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“Who in your life do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth? Those who were kindness to you I bet…”
These wise words by George Saunders ring true as acts of kindness and generosity can make all the difference in someone’s life. Here are 5 apps that will make it easier to spread goodwill and take your kindness quotient to the next level – while on the go.
1. ACTS OF KINDNESS
THE MAIN IDEA: The app intends to activate your inner good doer by helping you choose a good deed to perform.
HOW: With over 300 suggestions including acts of kindness, charitable donations and more, Acts of Kindness let’s you post your good deeds to social media to inspire others.
UNIQUE FEATURE: The company behind this good doing app pledges to donate 25% of all ad revenue directly to Goodwill.
DOWNLOAD: iPhone and iPad
2. BUTTERFLY EFFECT
THE MAIN IDEA: An anonymous community of users who express gratitude, share secrets and inspire one another.
HOW: Users can communicate positive thoughts via emails and a news feed, record events and thoughts in a private calendar photo journal and receive inspirational quotes.
UNIQUE FEATURE: The name of the app is based on the scientific theory coined the Butterfly Effect; the idea behind it is that a single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe. The app is looking to flap its digital wings to create a far reaching positive ripple effect of happiness, gratitude and inspiration.
DOWNLOAD: iPhone and iPad
3. RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS [RAK]
THE MAIN IDEA: Random Act of Kindness declares itself as more than just a fun app but rather a movement that will inspire you to give to others.
HOW: A simple click on the Be Kind button or a shake of the device will give you your RAK for the day.
UNIQUE FEATURE: RAK lets you document your goodwill gestures, sharing with all your social media buddies.
DOWNLOAD: iPhone and iPad
4. BOOMBOOM!
THE MAIN IDEA: This energetic app is all about guerilla goodness and encourages people to document those incredible acts of kindness
HOW: If you witness something amazing or are on the receiving end of someone else’s kindness, take a picture and tell the story about what happened. All good doing posts appear on a newsfeed stream and will encourage others to spread the good.
UNIQUE FEATURE: The creators of Boom Boom! also have a deck of 26 physical cards with an altruistic deed that you must ‘play it forward.’ Each card has its own ID number allowing for users to pass the card on and track its good doing journey on the website’s map or app as it moves across the world.
DOWNLOAD: iPhone and iPad
5. PAY IT FORWARD
THE MAIN IDEA: The official app of the Global Pay it Forward Movement that was designed to make the world a better place to live.
HOW: Consisting of simple and small acts, the app sends you a daily suggestion and allows you to keep track of your progress.
UNIQUE FEATURE: The app houses a map of the world in which you can see where the most good deeds are taking place. Also there is a classroom section for teachers and students that are daily acts of kindness geared to minimizing bullying at school.
DOWNLOAD: iPhone, iPad and Android
