Post it Forward is Tumblr’s campaign to counter the stigmas around mental and emotional health through community-building and conversation. Our wish is to reinforce something Tumblr users had been doing on their own for years: strengthen the community’s openness, kindness and support regarding issues that so many people, particularly young people, are facing today.
For a lot of people, social media platforms like Tumblr have been a safe haven for openly discussing bullying, self-harm, depression, and other issues that they struggle with in their lives. But too many people still suffer alone, unaware of the caring communities right on the other side of their screen. By creating a channel for people to share their personal stories and positive messages, we hope to turn the community into a support tool for those that may not have one in their daily lives.
Anyone! Anyone who wants to reach out and let people know that they don’t have to struggle alone. If you have a positive message that helped you through a tough time, you should share that message. Someone out there needs to hear your story.
Okay, but you forgot to tell me how.
It’s easy, and there are so many ways to do it:
Make a video. Vice President Joe Biden did, as well as Jordin Sparks, Brittany Snow, and so many others.
Take a GIF selfie with our custom Post It Forward GIF maker.
Tap into your talents and create art.
Write your big, loving heart out.
Make a sign. You can draw it yourself, or print out our template:
Make it personal, or don’t. It’s up to you. Dedicate it to yourself, your mom, your childhood best friend, or a good dog you once saw. Or don’t dedicate it at all. This is about you and your story. Only you can decide how it should be told.
Don’t forget to tag it with #postitforward so it can be easily found and shared among this wonderful community.
How can I support Post it Forward?
The main thing you can do is join the conversation. There’s no better way to fight a stigma than to talk openly and supportively about the thing being stigmatized.
But even if you’re not ready to share your story, you can do plenty to help out. Reblog other people’s stories, for example. Spread the word.
We’ve teamed up with some of our top Creatrs — Laurene Boglio (@boglio), Brian Butler (@showdrawn), Thoka Maer (@showeringsquid), Jonathan Reyes (@jlrreyes), and Mr. Phil (@misterphildraws) — to create some beautiful original work to reblog or just admire. You can even spread the word by wearing the word: limited edition merchandise was made by @boglio and @showdrawn. We’re happy to say that all proceeds of these items are going to organizations such as Love is Louder (@loveislouderofficial) and The M.A.D. Girls (@themadgirlsinc), groups whose mission it is to tackle issues like self-harm and promote youth empowerment. Every time you wear your new shirt you can think of how supportive and charitable you are. Your heart will feel as cozy as your upper body.
Nah. We’ve been talking too long already.
Just remember, no matter what your situation, you can help. Be vocal. Share your story. Post it forward.
