#YouMatter: 60 Ways To Show Someone You Care

November 20, 2016 

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work invites you to participate in You Matter, a grassroots campaign designed to foster well-being and bring back some much-needed human connection. Use our Care Cards to tell someone why they matter to you.

The purpose of a Care Card is to serve as a random act of kindness — a message of love, friendship or appreciation. The You Matter campaign encourages human connection and is a reminder that we’re all in this life together. You never know what someone may be going through, and simply checking in can have a huge impact on that person’s well-being. Take a moment to tell someone, “You Matter,” by downloading a Care Card today!

Below are 60 ways you can use a Care Card to tell someone they matter to you.

Peer Support

  • Thank a friend for being there when times were tough. (Example: You Matter Because…you let me cry on your shoulder.)
  • Show someone you appreciate them for being a good friend.
  • Describe a time a small act made a big difference. (Example: You Matter Because… you brought me soup when I was sick.)
  • Give someone a compliment.
  • Tell someone why their talent/skills inspire you.
  • Show your best friend why they are the BEST.
  • Highlight a unique trait. (Example: You Matter Because… you rock those red curls and inspire me to do the same!) 

Family Appreciation

Send a Care Card to…

  • A sibling
  • A cousin
  • A parent
  • Aunts and uncles
  • Grandparents
  • Close family friends

Anti-Bullying

  • Tell someone who has been bullied why they matter to you. (Example: You Matter Because…you don’t let anyone change who you are, and that inspires me!)
  • Thank a friend for intervening or standing up against bullies.
  • Thank an adult, teacher or staff member for helping you with a bully.
  • Thank a friend for listening and empathizing with what happened.
  • Tell a classmate who has been bullied that you are there for them.
  • Encourage a friend who stopped bullying. (Example: You Matter Because…you are trying to be a better person.)

Mental Wellness

  • Tell someone why they make your life better.
  • Thank someone for making a difference in your life. (Example: You Matter Because…you taught me to be proud of who I am.)
  • Tell someone you love them.
  • Tell a friend how they have inspired you to be a better person. (Example: You Matter Because…you inspired me to give back to our community.)
  • Give a friend a boost when they are struggling.
  • Tell someone why they are your hero.
  • Explain why you look up to someone.
  • Describe the impact someone has on you.
  • Tell someone why you believe in them.
  • Tell someone how they rocked it.
  • Share why someone should be hopeful.
  • Tell someone why their future is bright.

Public Service Appreciation

Show our public servants why they make a difference. Send Care Cards to… 

  • Teachers
  • Police officers
  • Military service members and veterans
  • Fire fighters
  • Nurses
  • Staff at your school
  • Mentors and coaches
  • Bus drivers
  • Mail carriers

Thank You Cards 

Thank someone for… 

  • Making you feel included
  • Encouraging you to follow your dreams
  • Teaching you a new skill
  • Standing up for you
  • Leading a cause close to your heart
  • Going above and beyond to help you out

Random Acts of Kindness

  • Do something nice for someone and add a nice message
  • Leave an extra big tip for the food server and tell them why their service is outstanding.
  • Visit a senior center and ask to hear an elderly person’s life story. Leave a message about why their life made a difference.
  • Mow a neighbor’s lawn, rake their leaves, shovel a sidewalk and leave an anonymous Care Card.
  • Send a Care Card to an elderly person who has been an influence in your life.
  • Write a letter to a teacher who influenced your life.
  • Reach out to someone who has dedicated their life to your favorite cause. Tell them why it matters. (Example: You Matter Because…the work you do ensures a healthy future for our planet earth.)
  • When buying coffee, pay for the person behind you. Hand them a Care Card and remind them why they matter.
  • Leave Care Cards at a blood donation center.
  • Tell someone what you notice about them. (Example: You Matter Because…your confidence is dazzling!)
  • Reach out to a homeless person.
  • Give a compliment to a stranger.
  • Tell someone that you admire them.

Help us spread the joy:

Share the You Matter campaign on your blog, Tumblr, or on your favorite social media platforms!

Become a You Matter Ambassador. Copy the below text into your blog post or embed our badge!:

I’m joining the #YouMatter, movement! I pledge to use Care Cards to tell three people why they matter to me. Join the USC’s masters of social work program for a grassroots campaign that inspires human connection. Positive Mental Health, Pass it on!