YSU launches Y and Kind initiative to spread compassion and connection

Youngstown State University launched 'Y and Kind' at a Community Engagement Symposium, aligning with the national United States of Kindness campaign and beginning the effort with 40 encouraging cards as the campus aims for 250 acts of kindness in 2026.

Youngstown State University's Community Engagement Symposium launched Y and Kind, a campuswide initiative focused on spreading compassion and connection. The effort is aligned with the national United States of Kindness campaign, part of America 250. The university has set a goal of completing 250 acts of kindness in 2026. The symposium included a partnership activity with the Rich Center for Autism. Key details: - The initiative is spearheaded by the YSU Community Engagement Council and is tied to the United States of Kindness campaign. - Symposium participants wrote 40 encouraging cards for students in an activity conducted with the Rich Center for Autism. - Mike Latessa, Rich Center executive director, said meaningful connection supports growth and confidence for students. - YSU created a digital "kindness collector" where campus and community members can submit and track completed acts as the university works toward 250 acts in 2026. Summary: YSU officials described Y and Kind as an effort to foster a culture of care and belonging across campus. The launch activity produced 40 encouraging cards and the university has introduced a digital tool to collect stories while pursuing its 250-act goal in 2026. Undetermined at this time.