Fearlessly GiRL, Madison Keys launch first ever 'Kinder Girl World Day' on May 21

ROCK ISLAND, IL, USA – FearlesslyGiRL, an internationally recognized organization dedicated to creating a Kinder Girl World in schools and communities across North America, announced today the launch of the first ever Kinder Girl World Day on May 21 – a day that puts a stop to toxic behavior among girls online, and replaces it with kindness and confidence building.

Along with FearlesslyGiRL ambassador, American tennis player Madison Keys

View Profile , the organization is asking everyone to join the movement and help change the world one day, one post and one girl at a time. Participants are challenged to tag and recognize a fellow girl or woman on social media, and leave them a message of support and kindness, using the hashtag #KinderGirlWorldDay and tagging @fearlesslygirl. 

READ MORE: Keys to host third annual FearlesslyGIRL Pep Rally

Here is an example of how to participate with a social media post. More sample posts, along with images and other assets for participation can be found by following this link to the #KinderGirlWorldDay toolkit.

• May 21 is @fearlesslygirl #KinderGirlWorldDay, a day where we all put a stop to toxic behavior among girls online, and replace it with kindness. As such, I am sending out a message of kindness to [TAG YOUR FRIEND] today. [NAME], I admire/respect/love/appreciate you because [ADD A PERSONAL NOTE OR STORY]. What female can you recognize and lift up today with a message of kindness for the world to see? 

“I’m excited to get behind and kick off this movement on May 21 with a social media post about a female who I respect, admire, and want to recognize with a supportive message online,” said Madison Keys

View Profile . “There is so much negativity on the internet, and it can be hurtful and damaging. I want to help show the world the power of kindness, and the difference we can make when we take action.”

It has been reported that nearly half of young people have received intimidating, threatening or nasty messages online, and that girls are much more likely to be victims of cyberbullying than boys. Strong connections have been made between social media use and mental health struggles, and girls are especially at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

“We know that negative and toxic behavior is being spread among girls, and in particular online,” said FearlesslyGiRL founder Kate Whitfield. “FearlesslyGiRL supports, encourages and inspires girls to take action to help foster kindness, and through our in school programs and clubs we know the power that confidence, leadership and self-esteem building can have in young women. We’re calling on everyone to participate in Kinder Girl World Day, and help inspire girls to be kinder to themselves and supportive of each other.”

READ MORE: Keys aims to 'create a kinder world' at FearlesslyGirl summit

Madison Keys

View Profile joined FearlesslyGIRL in 2016 and since then has been hosting school summits for young women with the help of founder Kate Whitfield. In November 2018, FearlesslyGIRL held the world’s largest Pep Rally in Madison’s home state of Iowa, during which thousands of young women joined in person and online from all over the country. 

Twenty-four-year-old Madison Keys

View Profile is a Grand Slam finalist (2017 US Open), two-time Grand Slam semifinalist (2018 Roland Garros and 2015 Australian Open), and holds four WTA titles.  Her most recent win came in April in Charleston. Madison will be competing at the French Open in Paris later this month.