For a few months, I have been working to put together a project I'm calling Stamp Out Hate. (You may remember my print up over at Here With You.)The idea is simple. We band together to send messages of hope and support to groups who need it. In specific, I'm trying to focus on groups who have been receiving hate mail. It really rubs me the wrong way to see the power of mail used to make someone sad or scared.
Stamp Out Hate was born from a letter. My friend Milly wrote to me that she had seen a report of hate mail being sent to mosques and Islamic centers around the country. She wondered if there was a way to help. Well, I think sending letters of hope and support is the best counter to that. I suppose it’s like fighting fire with fire, but our fire is the good kind of fire. Mail shouldn’t be used for hate.
Every month, Stamp Out Hate will feature a new call to action encouraging you to send positive letters out into the world. Suggestions for new actions are always welcome. The project features free downloads of Stamp Out Hate materials and will eventually have other goodies available as well.
These small acts of kindness are truly important. Together, we will make a difference. Together, we can make things better. Thank you for joining us.
Be kind. Try hard. Send hope.
-Donovan
"I suppose it’s like fighting fire with fire" -- Quite different, actually. Two people push an old lady: the first onto the train tracks; the second to get her out the way of the oncoming train. One is a push of hate, the other a push of love. May God startle you with joy!
Posted by: Deacon Patrick | March 01, 2017 at 09:18 AM
This is wonderful. xx
Posted by: Terri Beth | March 01, 2017 at 10:05 AM
This is a great, great thing to do. Being *angry* so much of the time is making me unbearably weary; I'd really much rather spend my time sending words of support and solidarity to people who might be feeling alone and afraid.
Posted by: Joe F. | March 01, 2017 at 10:15 AM
Related: is there any possibility that you could make the "stamp out hate" design into a rubber stamp that could be sold through the LWA shop? (Shorter term, I'm likely to print up a bunch on sticker paper, that I might affix them to mail I sent for this project.)
Posted by: Joe F. | March 01, 2017 at 10:40 AM
Is there any chance you could also do a stamp that says: BE KIND. TRY HARD. SEND HOPE. I would totally use that to write uplifting, encouraging, positive letters to organizations and causes that need a lift up. Thanks for considering it!
Posted by: Jane B. | March 01, 2017 at 11:06 AM
My feelings exactly, Joe. Thank you.
Posted by: Donovan Beeson | March 01, 2017 at 11:45 AM
Good idea Jane! I will!
Posted by: Donovan Beeson | March 01, 2017 at 11:47 AM
A rubber stamp and other things are coming soon! Within the next few weeks.
Posted by: Donovan Beeson | March 01, 2017 at 11:47 AM
This is a wonderful idea, and so needed. I'm ready to send some positivity out into this world, thanks for setting up this project!
Posted by: Kim Gomez | March 02, 2017 at 09:32 PM