It's been a while since I've posted about the beautiful Traveling Postcards program. I joined in a postcard making workshop at the Petaluma Arts Center in 2015 with several dear friends. That afternoon is poignant in my memory, not least for its pause in our busy lives to better understand what the Women's Initiative is all about, but also because one of those dear friends is no longer with us. If you're looking for an at-home, caring & artistic way to reach out into the world and spread love, here is one great way:
"As our world struggles to adjust to our new normal, the Women's Wisdom Initiative has made some changes as well. With the news of the COVID-19 spreading throughout the globe, I am devastated to announce that we will no longer be able to travel to Greece in June to conduct Traveling Postcard workshops in the Moria refugee camp in Lesvos," says Sonoma C0unty-based Founder Caroline Lovell.
Now that most colleges have shut their doors and sent students home for the year, this important initiative is also now unable to take Traveling Postcards on its Spring college tour, where its partners with colleges across the country to provide healing arts workshop for students.
Despite these unexpected-but necessary-timeline changes, this vital work continues:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. One of the terrifying consequences of families being in quarantine is that violence against women and girls has increased exponentially over the last few months, according to the United Nations. Overwhelmed with calls related to COVID-19, the police do not have the resources to respond.
"It is more important than ever that we do what we can to serve this population," says Caroline. "We need your help. In this time of great need, we ask for the gift of your time. We would like to invite you to make your own Traveling Postcards that we can share with survivors. Detailed instructions here on how to make your own postcards. We also have gift sets of 'replica' postcards that you can send to friends at this time.
In making your own postcards you are serving those most at-risk while still sheltering in place. Making a postcard is a meaningful, heartfelt activity that allows you to reach out to women across the world without ever leaving your home. Both the act of making art and receiving the finished product are an act of healing.
Here's a copy of my postcard, which has long since been delivered inside a Women's Initiative hand block print care bag. There are many ways to donate to help this invaluable work. Click here for photo gallery.
Please do make a postcard or two of your own and mail to Women's Wisdom Initiative, 40 Fourth St #260, Petaluma, CA 94952.
Traveling Postcards at Home from Caroline Lovell on Vimeo.
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