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Foundation started by singer Lady Gaga challenges Las Vegas to 21 days of kindness

Posted at 11:23 PM, Aug 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-15 10:44:28-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Las Vegas Strip headliner is challenging us all to show a little more kindness. Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation is kicking off the 21 Days To Be Kind Challenge, also known as Be Kind 21, in Las Vegas.

It's all based on the idea that it takes at least 21 days form a new habit. And starting on Sept. 1, the Born This Way Foundation wants everyone to start a habit of kindness for 21 days straight.

Maya Smith is the executive director of the Born This Way Foundation.

"Be Kind 21 was founded out of the emotion of a young mom whose son was starting kindergarten,” she said. “And I was that young mom."

Smith wants to make kindness contagious in Las Vegas, but her movement first spread at her son’s school in California.

"We created a calendar for the parents, teachers and students for the first 21 days of school of kind things they could do,” Smith said. “Lady Gaga heard me talking about it when we were in a meeting and she said you're probably not the only parent who is having that conversation with their young people in your community. So, let’s do it around the world.”

The Born This Way Foundation was started by superstar singer Lady Gaga and her mother in 2011. Its mission is to support the wellness of young people and empower them to create a kinder and braver world.

It is a mission that fits perfectly with Be Kind 21. Through activities like a panel led discussion at Las Vegas City Hall Wednesday night, Las Vegas students learned what it means to commit to having a tender heart in a tough world from other young people.

People like Kyler Nipper.

"There needs to be change and there needs to be a lot of kindness spread around more,” said Nipper.

Nipper knows firsthand about responding to cruelty with generosity.

"I was stabbed in my chest at my school over my shoes,” Nipper explained. “And after that I was bullied and I decided to start an organization called Kyler's Kicks where we collect, clean and donate shoes for kids in need."

Student Kory Hall was inspired.

" It was very fun to meet with other people and talk about how to be kind in different and more ways.” Hall said.

While the challenge lasts only 21 days lets hope that kindness proves to be a hard habit to break.