The 1–2–3 Ripple
A global wave of kindness at noon, everywhere
When: Thursday 2 October 2025, 12:00 noon in your local timezone
Why: To show that kindness ripples further than hate, and that together we can choose connection over violence.
2nd October is the UN International Day of Non-Violence.
How to join (takes less than 10 minutes)
At noon, wherever you are:
Thank 3 people (3 minutes).
Send a short message, text, or card to three people who have helped, encouraged, or inspired you.
Listen for 2 minutes.
Reach out to someone who may feel unseen. Ask one gentle question, like “How’s your week really been?” and simply listen.
Invite 1 more person.
Say: “I’m joining the 1–2–3 Ripple at noon today. Will you thank 3, listen for 2, and invite 1?”
The Science of the Ripple
Kindness doesn’t just feel good — it’s proven to spread. Studies in psychology and neuroscience show that:
Kindness is contagious: When we see or receive kindness, we are more likely to pass it on, creating a ripple effect across communities.
Kindness boosts wellbeing: Acts of kindness release oxytocin (“the bonding hormone”) and endorphins (“the feel-good chemicals”), lowering stress and improving mood for both giver and receiver.
Kindness builds resilience. Schools and workplaces that encourage gratitude and listening report stronger relationships, better mental health, and higher levels of trust.
That’s why a simple act, like thanking 3 people, listening for 2 minutes, and inviting 1 more, has the power to grow far beyond us.
Make the ripple visible
Individuals
Display a blue circle (🔵) in your window, on your desk, or as your profile image.
Post online: “I joined the #123Ripple with #KindnessUnites in [Your City]. Small acts, big ripple.”
Organisations
Put out a Ripple Table with blank thank-you cards and a sign: “At noon, join the 1–2–3 Ripple.”
Encourage staff to send three thank-you notes or messages at noon.
Share your ripple on your intranet or social channels with #123Ripple #KindnessUnites.
Schools
Kindness Wall: A big blue circle on a wall where pupils stick Post-it thank-yous.
Ripple Cards: Each child writes a quick thank-you card at noon (or just before if you have lunch at noon) and delivers it.
Two-Minute Buddy Chat: Students pair up for two minutes of listening, then swap.
Ripple Assembly: Brief gathering where the school thanks three people as a group.
Blue Circle Display: Each class decorates a blue circle to put in windows or corridors, showing the ripple across the whole school.
Add the 1–2–3 Ripple to your calendar
Don’t miss the global wave of kindness. At noon in your local timezone on Thursday 2 October 2025, join the 1–2–3 Ripple: Thank 3 people, Listen for 2 minutes, Invite 1 more person.
Click below to add a reminder to your calendar:
Apple Calendar (iCal): Most Apple users can open the Google Calendar link above directly. You can also create a new event manually for Thu 2 Oct 2025, 12:00 noon with the title “Join the 1–2–3 Ripple – Global Wave of Kindness”.
Sign up / Pledge to join
Would you like a reminder and a small pack to help you spread the word (social tiles, a printable sign, and a quick script)?
Stay connected: follow @Kindness_Unites on Instagram for stories, inspiration, and ripple updates.