From the idea of one woman, Joyce Deliyiannis of Burlington, Massachusetts, to the Governor's office, with lots of help along the way from an enthusiastic group of children, committed state legislators, including Representative Kenneth Gordon and the late Senator Kenneth Donnelley, and amazing volunteers, learn how the Month of May Became the Month of Kindness in Massachusetts.
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2747 By Mr. Gordon of Bedford, (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2747) of Kenneth I. Gordon and others for the annual issuance of a proclamation by the Governor setting aside the month of May as the official month of kindness.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts _______________ In the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth General Court (2015-2016) _______________ An Act providing for the annual observance of the month of May as the official month of kindness.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: Section 15UUUU. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting aside the month of May as the official month of kindness, recommending its observance by the people as a period of special attention to the importance of being kind to each other with acts that will assist those in need in a way that provides a path to self-sufficiency.
About the Month of May
It started as a dream for Joyce Deliyiannis, founder of HELPIS, in 2009, and in April 2016 it became a law! May it is now officially the month of Kindness for the state of Massachusetts.
During the month of May, HELPIS is challenging people to help someone in need without asking for anything in return as a reminder that even simple acts of kindness can heal, uplift, inspire, and improve the lives of others. Kindness has the power to bring hope to those searching for it and by extension, change lives. It’s our intention to designate May as a month of celebrating the spirit of giving across the country – to salute the kind and generous acts of giving that have taken place throughout the year. Our goal is to also encourage more spontaneous acts of generosity, tolerance, and kindness during this month and throughout the year.