This Lecture of Opportunity took place on November 17, 2023.

The views presented by the faculty or other guest speakers do not reflect official positions of the Naval War College, DON or DOD.

Synopsis:
Research has determined that qualities including kindness, empathy, compassion and gratitude are the weapons most needed to combat daily stressors and build resilient teams. In fact, practicing acts of kindness can do even more – it has been proven to improve selfesteem, decrease blood pressure, overcome loneliness and isolation, boost happiness and physical and mental wellbeing. It helps teams work more effectively and creates a stronger community.

Kindness the instinct to care about and help each other is among humanity’s most powerful natural resources. In this presentation, we will explore the nature of kindness, as well as empathy, compassion and gratitude. We will also review scientifically inspired efforts to bolster kindness amidst difficult circumstances. And through reflections and exercises, we will explore kindness as a challenge and opportunity in our own lives.

The war for kindness is a fight against other forces that are pushing us in the other direction. Learn how to fight against divisiveness with a proven practice of kindness that can change your life and strengthen your community.

About the Speaker:
Francesca Donlan has spent the bulk of her career as an awardwinning journalist, and a communications director for tourism bureaus in Fort Myers, Fla. and Newport, RI. She has also worked as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University teaching a class called "The Kindness Effect." She serves is on the advisory board for the Roots of Compassion & Kindness Center at Florida Gulf Coast University and is enrolled in Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education program. She resides in Newport.