Join us in a letter-writing campaign to encourage intergenerational conversations on systemic issues to #StampOutHate

Welcome

You might be on this page because you have found one of our free postcards and you’re wondering what to do next. In short, write about a systemic issue you are deeply passionate about to someone who you think needs to hear it. It could be the President, a congressperson, your local Mayor, a good friend, or go bold and write to your racist cousin. Mail that postcard off, and you're done. If you want a longer explanation, some writing prompts, sample letters to congress, and a reading list are included on this page.

The United States Postal Service has created a beautiful Pete Seeger stamp. With a release day of July 21, 2022. Click here to learn more.

This #StampOutHate letter-writing campaign was created in conjunction with the stamp release. Free postcards are being distributed in Beacon, NY and other locations and a limited quantity are available upon request via the form on this page. The postcard design for this call to action was created by Dio Cramer (artist, activist, and Seeger grandchild) check out their website to see all of their amazing work and learn more about their work with Stop Line 3.

Add your voice.

This letter-writing campaign is to help you add your voice as one of the things needed to create change in this world. Adding your voice to the conversation on climate change, anti-racism, xenophobia, abortion rights, and health care. Use your words to talk about systemic issues so we can reduce hate crimes and increase gun control. We want to empower you to take a moment to write a postcard to a friend who does not normally vote in mid-term elections, to a family member who often says they do not talk about politics, and to your elected officials. Because remember, elected officials should be working for the people. Pick up a postcard or two and have an intergenerational conversation as you write your letters to congress. How amazing would it be if a wave of these beautiful postcards flooded mailboxes talking about issues that matter?

Find Your Postcard Facts Here:

Postcards are being locally printed in batches to reduce waste. If you would like to donate to the next printing, we welcome your support. You can donate via venmo to @MorayaSD

Postcards are not for sale and are not intended to be sold or purchased. You CAN request a bundle be sent to you for community distribution. Example requests could be for a teacher, librarian, local shop, restaurant, coffee shop, community center, parents group, senior center, your office (if you are planning on encouraging your coworkers to write), homeschool group, book club, or therapy office. I ask because we are covering all costs that you are intentional with your requests and that the postcards will be put to good use. 

Postcard Request

Your donation does not guarantee your request will be filled. You do not need to donate to make a request, and understand that donations are how we can continue printing cards. 

Thank you to the Wee Play Community Project and Split Rock Books for sponsoring the first printing.

Writing ideas:

Postcard Prompts:

  • Imagine a world where we all belong; describe what it looks like, feels like, smells like, tastes like. What small thing can you do today to help make that imagined future possible? What do you need help with? 

  • What is something you have experienced this year that’s taught you something new? How did it feel? Do you still have questions? 

  • There’s a theory of a 200-year present from scholar Elise Boulding that centers on the idea that we are actually in the middle of history and is a useful way of thinking about generational change. The 200-year present begins with the birth of a person born 100 years ago (1922) and reaches out to the babies born today as they reach their 100th birthday (2122). Positioning yourself in this span gives you a sense of generational change - of what has already happened, what remains to be done, and where we can each make an impact. What patterns do you see? Are there threads connecting movements through history? How can thinking about change in this way help you imagine new possibilities?

  • What does nature mean to you? Do you have easy access to green space? If not, why not? How would or does it feel when access to nature is restricted? What does nature provide for you/for us?

  • Describe a moment in the last year or two when you were afraid? Why? What did you learn from that fear?

  • Tell me about a time when you felt connected to the community around you? What would help you feel more connected? 

  • Tell me about a time you felt sad that someone in your family did not understand your identity, It is hard to think about these things. Now think about who you could write to talk about this time. Is it that person? Is it their parent, is it your parent? If you wrote to congress and they changed policy to support this part of you, would that impact your life? Write about that time you felt unseen to someone whose vote could help you be seen.

Sample Letter Script:

Dear Sen./Rep. ________,

As a constituent and resident of ___<town/city>___ I encourage you to ____<action you would like them to take - vote yes, vote no, support the introduction of XX Act or support the introduction of XXX legislation>____. 

<Explain why this issue is important to you and the impact it will have on your community.>

<Urge them to take action or if they have already supported the issue in question, thank them for doing so and ask them to encourage their colleagues in Congress to do the same.>

Sincerely,

<your name>

<your address>

Resources for Contacting Your Members of Congress:

GovTrack.us tracks the United States Congress and helps Americans participate in their national legislature. The site publishes the status of federal legislation, information about your representatives and senators in Congress including voting records, and original research on legislation. GovTrack is one of the oldest government transparency websites in the world. https://www.govtrack.us/

The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbied Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. Visit the Action Center section of their website for resources related to contacting your members of Congress on pressing issues. https://fcnl.quorum.us/

Reading, Watching, Listening

LISTENING

America Ferrera and John Paul Lederach “The Ingredients of Social Courage” On Being 

https://onbeing.org/programs/america-ferrera-john-paul-lederach-the-ingredients-of-social-courage/ 

adrienne marree brown On Being https://onbeing.org/programs/adrienne-maree-brown-we-are-in-a-time-of-new-suns/ 

Ocean Vuong “A Life Worthy of Our Breath” On Being https://onbeing.org/programs/ocean-vuong-a-life-worthy-of-our-breath-2022/ 

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson “What If We get This Right” On Being https://onbeing.org/programs/ayana-elizabeth-johnson-what-if-we-get-this-right/ 


Making Meaning: Why Humanities Matter podcast https://www.statehumanities.org/about-us/our-initiatives/making-meaning-podcast/ 

“Public Parks and Re-creation with Eli Pariser” on How To Citizen with Baratunde Thurston https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-citizen-with-baratunde/id1523714708?i=1000539976477 

“Democracy Means People Power, Literally (with Eric Lumi)” on How to Citizen with Baratunde Thurston 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-citizen-with-baratunde/id1523714708?i=1000489309887 

Joy Harjo on NPR

https://www.npr.org/2021/09/07/1034751793/poet-laureate-warrior-joy-harjo 

READING

Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity by Tracee Stanley-Newell

We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice by adreienne maree brown

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon and Marie Lu Edited by Rose Brock

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman

I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valarie Kaur

My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW, SEP

In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World by Padraig O Tuama

Do/ Walk/ Navigate earth, mind and body. Step by Step. By Libby DeLana

Rainbow Weaver / Tejadora del Arcoiris by Linda Elovitz Marshall

Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco 

Just Ask by Sonya Sotomayor

Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby 

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacquline Briggs Martin

The Beeman by Laurie Krebs and Valeria Cis

The Boy Who Didn’t Believe in Spring by Lucille Clifton

Yes! Magazine and website https://www.yesmagazine.org 


WATCHING

Tell Me More With Kelly Corrigan on PBS https://www.pbs.org/show/tell-me-more-kelly-corrigan/ 

America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston on PBS 

https://www.pbs.org/show/america-outdoors-baratunde-thurston/ 

OTHER

Project 526 by Matika Wilbur http://www.project562.com 

Outdoorist Oath: the Oath (for short) is an action-based commitment to planet, inclusion, and adventure. The organization offers tools & education for inquiry, a shareable education model, and a hub for a community that cares to build a better world.

https://www.outdooristoath.org/home 

Guide for Selecting Anti-Biased Children’s Books  https://socialjusticebooks.org/guide-for-selecting-anti-bias-childrens-books/ 

Facing History and Ourselves https://www.facinghistory.org 

Thank You!

This page is a collaborative work in progress. If you have any supportive suggestions, we welcome them.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped build this project. Thank you for your time, creativity, writing, brain power, and encouragement. 

This list will keep growing as we print more postcards and continue to share resources. By donating your time or money for printing, your name will be added here: 

Dio

Hannah

Rachael

Emily 

Beck

Amie

Alana

Moraya

Brian

Jaimee

Chris

Amy 

Patrick

Gabel

Wee Play Community Project

Split Rock Books

Meyer’s Olde Dutch

Kitchen Sink