SPARK Kindness, a nonprofit organization launched in 2010 to counter cyberbullying, has pivoted its programming, due to the global pandemic, to serve the increasing needs of the parent/caregiver community.

“Our work supporting resilience, kindness, and emotional wellness is even more important in times of crisis,” Christine Fortune Guthery, SPARK founder and executive director, said. “As a result, and in rapid time, the SPARK team moved to a virtual platform, expanded its programming, developed new resources, and deepened its commitment to antiracism and equity, with aocus on kindness and justice.”

Inclusive, Accessible, Free Programming

Though the pandemic caused a number of public fundraising events to be cancelled and postponed, SPARK made the decision to expand its programming during this unprecedented time. “We have committed to making this expanded programming even more inclusive and accessible to support families in need and promote racial equity at this critical moment,” Guthery said.

SPARK stands for “Successful Positive Authentic Resilient Kids.” SPARK’s mission is “to build a kind, resilient and welcoming community where no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported, or unconnected.” The nonprofit hosts speakers, parenting groups, and community activities. All programs and resources are free.

“We have received feedback that our programs are needed now more than ever by parents/caregivers and community members,” Guthery said. “Studies conducted during the pandemic show that the mental health impact on parents and caregivers is significant. Parents and caregivers have increased pressure due to the pandemic as well at its impacts on work and financial health. At the same time, they have had to focus on supporting their children’s emotional health as well as their online/distance learning.”

“At the same time, community members have been looking for resources on how to promote kindness, civility, and racial justice in their homes and their community. We have received feedback that SPARK’s programs and resources during this time have been particularly helpful when people are experiencing increased stress and are also concerned about their finances. This [accessibility to programs and resources] is important to SPARK as one of our core values is inclusion; we want to eliminate all barriers to people accessing our support.”

Upcoming Programs

Two programs are planned for February. Anyone interested in attending the virtual programs should register online, www.sparkkindness.org/programs.

Building Resilience in Middle School Students, Feb. 3, 7 pm (via Zoom Webinar). A free online program for all middle school parents/caregivers of middle schoolers. Parenting a middle schooler can be a time of stress and isolation for parents and caregivers. In this talk, psychologist Dr. Kristen Aberle will share tools and strategies to make the best of the middle school years and strengthen your child’s mental health and resilience.

Strengthening Your Student’s Executive Function Skills and Independence with Sara Ward, Feb. 25, 7 pm (via Zoom Webinar). A free online program for all community members. Hybrid? All remote? In the classroom? Regardless of the environment the demand on children’s executive function skills is greater than ever. More and more independence is required of students to navigate school schedules, assignments and due dates as well as manage the workload. Expert Sarah Ward will share many practical executive function based interventions families could implement to improve organization, task and time management. Note: there will be simultaneous translation of this program into Portuguese.

The Significance of a Spark

“SPARK has over 7,000 members, and we are growing rapidly, as many people are looking for ways to build connection and promote kindness during these challenging times,” Guthery said. “All SPARK programs and resources are free, thanks to dedicated volunteers, donors, business and philanthropic sponsors, and friends. Membership is free; you just need to subscribe to our newsletter. You can go to SPARKKindness.org to sign up or find us on Facebook and Twitter.”

“As the founder of SPARK, I would like people to know that I have had the honor of meeting so many ‘sparks’ in this community over the past 10 years. There are countless people bringing kindness to the world every day, and they are our neighbors and they are also strangers that we pass by and never meet.”

“I would also like people to remember the significance of a spark. First, it represents light and how we can all bring light to the darkness. Second, it is energy—it is a force. Kindness often needs to be more forceful in order to be effective. After all, there is no kindness without justice or without setting appropriate boundaries for behavior. And finally, a spark is a catalyst—it spreads. By standing for kindness and justice we can all be catalysts for good, for change, and for the best in all of us.”