Free Hugs!

Hug enthusiasts, I need your arms! On Saturday, July 16th from 2-4 PM at Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, Iowa, join me in offering FREE HUGS! Our world has experienced so much sadness, fear, and division lately. We're all shouting for solutions and fixes, and in the midst of all the shouting, more and more tragedies keep happening. I don't know the answers or the fixes. What I do know, is our world, our people, need more love, peace, compassion, and connection. I also know that we can't just *say* we need that. We need to start ACTING. Right now, this is one small way, one small action that I can offer. Join me in an afternoon of connection, smiles, and kindness by sharing FREE HUGS with people in our community. Want more info on "Free Hugs"? Check out this website: http://www.freehugscampaign.org/ or get inspired with this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4 PLEASE BRING: ☮ A posterboard sign that clearly says "FREE HUGS" for you to hold ☮ Sunscreen, bug spray, and other weather-appropriate attire for yourself ☮ Water to keep yourself hydrated ☮ Your hug-loving friends and family! I'd love to grow this into a HUG MOB! THINGS TO KNOW: ☮ We'll gather on the west side of the park (Fleur Drive side of the park) along the path between the northwest parking lot and southwest parking lot. Park in either of those lots. ☮ We can not block any paths, so we will need to stay in the grass next to the path. ☮ All touch must be consensual, with each other and the public. Allow people to approach YOU for a hug, rather than you approaching them. You can verbally invite them over for a hug. ☮ If hugging others makes you uncomfortable, I totally respect and honor that! And lovingly excuse you from this event. Every time we give someone a hug, it will be our top priority to make that person feel genuinely accepted and cared for. We need to keep that in mind throughout the entire event. JOIN ME! Let's spread connection, peace, and unity in our community through FREE HUGS!