Kindness is Coming to Tompkins County in October! United in Kindness is a diverse series of events organized by the Tompkins County Bullying Prevention Task Force and aligned with National Bullying Prevention Month.
The events range from a student contest promoting kindness, a free showing of the film Wonder at Cinemapolis, and Stories in the Park for under-6s, to expert presentations on keeping kids safe on social media and dealing with domestic violence experiences.
The Student Kindness and Creativity Contest, sponsored by United Way of Tompkins County, invites local K-12 students to enter written word, visual art, or video submissions with a deadline of October 10.
The contest will be judged by United Way’s Youth and Philanthropy Program students. Prizes will be awarded and all entries will be featured at a Gallery Event at United Way’s headquarters at 313 N Aurora Street on October 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contest information available at: www.uwtc.org/unitedinkindness.
“United Way is happy to support this year’s contest and the United In Kindness series because of the connection to youth and mental health, two key areas supported by our organization,” said Gregg Houck, United Way’s Director of Community Impact.
“In a time of so much division, having the opportunity to promote unity in our shared humanity and the importance of being kind to one another through this contest and gallery event is so meaningful. United Way looks forward to sharing these student creations with the community.”
The series was organized by the Bullying Prevention Task Force’s Brandi Remington, Youth Development Coordinator at TST BOCES.
“This series brings kindness back to the forefront as our community continues to heal from the aftermath of COVID-19,” said Remington. “National Bullying Prevention Month aims to bring awareness to the very serious issue of bullying in our schools and community. We recognize the problem, just as we recognize that one of the solutions is to celebrate empathy, inclusion, and connectedness. We are excited to bring attention to all of the great work being done in Tompkins County to build a community united in kindness.”
Student Kindness and Creativity Contest 9/19 through 10/10
Sponsored by United Way of Tompkins County
Tompkins County K-12 students can enter their written word, visual art, or video submissions until 10/10. All entries will be featured at a
Gallery Event @ United Way 313 N Aurora Street on 10/28 4-7 pm.
We’ve Got Your Back 10/1 @ 12-3 p.m.
Mental Health Association Peer Outreach Center @ Center Ithaca
Live music, activities, finger foods, speakers and more! Learn how we can support one another by stepping in and calling out bullying behaviors.
Free Hugs @ Apple Harvest Festival 10/1 @ 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
In and Around the Ithaca Commons
Free Hugs Ithaca and Be Kind Ithaca team up to give away t-shirts and iconic Be Kind hearts—and actual hugs—to dozens of lucky Apple Fest attendees.
Mothering Through Domestic Violence 10/5 @ 12 Noon–1 p.m.
Online via Zoom—Register at: https://tinyurl.com/October5event
Join the Coalition for Families and Lyn Staack from the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County for a community presentation. Understand the challenges faced by people who grew up in homes where there was domestic violence and how it may impact their adult relationships and parenting.
Screening of Wonder 10/11 @ 7-9 p.m.
@ Cinemapolis—Free Admission sponsored by Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca and The Sophie Fund
Watch an uplifting film for all ages about empathy and acceptance telling the story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade to attend mainstream elementary school for the first time.
7th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest 10/15 @ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bernie Milton Pavilion, submissions from 10–11:30 am; Info on how to enter at: www.thesophiefund.org/cupcake-contest
Stories in the Park 10/18 & 10/22 @ 11:30 a.m.–12 Noon
Dewitt Park, or Tompkins County Public Library if raining
Children 6 and under and their families will be delighted by a selection of stories based on the themes of kindness, inclusivity, and diversity.
Digital Intelligence and Well-Being for Parents 10/19 @ 12 Noon–1 p.m.
Online via Zoom—Register at: https://tinyurl.com/KindnessSocialMediaSymposium
Join a symposium for parents about online safety for their children presented by social media expert Chris Vollum.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Match Event 10/21 @ 4-7 p.m.
Event open to Big Brothers, Big Sisters participants only
Participants will carve pumpkins and decorate cookies while they share stories about people in their life who demonstrate and embody kindness. To learn more about how you can be a part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, go to: www.bbbsithaca.org.
For more details about United in Kindness events, go to: https://thesophiefund.org/bullying/
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