YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown State University Community Engagement Symposium has launched Y and Kind, a campuswide initiative aimed at spreading compassion and connection.

Spearheaded by the YSU Community Engagement Council, the initiative aligns the university with the national United States of Kindness campaign, part of the America 250 effort to inspire acts of service and connection across the country. As part of this movement, the YSU community is working to complete 250 acts of kindness in 2026.

During the symposium, participants wrote 40 encouraging cards to students, demonstrating how small, intentional gestures can foster belonging and care within the community. The activity was in partnership with the Rich Center for Autism. It highlighted how simple, thoughtful, everyday acts can have a meaningful impact.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the time and care shown by the YSU community in creating these messages for our students,” said Mike Latessa, Rich Center executive director. “At the Rich Center for Autism, we see every day how meaningful connection supports growth and confidence.” 

He said the initiative highlights the importance of kindness and reinforces YSU’s role in building a more engaged and compassionate community. 

“These acts of kindness send a powerful message to our students – that they belong, they are valued and they are supported,” Latessa said. “We are thankful to everyone who helped make this experience so meaningful and for continuing to champion autism awareness and acceptance.”

To extend the initiative beyond the event, YSU created a digital “kindness collector” where students, faculty, staff and community members can submit and track completed acts. These shared stories will help illustrate the collective impact of kindness across campus and beyond.

“Y and Kind reflects the spirit of community engagement at YSU,” said Amy Cossentino, associate provost and dean. “It’s about fostering a culture of care and treating everyone with kindness and respect.”

Members of the campus and broader community are encouraged to support the initiative by:

  • Completing and documenting acts of kindness throughout the year.
  • Sharing efforts on social media using the hashtag #YandKind.
  • Submitting acts through the university’s online kindness collector.

To submit an act of kindness, click HERE.