Stay Connected During Coronavirus

Right now, more than 300 million Americans — 95% of the US population — are under shelter in place or stay at home orders due to Coronavirus. Schools, workplaces, community centers, and churches have closed. Public gatherings have been banned. We’ve been asked to stay at home as much as possible, limiting our time in the community to vital needs — groceries, medicine, essential work.

Most of us didn’t see any of this coming. Most of us have never experienced anything like this before. And most of us are dealing with some degree of anxiety — for our loved ones, the country, the planet, ourselves.

As we stay at home, it’s easy to feel alone. The people, places, and institutions that give us a sense of togetherness are — temporarily — out of reach.

But the truth is, we aren’t alone. We may be apart, but we are not alone, and there are many ways to stay connected during Coronavirus

In our efforts to stay at home and flatten the curve, we are more united than ever. We’re working together, giving up some of our immediate comforts and conveniences to protect our vulnerable neighbors. That is love in action.

If you’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues…  if you’ve felt isolated or lonely… if you’ve struggled to find your place in the world… you may feel overwhelmed right now.

We want you to know your Free2Luv family is here for you — and wants to stay connected.

There are a number of ways for you to get involved and support the cause, right from your own home. We are together in spirit, and love conquers fear — always.

Get Involved

1.    Join our Free2BeMe Virtual Art Party.

Art heals. Having a creative outlet helps us express our feelings and release our anxieties. And we can make art any time, anywhere, with any supplies we have on hand. It’s the perfect stay at home activity!

It’s easy to join our virtual art party. All you have to do is print out one of our heart templates, or draw your own. Then use it to express yourself — your hopes, dreams, strengths, fears, and feelings. There are no rules. Your heart is your own!

Share your art on social with the hashtags #SpreadTheLuv and #QuarantineArtChallenge. Tag your friends to get them involved. Tag us, and we’ll share your creation. As a bonus for participating, we’re randomly giving out free merchandise and gift cards!

Join us, and let’s support healing, mental health, and self care through the arts. For more information and to print out a heart template, click here.

2.    Share your story.

You are strong. You have faced adversity before. Tell us about it, and inspire strength in others.

If you haven’t already, check out our I Define Me stories. They’re real stories from real people who rose to meet life’s challenges — and came out stronger as a result. Watch them to be encouraged. Then share yours to encourage others.

Storytelling is powerful. When we share our stories, we’re united in our suffering and our triumphs. We have created a safe and judgment-free space where individuality and love are celebrated. We invite you to join us!

3.    Connect with us on social media.

As we stay at home, we’re practicing good social distancing. But there’s no need to be distant on social media!

We are apart, but never alone. Now more than ever, we want you to stay connected. Your Free2Luv family is here to support you, no matter how you’re feeling and coping right now. Share, comment, tag us, and reach out on Instagram, Twitter,  Facebook, or Twitch. We can’t wait to hear from you!

4.    Join our Advocacy Program.

Times are challenging for everyone, especially if you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Social isolation and changes to routines can have a negative impact on our mental health. It’s important to protect our physical health, but at the same time, we need to find ways to support our mental and emotional wellbeing. Why not spread some love and support right from your own home?

Consider becoming a Youth Advocate. Join the Free2Luv family and support our mission on social media. Use your voice to inspire bravery, strengthen mental health, and invite others to unite in LUV. Show the world that together, we are stronger!

5.    Join our weekly mental health conversation on Twitch.

Free2Luv music ambassador Kayla Lynn and musical guests livestream and chat about mental health and perform acoustic sets while Team Free2Luv is available by chat.

It’s the perfect way to stay social and connected during this period of physical distancing. We’re having important discussions and healing through amazing music. Stay at home and join the conversation!

Join our Twitch channel to be notified every time Free2Luv goes live. We hope to see you there!

Support The Movement

We know that these are uncertain times for everyone. Our youth are struggling with increased fear, anxiety, and isolation. Now more than ever, Free2Luv needs your support. Together, we can continue to engage and empower youth, even as schools remain closed and activities are cancelled during Coronavirus. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to support the movement at little or no cost to you!

1.    Sign up for 1Q Surveys.

Did you know that you can earn money for sharing your opinions online? 1Q is a marketing website that allows companies and brands to connect with their consumers through their mobile phones. They send questions, surveys, and promotions directly to customers via text message. The customers respond — and get paid.

You can choose to pay it forward by donating your answer payments to Free2Luv. Free2Luv is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 100% of these proceeds go toward our initiatives to support mental health, celebrate individuality, and stand up against hate.

1Q makes it quick and easy to give back. Learn more and sign up on their website.

2.    Support Free2Luv on AmazonSmile.

Stay at home, shop for essentials — and Amazon will donate a portion of your payment to Free2Luv.

Here’s how to support us on AmazonSmile:

• Visit amazon.com.
• Select Free2Luv as your charitable organization before you start shopping. (You can also select us through the “Change Your Charity” link under “Your Account.”)
• Each time you visit amazon.com and purchase an item marked as “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation,” Amazon will donate a percentage of your payment to us.
• Remember you need to go directly to smile.amazon.com every time you shop!

  Or better yet, sign up by installing CouponFollow’s free Smilematic Chrome extension and then if you shop via amazon.com or smile.amazon.com, Free2Luv will still receive a percentage of your purchase.

  It’s that easy. And it’s 100% free to you!

  Millions of products are eligible for AmazonSmile donations, and every little bit adds up. Thanks for “Smiling” for us!

3.    Create an online fundraiser.

Now more than ever, our youth need support.

We know that the arts have the power to heal and transform. We know that we can engage, uplift, and empower youth through art, music, creative self-expression, and community.

We know that youth are struggling with depression, anxiety, and isolation — and that in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, under stay at home and shelter in place orders, they face new challenges and uncertainties. This is unlike anything they’ve dealt with before, and they need to know they’re not alone.

We are committed to reaching our youth where they are at — but we need your help.

Our strong online community, art and music initiatives, and advocacy programs exist thanks to your ongoing generous support. We understand that not everyone can afford to donate right now. But there is strength in numbers.

Consider setting up an online fundraiser through GoFundMe Charity or Facebook Fundraisers or via Instagram stories. Simply create an Instagram Story, add a Free2Luv donation sticker and share with your friends. 100% of the funds you raise go directly to our programs and initiatives. You’ll have a direct impact on youth in need of our love, guidance, and support.

Whatever you give, your donation makes a difference. Help us inspire bravery and tenacity in these uncertain times.

Your Free2Luv Family is here for you.

However you engage with us — by getting involved, raising awareness, or supporting the cause — you’re part of the family. It isn’t easy to stay at home. We miss seeing each other’s faces, connecting in person, sharing energy in the spaces we create. But we can still stand together, even though we are physically apart.

Our efforts to turn the tide of the coronavirus epidemic will pay off in time. Until then, our virtual community is always available to you. You are not alone. We are in this together. And together, we are stronger.

If you need help coping with anxiety, uncertainty, or fear of the unknown, please check out our post 7 Tips For Managing Anxiety During Coronavirus. And, as always, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate care, reach out to a 24-hour lifeline, or call 911.

Stay well. Stay safe. Stay connected!