Irvine Launches the Kindness Network

by ICNV Staff

During his first State of the City address after being elected Mayor in 2024, Larry Agran shared a bold vision for Irvine to become the Safest, Smartest, Greenest, Healthiest, and Kindest City in America.

Speaking about his aspiration for Irvine to become “America’s Kindest City,” Mayor Agran called on the entire community to lead with compassion and respect:

“I’m taking this opportunity to call upon all of us — as Irvine civic leaders, participants in government, and citizens everywhere — to model kindness, to apply the lessons and values we were taught by our parents and teachers, to talk respectfully to one another, even when we disagree — maybe especially when we disagree — and to be especially kind, helpful, and generous toward others who are struggling or in need.”

That vision is now taking shape through the launch of the Kindness Network — a community initiative that brings together organizations, leaders, and residents around a shared commitment to mental wellness. By fostering collaboration and strengthening connections across Irvine, the Kindness Network is building a community where everyone has greater access to the support they need to succeed.

The Kindness Network supports a variety of programs that help people feel connected and cared for — including free monthly food boxes for low-income households, social gatherings for seniors, music and dance classes for people of all ages and abilities, a peer support circle for cancer patients and their families, and a kids’ Kindness Clubhouse that helps young people build compassion and community.

The Kindness Network offers the opportunity to create a community where kindness is more than a value — it is a way of life. Through partnership, compassion, and collective action, the goal is to make Irvine a place where residents feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

Click here to learn more about the Kindness Network.