music , meditation , the Kindness Wall , connection activities and annual kindness awards . The end of the event is highlighted with a luminaria vigil of children who have died by suicide due to bullying . This year marks a milestone for World Kindness USA as well : “ 2022 is the 25th year of The World Kindness Movement ,” Anami notes .

Clockwise from above : the Kindness Wall downtown ; one of Ability Awareness Project ’ s school programs ; inclusivity lessons for senior citizens

LEARNING TO BE NICE Ability Awareness Project has developed 25 kindness programs to pair perfectly with the number of weeks in the school year . The programs continue the momentum of the initial kindness presentation , and keep students and teachers focused upon creating an inclusive , caring culture . “ No one else is doing this and bullying is still happening , so there ’ s still a great need to be filled ,” Anami says , adding that she ’ s been approached by schools and organizations throughout the United States and internationally . “ We ’ re always looking for new board members and volunteers to commit their time to this movement .”

SERVING SENIORS Surprising as it may be , Anami says that one out of five senior citizens experiences bullying at senior centers . Confident that it ’ s never too late to learn how to be kind , Ability Awareness Project developed a presentation focused on promoting inclusivity , compassion and acceptance of all abilities , races , religions and sexual orientations amongst seniors . “ We all have to learn what works and what doesn ’ t work when it comes to promoting kindness ,” she says . “… You ’ re never too old to think it ’ s cool to be kind . We have presentations for all ages — including adults and seniors —… and can customize presentations for any unique audience , too .” g

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 31