In the face of unimaginable loss, one woman transformed her grief into a global movement of intentional kindness. What began as a tiny act of healing in the wake of a child’s death has blossomed into a non-profit organization, Ben’s Bells, distributing handmade ceramic bells and fostering kindness education programs that have reached over 1.6 million students. The story of Jeannette Maré and Ben’s Bells is a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of even the smallest gestures of compassion.
The seeds of Ben’s Bells were sown in 2002, when Jeannette Maré experienced the devastating loss of her three-year-old son, Ben. Unable to cope with the immense pain, Maré, along with friends and family, turned to a creative outlet: crafting ceramic wind chimes. This shared activity, undertaken in her backyard studio, proved to be a therapeutic balm during a profoundly difficult time. It was through this process that Maré realized the profound difference a simple act of kindness could make, regardless of circumstance.
On the first anniversary of Ben’s death, Maré and her collaborators distributed 400 of these handmade bells randomly throughout the Tucson, Arizona community. The response was immediate and deeply moving. Those who discovered the bells began sharing their own stories of grief, healing, and hope, creating a ripple effect of connection and empathy. As Tucson.com reported, the local newspaper even featured the story on its front page, sparking widespread interest and involvement.
Today, Ben’s Bells operates as a thriving non-profit organization, sustained by thousands of volunteers and offering open workshops and educational programs in schools. The organization’s philosophy centers on the idea that kindness isn’t about grand gestures, but rather about the cumulative effect of small, everyday actions. The bells themselves have become symbols of remembrance and hope, appearing in locations touched by tragedy – from schools impacted by violence to communities recovering from natural disasters – as discreet reminders of compassion and resilience.
The Science Behind the Kindness
Jeannette Maré’s commitment to understanding and promoting kindness extends beyond the creation and distribution of the bells. In 2023, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication from the University of Arizona, and is now a research professor at the Frances McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families. Her academic function focuses on exploring how to increase kindness in interpersonal relationships, organizations, and communities. As detailed on her University of Arizona profile, Maré is the Director of the Science of Kindness Community Collective.
Maré’s research is particularly focused on equipping people with the skills to navigate difficult conversations with kindness and empathy. “In my generation, you were taught not to talk about things like race, religion, politics or grief, but if we don’t learn how to talk about these things, how can we expect to solve any of these problems?” she explained to Tucson.com. Her work seeks to understand the mindset required to engage in these challenging dialogues constructively.
A Legacy of Compassion
Ben’s Bells has grown significantly since its humble beginnings. The organization now distributes thousands of bells annually and its free kindness education programming has reached over 1.6 million students, according to Ben’s Bells’ website. The organization’s impact extends far beyond Tucson, with bells now found around the world.
Maré’s journey, from personal tragedy to academic pursuit and community leadership, exemplifies the transformative power of kindness. Her work, and the enduring legacy of Ben’s Bells, demonstrate that even in the face of profound loss, it is possible to create something beautiful and meaningful that benefits others.
Looking ahead, Ben’s Bells will continue to expand its kindness education programs and distribute bells as symbols of hope and connection. Maré’s ongoing research promises to further illuminate the science of kindness and provide practical tools for fostering more compassionate communities. The organization’s commitment to small acts, collective healing, and intentional kindness offers a powerful message in a world often marked by division and hardship.
What are your thoughts on the power of small acts of kindness? Share your experiences in the comments below, and please share this story to spread the message of compassion.
