In the first few weeks of the creation of “Be Kind to Humankind Week”, which was in August of 1988, I intended to write a letter to the President of the United States requesting that he proclaim BK2HK Week a Nationally recognized celebration. I wanted this event celebrated annually and recognized on all calendars. The President of the U.S. was Ronald Reagan at the time. It was an election year, and I sent my first letter to the White House on September 23, 1988. Unfortunately, they responded with the answer that they could not assist me with my request. Though I was disappointed I did not let their answer discourage me. I continued to write letter after letter to anybody that I thought could help me. From local congressman, to school superintendents, to famous personalities such as Oprah Winfrey. They returned letters to me acknowledging my request for help in promoting kindness, however nobody was able to help me. I ended up mailing two letters to The Oprah Winfrey Show, however they once again stated that they were unable to help me.

A few years later I saw a special on her show promoting kindness, and I thought that it was wonderful! Finally people were seeing the need to promote kindness. The show focused on The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. RAK as they are termed, sent me a nice letter soon after the show to help me promote “Be Kind to Humankind Week”. I was very grateful for their help. My renewed interest in trying to convince The White House to recognize BK2HK Week as a Presidential Proclamation came when newly elected President George Bush stated in his November 1988 inauguration speech that he wanted to see the United States of America become a “Kinder and Gentler Nation”! I thought wow, how perfect is that? I will write a letter to him about BK2HK Week and hopefully he will help me. My second letter to the White House was written and sent on October 16th, 1989. The White House wrote me back with the disappointing news that they could not help me. Still undiscouraged, I continued on with my “Campaign for Kindness”.

Finally, I became aware of a reference book titled, “Chase’s Book of Annual Events”, and after having written to them, they were more than happy to include “Be Kind to Humankind Week” in their book! Needless to say I was thrilled! Soon after it’s publication, I began to receive many letters and phone inquiries regarding the week and the rest goes on from there. I continue to promote BK2HK Week and just recently wrote to my local congressman to once again ask The White House to proclaim BK2HK a Presidential Proclamation, and once again I was turned away with the response from The White House that they do not have a “category” for such a thing. I am determined for them to create a “Category for Kindness” not only for BK2HK Week, but to include the many other people out there promoting kindness! Just type “Kindness” in on a search engine on-line and you can see how many wonderful Kindness Campaigners exist! If there is one thing this world needs is a lot more kindness!

So, if you are interested in e-mailing The White House to request them to create a “Category for Kindness” I would encourage you to do so by sending your request to the address below. Thank you!

White House Contact Information

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Phone: 202-456-1111
Email: comments@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Cheney: vice_president@whitehouse.gov

Proclamations Issued By President Bush: View Other Proclamations

Written by Lorraine Jara