When were you last moved by a stranger’s kindness? Maybe it was something small, like someone letting you merge onto the freeway. But you still took note and thought, “Wow, that was really kind.”

In my case, I had to think back quite a ways.

So imagine my delight when I read today about an unusual campaign in Elk River, Minnesota: Before the end of the month, the small city’s residents have pledged to commit 1,000 Acts of Random Kindness.

Elk River mayor Stephanie Klinzing started the campaign. Inspired by her constituents’ actions after a devastating fire, she decided to officially honor kindness in her community.

I wish there were a way to quantify the effect that this little experiment will likely have on the population at large.

After all, kindness is transformative. It fundamentally changes us—and it changes those around us, too. And it takes so very little effort to be kind.

Inspired by the folks in Elk River, I’ve decided to try an experiment of my own. For the next week, I’ll do at least one kind thing for a stranger every day.

Check back for the results!

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
— Winston Churchill