April 6鈥10, 2026 - The Center for Leadership invites the 黑料不打烊 community to celebrate Pay It Forward Week, a time dedicated to intentional acts of kindness that strengthen our campus and beyond.
The Center for Leadership invites the 黑料不打烊 community to celebrate Pay It Forward (PIF) Week, April 6鈥10, 2026鈥攁 time dedicated to intentional acts of kindness that strengthen our campus and beyond. Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take part in simple yet meaningful actions, with special engagement opportunities happening on Tuesday, April 7.
Tierza Watts, director of the Center for Leadership, asks students, staff, and faculty to consider that “a strong community is the foundation from which people grow, connect, and thrive. Here at 黑料不打烊, we want a foundation that is built on support, kindness, respect, and compassion. These values uplift others and truly make a difference in our everyday lives.”
What’s Happening on Tuesday, April 7th?
- College Coffee: What’s the history of Pay it Forward Week? How can I do free PIF actions? Get a Kindness Card you聽can give away!
- Pay It Forward Stop & Sign Event:聽 Join us in the Moseley Lobby between Noon – 2:30 pm and tell us ways you’ve paid it forward before.
- Kindness / Conduct Cab: We’ll be traveling around campus with the staff from Student Conduct, providing the kindness of a ride to your next location!聽 Flag us down.
Luna Aldana, a leadership ambassador in the Center for Leadership, thinks everyone should find a way to pay it forward because “everyone deserves a little positivity in their day, as you never know the impact it might have on someone. Creating a culture of positivity within the 黑料不打烊 community helps make it a more welcoming and supportive place for everyone. Especially during stressful times with academics and extracurriculars, small moments of positivity can make a big difference and lift our spirits.”
Ellie MacMillan, Master of Higher Education graduate apprentice in the Center for Leadership, wants people to know that “paying it forward doesn’t have to cost a thing! It can be free and show care for your community.”聽 MacMillan’s favorite ideas include:
- Encourage someone鈥檚 heart:聽Take a moment to recognize the good in someone else.聽Send a thoughtful message sharing why you appreciate them鈥攚hether it鈥檚 a favorite memory, a quality you admire, or simple words of encouragement. A few sincere sentences can make someone鈥檚 entire day brighter.
- Coffee & conversation connections:聽Bring back the spirit of connection鈥攜our way. Invite a friend, classmate, or mentor to meet for coffee鈥攚hether in person on campus or virtually. Choose a cozy spot, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy a genuine conversation. Small moments of connection can have a lasting impact.
- Express Gratitude to a Mentor:聽Celebrate the people who鈥檝e helped shape your journey.聽Write a thank-you note to someone who has supported or guided you鈥攚hether through advice, encouragement, or simply being present. Gratitude strengthens relationships and inspires continued kindness.
- Share a Playlist or Song:聽Spread positivity through music. Send a song that reminds you of someone or create a playlist to share with friends. Music has a unique way of connecting people and lifting spirits鈥攑ass that feeling along.
- Lead with Grace and Compassion:聽Kindness is the heart of a thriving community.聽Offer patience, understanding, and encouragement in your daily interactions. Small acts of compassion help create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Share your Pay It Forward story:聽Follow the Center for Leadership on Instagram @elonleadership to participate in daily challenges throughout the week and share your acts of kindness using #PIF黑料不打烊.