Press Release

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

Foran is the founder of Inclusion and Diversity through Education and Awareness (IDEA), an organization whose goal is to spread awareness surrounding empathy, respect, and inclusion through early education. By leading various lessons at local libraries and preschools, IDEA teaches children to appreciate the differences across their peers and communities through activities such as read-alouds and hands-on arts and crafts sessions. 

The national Call For Kindness Competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to invest in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. 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, Foran will join the Riley’s Way Fellowship, consisting of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning. 

“The 2023 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today,” shared Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way. “They have answered the call to make a difference in their communities, adding to a national movement for kindness.” 

“Being part of the Call For Kindness makes me feel empowered to make a difference in my community,” said Foran, one of forty nationally-recognized 2023 Call For Kindness Winners. “I am so thankful for the support from the Foundation, which will continue to guide me in achieving my goal of creating a more inclusive world.” 

"The Call For Kindness inspires and draws in exceptionally gifted young leaders who are driven by a deep passion to make the world a better place," expressed Ian Sandler, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Riley's Way. "These remarkable young leaders hold the key to tackling the world's most pressing issues, and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality. Whether they are just beginning to explore their ideas or have advanced plans, we strive to support and encourage them to imagine a better future and work tirelessly toward it." 

About IDEA 

IDEA creates unique lesson plans that each take a multi-step approach to thoroughly explain important topics regarding belonging and kindness with students, such as respect, empathy, and inclusion at various CT preschools and libraries. By having a multi-step, engaging teaching strategy guided by the help of professional educators, IDEA hopes to effectively and appropriately reinforce these inclusive ideas with the children they work with. After receiving encouraging feedback from parents, teachers, and community members, IDEA is confident that they will create a deep sense of belonging and acceptance both today and far into the future. 

About Riley’s Way Foundation 

Riley’s Way is a national nonprofit that invests in and supports the next generation of kind leaders. They provide young people with the programs, support, and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers, including seed funding for social impact projects, coaching and skill-building, networking opportunities, and a peer community. Riley’s Way supports young leaders around the country to envision change and achieve it. Mackenzie and Ian Sandler established Riley's Way in 2014 in memory of their daughter Riley Hannah Sandler, whose kindness and friendship undergird its work. Three flagship programs implement the mission: The Call For Kindness, Riley’s Way Councils, and an annual Youth Leadership Retreat. Since its founding, Riley’s Way has supported more than 3,000 young leaders across the US with over $2M in grants, workshops, and programming.