• Home
  • About
    • Riley’s Way Foundation
    • Leadership
    • Riley Hannah Sandler
    • Events
  • Programs
    • CALL FOR KINDNESS
    • Youth Leadership Retreat
    • Riley’s Way Councils
    • RILEY’S WAY CHAPTERS
    • OTHER INITIATIVES
  • Media
    • Blogs
    • Newsletters
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Press
  • Support
    • Sponsorships
    • Why We Give
    • Donate
  • Contact Us

DONATE

  • Home
  • About
    • Riley’s Way Foundation
    • Leadership
    • Riley Hannah Sandler
    • Events
  • Programs
    • CALL FOR KINDNESS
    • Youth Leadership Retreat
    • Riley’s Way Councils
    • RILEY’S WAY CHAPTERS
    • OTHER INITIATIVES
  • Media
    • Blogs
    • Newsletters
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Press
  • Support
    • Sponsorships
    • Why We Give
    • Donate
  • Contact Us

DONATE

blog

Understanding the Value of Making Change at the Whole Girl Educational Conference

Earlier this March, the Student Leadership Network hosted the Whole Girl Educational Conference at Barnard College, which connected a number of communities, leaders, and changemakers together. Riley’s Way was one of the many organizations represented and we had the opportunity to present alongside!

blog

The Browning Chapter: Kindness Through Music

Jonathan Mota is a senior at the Browning School in New York City where he helped start the Browning Riley’s Way Chapter and now holds a leadership position. Through the Browning Riley’s Way Chapter, Jonathan is working with other young changemakers on food insecurity. Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. Jonathan wants everyone to know that it’s important to recognize that their work is enjoyable and that the Browning Riley’s Way Chapter is very passionate about what they do. They are willing to do whatever it takes to make the impact that they want to see.

blog

Intersecting Kindness and Passion: Aneesha Nayak

Since she was young, Riley’s Way alum, Aneesha Nayak, knew she would pursue a career in computer science. She was always fascinated by the power of coding, its ability to continuously expand upon itself and to improve the lives of others was, after all, extremely impressive.

blog

2023 Call For Kindness Celebration

As a 2022 C4K Fellow, I can attest that Riley’s Way is truly like no other organization. Their actions are rooted deeply in the fundamental values of kindness and empathy. That, in particular, became increasingly apparent to me as I became more involved in Riley’s Way and connected more frequently with the wonderful Riley’s Way staff and its community.

blog

My First Time Attending A Conference Across The Country By Myself

About a month ago, I had the honor of attending the Riley's Way Call For Kindness Retreat. Hosted in Washington, DC, it was my first time attending a conference across the country by myself. Additionally, before attending the conference, I had been selected by the Storytelling District to be a Story Workshop speaker. I had prepared my story for the event but was certainly anxious about what it would mean to share it with an audience.

blog

Igniting Passion and Purpose — One Robot At a Time

It’s a Wednesday evening at the library in my second semester at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. At Tulane, I need to complete community service to graduate, and this Wednesday evening, I am searching the internet for somewhere to complete my service. One of my first ideas is to mentor an educational robotics team at a local school. And while that is oddly particular for most, it seems like the most logical thing for me.

blog

A Reflection on Our Time Working for a Better World — Browning’s Riley’s Way Chapter

The Browning Riley's Way Chapter brings together a group of young changemakers, creating opportunities for them to lead with empathy and kindness and to create programs that drive positive change in their communities. This youth leadership model is sustained through the recruitment, intentional mentoring, and cultivation of new members each school year to join the cause of promoting connection-building and fostering meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and community members.

blog

Brearley’s Chapter’s Trip to BronxWorks with Browning

On February 11, 2023, nine of Brearley Riley’s Way Chapter members went to BronxWorks accompanied by four members of Browning’s Chapter. BronxWorks was founded in 1972 under the name Citizens Advice Bureau to help individuals and families in their community improve their economic and social well-being. Our visits specifically center around the health and wellness program; this social justice issue is a focus of our Chapter.

blog

Welcome, 2023 C4K Fellows!

At a spectacular virtual Call For Kindness (C4K) celebration held May 6, on Riley's birthday, we announced the new cohort of forty C4K Fellows and eighteen Continuation Grant Recipients. Young changemakers talked about the positive impact the C4K has had on their lives and development as leaders.

blog

Kindness in a Prejudiced Society Can Exist: My Experience with Leading #MyStory

Written by 2022 C4K Fellow Sunya Afrasiabi (#MyStory). The discussion of inequities has, historically, been an indication of compassion for the underserved and the underrepresented. To be aware of one’s privilege is held with as great a magnitude as the acknowledgment of the suffering of others. It becomes important at one point, however, to go beyond mere talk.

blog

Confessions of an Alumni Engagement Intern

Dread. I sat staring at my computer screen realizing I had just submitted my application for the position of Alumni Engagement Intern at Riley’s Way Foundation, and that's how I felt. I was never the one to be in a leadership role. I was timid, working behind the scenes, but I wanted to start putting myself out there more and develop my communication skills.

blog

Honor That Special Someone In Your Life

Take the time to thank the special people in your life who are good friends and kind leaders by giving the gift of Riley’s Way!

blog

Getting to Know Jae, 2022 C4K Fellow (Grow Kindness)

Read Wyatt's inspiring interview with 2022 C4K Fellow Jae (Grow Kindness) and learn why this incredible non-profit was started and what the future holds for Jae and his team.

blog

Riley’s Way Networking Workshop = The Best Night EVER! (An evening of “positivity, learning, and growth”)

On March 15, Riley’s Way hosted a virtual Networking Workshop, and to say it was impactful is an UNDERSTATEMENT. The event taught attendees the importance of kindness and empathy while curating connections throughout our career journeys. It also provided all involved the platform to practice the networking skills they learned by interacting with Riley’s Way staff, students, participants, and professionals from various industries.

blog

Kindness and Power: A Compelling Presentation by Eva Maria Lewis

Powerful. Simple. Clear. Those words could be used to describe Eva Maria Lewis’s presentation on the Saturday morning of the 2023 Riley’s Way Call For Kindness (C4K) Retreat. C4K Fellows from around the country had come together in Washington, DC to listen, connect with, and learn from their peers.

blog

“It’s Time to Be Real…Really”

2022 C4K Fellow Sriya (Girls Who STEAM) won The Dr. Robert H. LeBow '58 Memorial Oratorical Competition held Friday, March 3, at The Pingry School. Her thought-provoking talk focused on how "rejection, failure, and flaws may be uncomfortable to talk about, but they're inevitable, and hiding them from others will only mean more unnecessary curating in our lives."

blog

Orlando Regional Alumni Meet-Up Recap

We were so excited about our first programming event: the inaugural Riley’s Way Regional Alumni Meet-Up in Orlando! The one-day event included a service activity and dinner where we heard about the work of two current Call For Kindness fellows, played Riley’s Way trivia, and deepened connections.

blog

“The BEST Weekend With The BEST People!”

Riley's Way's first-ever Call For Kindness Retreat was "The BEST weekend with the BEST people!" shared one attendee. The Retreat, held February 10-12 in Washington, D.C., convened the 2022 cohort of C4K Fellows and some alums for a weekend of learning, fun, and friendships — all in the spirit of growing as an effective and kind leader.

blog

Green Goddess: Kindness through an Outdoors Approach

Miarri started Green Goddess because she was always fascinated with the outdoors and grew up going to summer camps. However, she didn’t see a lot of Black and brown girls who looked like her, causing her to feel isolated. Miarri created Green Goddess as a space for girls of color to be themselves.

blog

Shaylee Cooper’s Journey: Spreading Kindness Through Riley’s Way and Nursing

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Shaylee Cooper, a member of the Riley’s Way alumni community, to discuss her experience with Riley’s Way, what she has learned, and how she has spread kindness throughout her communities.

blog

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

The fragrance of crisp, autumn leaves with a hint of fresh pine greeted me as I entered Timber Lake Camp in Shandaken, New York. There was a sense of nostalgia from thinking about the memories I made at the 2019 Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat, where I was one of about a hundred student attendees from across the country. Three years later, I recently had the opportunity to come back and serve as a Team Mentor, acting as a guiding force to the high school leaders.

blog

Our Internship at Riley’s Way

By Lexi, Vida, and Victoria, Riley's Way Interns

blog

Reflections on the Riley’s Way Retreat

Youth leadership truly matters, and witnessing the emerging connections among all of the participants from different walks of life was wholesome. These are our future leaders and influential figures for tomorrow, and they deserve to be invested in.

blog

Reflections on the first Riley’s Way Chapter

I am honored to be Co-Chair of the Brearley Chapter for the 2022 - 2023 school year; since this year will be both a legacy and a new beginning.

blog

A Weekend of Passion and Purpose!

The Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat was transformative! I felt honored to be included in that message as a workshop leader.

blog

A Reflection On My involvement In The 2022 Riley’s Way Virtual Youth Leadership Retreat

Since I was young, my parents have instilled values of frugality and readiness to be open to others. Hitching rides with strangers was standard practice. Serendipitous encounters with strangers like Tim shaped the lens through which I saw the world.

blog

Thais Salas: Finding Her Place in the World through Riley’s Way and Public Health

Through The Connector, we hope to connect Riley’s Way alumni and celebrate your inspiring work by spotlighting an alum in every edition of the newsletter. By sharing the projects you are working on, we can spread awareness and educate the rest of the alumni community about the social justice issues you care about.

blog

Mental Health & Youth Empowerment – (Be) Kind Initiative’s Mission for a More Understanding and Kind World

Read Sydney's interview by Kristie Moore, a former Call For Kindness Fellow and Current Continuation Grant Recipient.

blog

Finding the Joy in Time Management & Self-Care

Riley's Way Visionaries TK Wonder and Cipriana Quann — also known as the Quann Sisters — hosted an invigorating Call For Kindness (C4K) webinar on Thursday, September 22, on Time Management & Self-Care. With infectious energy and a warm, engaging style, the identical twin sisters, models, and creatives shared tips on balancing life's competing interests: "take a step back to chill, catch your breath, and find your peace and centered state."

blog

Reflecting on 3G | By Riley’s Way Summer Interns Victoria, Lexi, and Vida

This summer, alumni from the company that brought you Elmo partnered with our very own Riley’s Way Foundation to launch an intergenerational pilot mentoring program.  Riley’s Way’s leaders were paired with former staff of Sesame Street and a preschooler. We had the privilege of taking part in this pilot program and forming meaningful connections.

blog

Three Projects in One Year! 

This year on the Nightingale and TYWLS of East Harlem Council, we split into groups to work on three different projects. The first group, which is the one I was part of, worked with Circles of Support, which is an organization that helps formerly incarcerated individuals reenter society and “helps participants develop public speaking skills, prepares them to serve as advocates for effective, humane reentry policies and practices, and fosters civic engagement.”

blog

Soumaou’s Story: A Council Year in Review

During my second year at Riley’s Way, I once again learned my full potential on what it’s like to be a leader.

blog

Riley’s Way Attends Powerful Youth Summit hosted by 2022 C4K Partner Read Alliance

On Friday, August 12, Riley's Way 2022 Call For Kindness Partner, Read Alliance (READ), hosted its 2022 annual Youth Summit, themed “Elevating Youth Voices,” at The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice in New York City. The event convened The READ Teen Leaders from New York City and beyond for a full-day event celebrating their achievements and promoting post-secondary success through engaging workshops, panels, and networking.

blog

How to Master the Art of Networking

During an engaging and interactive virtual workshop held in late July with our 2022 Call For Kindness Fellows, Riley's Way Co-Founder Ian Sandler shared inspiring tips on networking effectively. Ian's talk was marked by laughter and learning as he opened up about his illustrious academic and professional journey.

blog

Bringing Awareness To The Digital Divide

Is technology a gift or a distraction? A privilege or a right? We as humans are constantly using technology whether it be to transport us from one place to another, communicate thousands of miles away, create medicine, or complete assignments to further our education. The average person uses their computer for about five to six hours daily. However, for students, computers/tablets/phones have become a necessity in classrooms, and for bringing these classrooms home. Commonly used applications include Google Classroom, Google Docs, search engines, Duolingo, and more. But what if you don’t have that access?

blog

A Path Forward

In honor of Father’s Day this weekend, and for anyone who has experienced loss and is looking for a path forward, please read the following moving essay by Riley’s Way's Co-Founder, Board Chair, and proud father of Riley Hannah Sandler, Ian Sandler.

blog

A Night Of Unity, Connection Making, And Kind Interaction

From big envisioning to virtual prep sessions, the first ever all-Council bonding night was held over zoom on December 15, 2021. All 3 of our Councils and Chapter were represented– shoutout to all of the members who attended!

blog

“Leaving” this Internship most definitely doesn’t mean leaving Riley’s Way!

As this semester ends, I wanted to reflect on my experience working with Riley’s Way, and long story short, I’ve changed! In the best way possible!

blog

Reflecting on my Experience Working with Riley’s Way: The Power of Kindness

When I first learned about Riley’s Way, I was immediately drawn to their values of kindness, empathy, leadership, and connection-making, and their work — especially the Council program, as I think it so vital to practice kindness and empathy in school environments to create a supportive community that can help each other navigate the stresses of high school.

blog

Mental Health & Athletics

As leaders, we love pouring kindness into people around us. It makes us happy and it positively impacts the world, but if we don’t also care for ourselves, it can get hard on our mental health. To me, Care to Connect: Build a Kinder Tomorrow is a reminder that we need to make time for ourselves and focus on our mental health by implementing self-care in order to have a significant impact on the world.

blog

Looking Beyond Graduation: Catching up with intern Tess about the emerging Council alumni network

In late July, Thea sat down with Riley’s Way intern Tess Abraham, to discuss the projects she’s taken on so far during her internship. Read more below to learn about the emerging Council alumni network and to hear Tess’s expert advice about being an intern!

blog

The Interns of Riley’s Way!

Want to know more about what an internship entails at Riley's Way, the type of work being done in one, and overall what to expect? Read this interview below from our very own interns here at Riley’s Way to give you a hidden scoop of their experience working this summer!

blog

Raising Young Voices To The Inequality of Education

Every year, Riley’s Way Foundation Councils advocate and take action for a social issue selected by the youth Council members. This year, we, the Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Astoria and Hewitt School Council, chose inequity in education, specifically in standardized testing used to determine students acceptance or success.

blog

Reflecting on our Lunch and Learn

Before joining Riley’s Way I had always been interested in educational equity and how inequality alienates minorities in schools. However, after watching “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools” by Monique W. Morris and Jacoba Atlas, with my fellow Council members I learned so much more about flaws in the education system and how Black girls are criminalized in schools.

blog

Riley’s Way During a Pandemic?

From the TYWLS of East Harlem and Nightingale Bamford school, spreading kindness and maintaining Riley Sandler's hopes in our neighborhood.

blog

Because Leaders Can’t Run on Empty: Riley’s Way’s All-Council Check-Ins center the importance of daily self-care habits

To document my favorite time spent as an intern here at Riley’s Way, I've created a visual collection, very vision-board inspired, of my favorite all council check-in themes.

blog

The Buddy Reading Experience with Shamima R.

An interview with Thea and Shamima, participants in the Buddy Reading Program

blog

What Do The Council Check-Ins Mean To Us?

The name says it all. An all-Council check-in is a space where members from the three Council cohorts of Riley's Way engage for thirty minutes. Now this space is unique because it is one where every Council member can gather with other young leaders like themselves.

blog

Meet Gia! An interview with Charley

Charley, a Riley's Way Ambassador, sits down with Gia Gambino, 2020 Call for Kindness Fellow and Council member, to learn about her work and involvement with Riley's Way.

blog

Questions & some answers, with Matthew Tengtrakrool

Hey There! I'm Brody Sandler, and this past year I had a chance to exchange some questions with one of our Call For Kindness winners, Matthew Tengtrakool.

blog

Kind Leader Spotlight Series

Introducing our Kind Leader Spotlight Series! Every Friday we will be showcasing leaders who demonstrate the positive change we hope to create in the world.

blog

The Significance of Participation

I realized that you do not have to be in-person to make connections, have conversations, or just be there for someone. You just need to be present, engaged, and kind to all. This was the concept that the Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat significantly exposed and displayed among all.

blog

The Beginning of a Friendship at Riley’s Way

Because of Riley’s Way, we have both gained a friend for life. Riley’s Way has expanded our networks and gave us an opportunity to make connections we never thought we could.

blog

The Importance of Utilizing Your Entrepreneurial Mindset for Positive Change

While enduring a pandemic and our generation’s civil rights movement, I, along with many other young women, have a countless number of ideas to aid in the fight for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for all. At times, we creative leaders may doubt ourselves and our capabilities. To combat this self-conscious feeling, Ms. Grasso reminded us of the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset.

blog

Reflections on the 13th Film

"...I come out of watching “13th” feeling hopeful, not hopeless. This discussion is happening at my dinner table with my teenage kids on a regular basis. It is happening across the country, and not just on college campuses. It is happening at Riley’s Way because the teens we work with said it is an absolute necessity."

blog

The Beginnings of the Riley’s Way Alumnae Network

Riley’s Way has always been an active part of my own community, centering the voices of young leaders like myself to enact change, and so heading off to college without Riley’s Way was impossible to imagine. I hope to continue the lasting connections and projects I’ve been able to form because of my experiences with Riley’s Way.

blog

#BeKind21 – Riley’s Way Kindness Calendar

Riley's Way is excited to be joining Born This Way Foundation and over 150 other organizations in committing to kindness as a verb. Because leading today for a kinder tomorrow means making it an intentional act. Stay tuned, our full kindness calendar will be released on Sept 1st!

blog

Interning at Riley’s Way

As I have grown into the person I am today, I have taken on new leadership roles at Riley’s Way, shaping the programs I was a part of. I have cultivated my own definition of kindness. I believe kindness is radical.

blog

The intersection between self care and my GirlUp Leadership Summit experience

The GirlUp experience reminded me that so many beautiful and intelligent girls from all over the world have the same dreams and passions as I do! We may not have all been able to physically see each other in person, but an energy of unification, empowerment, and kindness radiated through my computer screen. 

blog

My (Virtual) Buddy Reading Experience

The buddy reading program started by Riley’s Way has changed my view of self-isolation.

blog

Conversations in Solidarity

In this time, we must reckon with the realities of injustice and systemic discrimination against black people in this country. We must face these realities and dedicate ourselves to antiracism and solidarity.

blog

Reese Potash interviewing Sonika, founder of the Birthday Giving Program

My name is Reese Potash, I’m from New York, and I’m 12 years old. I grew up in an empathic family, who loves helping others, and I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing foundation this year, and in the years to come.

blog

An Interactive Self-Care Workshop to do in your Community

Self-care: What is it and why is it so important, especially amidst such a hectic time?

blog

Kind Leadership Series | Earth Force

During the call, I was captivated by Grace’s many examples of passionate students able to enact meaningful change in their communities, both big and small, through the Community Action and Problem Solving Process. 

blog

The Significance of Empathy and Kindness Today

As the meeting progressed, it became clearer to me that everyone in the room believed empathy and kindness are two values that we hold near and dear to ourselves. By focusing on the issue of mass incarceration, we are deriving change by using some of our most cherished values.

blog

Creating An Organization From the Ground Up: Confident, Healthy Women

However, we were grateful for the experience from participating in the Call For Kindness contest because it prepared us in terms of finding partner organizations and laying out deadlines before starting. With support from our school, The Hewitt School, we began by initiating a drive.

blog

What a Day in an Immigration Courtroom Taught Me

Witnessing these hearings inspired me to work with the Riley’s Way Council to help immigrants in any way we can.

blog

We Give Thanks

The kids at the Sisulu-Walker Charter School reminded me of what Thanksgiving truly is about...they taught me that in our fast-paced world, it’s important we don’t forget the power of kindness.

blog

Partnership in the Making

This was a unique and exciting evening. At a topical level, it highlighted the need for more conversation between different groups working for the overall good, and it pinpointed issues around technology that might not have otherwise been raised.

blog

A Change-Making Weekend

To most, kindness is a virtue or trait but, because of Riley's Way, more people are understanding that it’s about shining through difficulties and to “always have a smile on your face” as Riley said.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay updated on our latest updates, events, programs and more!

RILEY’S WAY FOUNDATION


About

Impact Reports

Programs

Financials

Events

Job Postings

SUPPORT


FAQ

Terms of Use

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

RILEY'S WAY FOUNDATION

30 Third Avenue, Room 203
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 47-1618480

DONATE

Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: UnderStrap Child by understrap.com.(Version: 1.1.1)