Nonprofit pushes kindness-based HEART programs to curb loneliness and violence

One Planet - One People is urging schools, companies and governments to adopt its HEART programs as youth and adult mental health, bullying and substance-use problems rise. The nonprofit says early relationship-building, kindness and community support can help prevent isolation and other harms before they escalate.

Why it matters: - Loneliness, bullying, substance use and violence are affecting students and workers at scale. - One Planet - One People argues prevention should start earlier, with relationship-building and kindness-based programs. - The nonprofit says schools, workplaces and public agencies can use these programs to reduce isolation and support better mental health.

What happened: - One Planet - One People is calling on individuals, parents, teachers, employees, influencers and public officials to bring HEART programs to schools, companies, organizations and government. - The nonprofit says the programs are designed to provide socialization and support early in life. - The goal is to help prevent substance abuse, violence and isolation before they emerge later in adulthood.

The details: - The CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 39.7% of U.S. high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness. - The same survey found 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide and 9.5% attempted suicide. - The survey found 22% drank alcohol and 17% used marijuana during the past 30 days. - Nineteen percent were in a physical fight during the past year, and 9% were threatened or injured with a weapon at school. - The share bullied at school rose from 15% in 2021 to 19% in 2023. - The share missing school because of safety concerns rose from 9% to 13% over the same period. - UNESCO research found almost one in three students worldwide is bullied in a given month. - UNESCO also found frequently bullied students are twice as likely to feel lonely, be unable to sleep at night and contemplate suicide. - The 2023 U.S. Surgeon General advisory on loneliness found about half of American adults experience loneliness. - The advisory estimated stress-related absenteeism tied to loneliness costs employers $154 billion a year. - The CDC says young people who feel connected at school are less likely to experience poor mental health, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, substance use and violence. - The CDC also says schools can build connection through relationship-building programs. - HEART stands for Humanity, Equality, Action, Respect and Teamwork. - Humanity teaches civility and kindness through Planned Acts. - Equality teaches social justice and gender and racial tolerance. - Action teaches collaborative skills and equality of life for all. - Respect teaches social justice and collaborative skills. - Teamwork teaches global issues, health and well-being. - Students age 4 and older complete daily Planned Acts of Kindness in school, with family and friends and in the community. - Students earn recognition and rewards for positive behavior. - The programs are meant to build a support network through stronger relationships and a sense of community. - The Karma Club is free to join and gamifies karma. - Karma Club members complete four monthly activities: Planned Acts of Kindness, Engagement, Volunteerism and Support. - The more a member does, the greater the rewards. - Activities can be tracked on CoolMoves.us, an interactive platform where youth and adults log daily acts of kindness and share video content. - One Planet - One People Clubs combine personal passions with project-based skill development. - Internships and Mentorships use three systems: Artificial Intelligence Management, Project Management and the Eight Foundation Skills. - Project KOPE, or Kindness Outreach People Engagement, uses a monthly assessment to track health, happiness and wellness. - Project KOPE provides detailed reports intended to show the benefits of the Karma Club. - The nonprofit says the programs can give youth and adults a continuous support system, meaningful relationships, skill development and personal growth. - The organization says communities gain programs that strengthen health and guard against anti-social behaviors. - The nonprofit says the country can move away from division and intolerance toward greater kindness and civility. - The organization says the planet can benefit from greater collaboration and push-back on climate change, pollution and conflict. - One Planet - One People says its work aligns with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. - Founder Lyle Benjamin said: "You need to make the decision to be the change you want to see in the world." - People can join the Karma Club and become an Ambassador at KarmaClub.net. - Schools, organizations and companies can use custom-branded apps for outreach, engagement, inspiration, education and action. - More information is available at OnePlanet-OnePeople.com, PlannedActs.org and CSRBenefitsHub.com.

Between the lines: - The release frames kindness as a public-health intervention, not just a values campaign. - The nonprofit is linking individual behavior changes to broader outcomes like school safety, workforce productivity and social cohesion. - The strategy relies on measurable participation, rewards and app-based engagement to keep users involved.

What’s next: - One Planet - One People wants parents, teachers, students, employees, influencers and public officials to bring the HEART programs to principals, school boards, employers and elected leaders. - The nonprofit is also inviting schools, organizations and companies to adopt custom-branded tools and community programs. - The Karma Club remains open to new members and ambassadors.

The bottom line: - One Planet - One People is betting that structured kindness, early connection and digital engagement can help blunt loneliness, violence and mental health decline before they spread.