Local Teen Wins National Call For Kindness Competition

The Fourth Annual Riley’s Way Call For Kindness Provides Youth Leaders with Funds to Launch Initiatives that Make a Difference in their Communities

Local young leader, Manavi Bajpai, age 16, wins national Call For Kindness competition sponsored by Riley’s Way Foundation that challenges young leaders to apply for grants that fund initiatives that strengthen their communities and inspire kindness.

Manavi Bajpai is the founder of Tunes for Kidz, a fiscally sponsored project of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, which provides children from every background with musical instruments by taking donated instruments not in use anymore and matching them to kids in need.

The national Call For Kindness Competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to empower young leaders to use kindness and empathy to create meaningful connections and drive positive change in the world. To date, Riley’s Way has awarded hundreds of inspiring young leaders across the country with up to $3,000 each to fund their projects. In addition to funding, Manavi will join the Riley’s Way Kind Leadership Series, consisting of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning.

“Young leaders across the country are leading the charge to make the world a better place right now,” said Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way. “With all of the uncertainty in the world today, intentional kindness and empathy matter more than ever. The Call For Kindness Fellows are shining examples of kind leadership, and their stories inspire all of us to be better to each other. ”

“Whether you’re young or older, we are all craving a sense of purpose in our lives,” said Ian Sandler, co-founder of Riley’s Way. “At Riley’s Way, we find meaning in supporting the next generation of kind leaders by providing them with the infrastructure and support necessary to bring lasting change to their communities. The cadre of applications for the 2022 Call for Kindness winners was incredibly impressive.”

About Tunes for Kidz
The goal of Tunes For Kidz is to provide children from every background with musical instruments. The initiative is to take instruments not in use anymore and provide them to young children. If you have an instrument lying around that isn’t being used please consider donating it to a child in need of an instrument. Learn more at tunesforkidz.org.

About the Arts & Business Council
The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville leverages and unites the unique resources of the arts and business communities to create a thriving, sustainable creative culture in Nashville. We accomplish this through six main programs: Education for the Creative Community, Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts, Periscope: Artist Entrepreneur Training, Arts Board Matching, Fiscal Sponsorship, and Creative Advantage, among many other resources and opportunities.

About Riley’s Way Foundation
Riley’s Way Foundation sees a future where kind leaders build a better world. We empower young people to use kindness, empathy, and meaningful connections to drive that change. A national nonprofit, Riley’s Way supports and connects young leaders around the country to become powerful voices and kind leaders in their communities. Our three flagship programs provide young leaders the tools and resources to envision change and achieve it: The Call for Kindness, Riley’s Way Councils, and the Youth Leadership Retreat.