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  • Riley's Way Kind Leader Essay Contest

    Tell us about a kind leader in your community—or how you lead with kindness—for a chance to win $500 and be featured by Riley’s Way. Kind Leaders Are The Future 🌟
    • Submit a short written essay (250 words or less) or a 1-minute video essay answering: “Who is a kind leader in your community (it could even be you!) and how do they inspire you to lead with kindness?”
    • Follow @rileyswayfoundation on Instagram and submit your essay by World Kindness Day – November 13, 2025, at 11:59pm ET.
    • Five winners will each receive $500, and 20 runner-ups, alongside the winners, will be featured by Riley’s Way to celebrate kind leaders nationwide.
    • Anyone between the ages of 14 to 23 living in the U.S. can submit. The "Kind Leader" you write about can be any age (0 to 100+). 

    Essay Question: Who is a kind leader in your community (it could even be you!) and how do they inspire you to lead with kindness?

    Deadline: World Kindness Day – November 13, 2025, at 11:59pm ET

    Please review the Terms and Conditions before submitting.

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  • To be eligible to win, you must be following Riley's Way on Instagram unless you are unable to have an account.

  • Please review the Terms and Conditions before continuing.

  • Who is a kind leader in your community (it could even be you!) and how do they inspire you to lead with kindness?”

    Tips for a great video:

    1. Plan your story. Think about a leader who inspires you and embodies Riley’s Way’s definition of kind leadership as shared above. This can be a teacher, friend, family member, coach, community member, or even yourself.
    2. Start strong. Open with a sentence that grabs attention, why this person matters, or how they’ve shown kindness as leadership.
    3. Be authentic. Speak naturally, like you’re telling a story to a friend. You don’t need fancy editing or equipment; your phone is perfect.
    4. Show your personality. Let your enthusiasm, gratitude, and creativity shine through.
    5. Keep it clean and clear. Make sure we can see and hear you clearly. Avoid copyrighted music, logos, or images. Only use royalty-free or original music if you include sound.
    6. Review before uploading. Double-check your video is under 1 minute, appropriate, and follows Riley’s Way values (kindness, empathy, inclusion, & collaboration).
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  • Who is a kind leader in your community (it could even be you!) and how do they inspire you to lead with kindness?”

    Tips for a great essay:

    1. Tell a story. Describe how this person leads with kindness. What makes them stand out? How do they make others feel included or valued?
    2. Be specific. Use examples! How do they show empathy, respect, or compassion in action?
    3. Use your own voice. Write how you speak, it should sound like you.
    4. Reflect on impact. Explain how this person’s example has shaped your own ideas of leadership or inspired you to act.
    5. Keep it positive and clear. Proofread your work, stay within 250 words, and make sure your essay reflects Riley’s Way values (kindness, empathy, inclusion, & collaboration).
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