Free Hug Givers International!'s topics - tribe.net

Sacramento, CA

jay9 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:39:25 GMT

Anyone want to plan a free hugs event in Sacramento??

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Dead?

BobM — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:10:49 GMT

It would apear that this tribe has died......ah well.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

the Free Hugs sign

thehappyfool — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:31:13 GMT

this is perhaps the most fun i have had in early life of Happy Fool Films..
and i am very proud of this short film.. and i hope you enjoy it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_HfJGKGIgE

feel free to share and comment.

xome

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 7 replies

The Warrioir Within

Wolf — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:22:31 GMT

http://eventful.com/events/E0-001-010005707-7@2008041911

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Free huggers in Paris.

SistaWeotch — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:16:53 GMT

I was on a tour boat on the Seine and didn't quite get my camera out in time, but the signs said "Free Hugs"! :D

http://people.tribe.net/sistaweotch/photos/96b6998f-e522-448e-8857-886d5ace318b

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

New moderator for this tribe

HarveyNormal — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:44:33 GMT

Hi people

This is Harvey Normal, longtime moderator of Freehuggintheworld tribe.
I dont have much time to moderate this anymore, and there have been far more active people than me on this tribe.
Would anyone like to take up the 'job' (like, it isnt one)? All that happens is that you look at the site to see if its not going down the plughole, and you dont get any emails saying when someone has joined the tribe.

email me on eric@yescircus.com.au

Thanks all, love ya werk
Harvey

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

Is this for real?

kuyarey — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:12:32 GMT

Parents resolve dispute over daughter's detentions for hugging
Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 | 9:51 AM ET
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MASCOUTAH, Ill. - Maybe they hugged it out - school officials resolved their dispute with the parents of a 13-year-old girl given detention for hugging her friends.

Melissa and Dean Coulter met with officials of the Mascoutah, Illinois School District 19 to discuss the two detentions given their daughter, Megan, for hugging friends goodbye for the weekend. School officials said the eighth grader violated a policy banning public displays of affection.

"Our whole purpose of the meeting was to get them to talk to us and discuss what changes needed to be made and if (the policy) could be improved," Dean Coulter said. "We scheduled it because we figured it was the right thing to do."

Her parents told her to serve the detentions to avoid getting into more trouble, and had planned to take the issue before the Board of Education at its meeting Thursday.

Superintendent Sam McGowen said in a statement Monday that the Coulters had withdrawn their request to speak at the meeting, and decided instead to meet with administrators.

"I'm grateful they sought this meeting and we could have a level of discussion that helps us both understand each other's concerns more clearly," McGowen stated.

He said he and Assistant Superintendent Terry Gibbons met with the Coulters on Friday and discussed the policy that led to the detentions.

"We told them that we reviewed it on an annual basis and that's where we left it," he said.

Coulter said McGowen was very receptive during the meeting, and that the family is satisfied with the district's promise to at least look into revising the policy.

"I just feel like we've accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, and that was for them to talk to us," he said

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Free Santa Hugs

goddesscomedia — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:14:22 GMT

Prepare now!

Be there.
Be Santa.

Hug

Bring hugs to the DC Santarchy!
Washington DC
December 8

http://www.santarchydc.com

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Free hugs in China

btd — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:21:16 GMT

See videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLImQtyjI10 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBNv6iIKIv4

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Hug Nation Tour Dates / Locations (Oct 3-Oct16

halcyonpink — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:35:12 GMT

The hugmobile is still being repaired, but we are gearing up for the west coast HugNation Tour.

details on http://www.HugMobile.com and http://www.HugNation.com

if you want to turn out and spread some hug joy, that would be AWESOME.

DATES:

CONFIRMED: Oct 3: Seattle - Greenlake Park

CONFIRMED: Oct 5: Portland -Backspace Cafe

OCT 8 SF: Golden Gate Park??? (MONDAY, Columbus Day)

CONFIRMED: Oct 9: Sacramento -State Capital Steps

CONFIRMED: Oct 14: Los Angeles - Venice Beach (NOW SUNDAY)

Oct 16: SAN DIEGO ???

Spread the word!!!!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

Picture of B.A. free hugger.

SistaWeotch — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 21:46:33 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/freehuggingtheworld/photos/8f593e5c-dd8b-421a-9cd3-f682e1462d3a

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign

:D

Hugs,
SW

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

I need a BIG GROUP HUG

LYMEDeLITE — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:42:20 GMT

Please see recent activity and hug me!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Newbie, excited, changing the world one hug at a time!!!!

Michael Belcher — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:44:37 GMT

I saw Juan Mann's video and thought that it was something I really wanted to do. This past saturday (Sept. 22, 2007) Grand Rapids, Michigan Held it's annual Easttown Street Fair. Basicaly this event is a gathering of vendors, people, and live music in the area known as easttown. Hundreds of people come out every year to eat food, listin to music, socialize and the like. Me and a friend of mine decided it would be a great place to try the 'free hugs' thing out. It was!!! We passed out hundreds upon hundreds of free hugs simply by hold up a brite neon green/yellow with "free hugs" sharpied good and bold on it. Well, I had the free hugs sign and she had a sign that said "Smile You Are Beautiful", however we both were asking and passing out hugs. We had such a great time that we kept at it for four hours. If it weren't for hunger and needing to get off of our feet, there is no telling how long we would have kept it up. We actually got 'high' off of the response that we got, an our enthuasim was spread with each hug we passed out! We got so many truly heart felt thanks from so many people. Today we did a search on the street fair and came up with picturs and even a blog:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
yesterday i went down to the eastown street fair just to see 256 play. its always fun to go around eastown, there is definitely a different group of people from around there and coming from rockford which is about as non-diverse and close minded of an area as you will find around here, its very refreshing being around that sort of an atmosphere. 256 was pretty fun, they sounded really good. it was awkward though with things not being great between juan and i right now, because he and his girlfriend both promised me they would come out for my birthday and then on my birthday they both ended up blowing me off for total bullshit reasons, and they have both been acting very selfishly lately, so it's just getting very frustrating and last night at the show i didn't talk to either of them.

the neat thing that kind of just for that moment in time just calmed all the stress in my life and made me feel good for a brief moment in time was this girl walking around with a sign that simply said "smile you are beautiful", which i saw her right after the guy with the sign that said "free hugs" haha. but i don't know, maybe most people would see that and think it's kind of weird or dumb, but i was just standing off by myself looking around, and for a second made eye contact with that girl and couldn't help but smile. it's dumb but at the same time was very refreshing and calming, and i was like if only there were more people with a positive outlook like that, myself included. i tend to almost embrace my negativity (i know that's not the right word) but i kind of think negatively and don't do anything about it and it's a hard habit to break. but life is about learning and changing and i still have a long way to go.

( http://liveordietryin.livejournal.com/40408.html?view=16600& )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unfortunatly with so many people there, despite our efforts, we couldn't ask everyone if they would like a free hug, but even this person SEEING what we were doing brightened his day and helped him to reevaluate his way of thinking. This blog is a much bigger inspiriation than Juan's video, but Juan deserves all of the credit for giving me the idea to ever even try some thing like this. Thank you Juan and Livejournal user (Adam) so much for helping me to understand that ONE PERSON CAN CHANGE THE WORLD ONE HUG AT A TIME!!!!!!!!!
Thank you all as well for helping to make the world a little bit brighter of a place to live!!

Grand Rapids will be seeing a lot more of me and my big bright sign!

-Mikey

www.myspace.com/OrkinMann
or
michaelbelcher1@email.grcc.edu

P.S. and thank you too Kasey for helping me to hand out the hugs and the smiles!!!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

Let's give Kenneth a Hug!

Skeyeopener — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 02:24:18 GMT

Please check this out and see if it resonates to you to help in some way, thanks!

((((((Big Hug))))))

http://people.tribe.net/skeyeopener/blog/f4f605bc-1309-441d-b12a-5fa0b92465fe

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Free Hugs Sign, Facebook and a Call for Help

SistaWeotch — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:27:06 GMT

This is a bulletin from Juan Mann on Myspace:
____________________________________

Hi Everyone!

How's your world been treating you?

I've uploaded an image of my Free Hugs Sign to my photos for you all to use for backgrounds, banners, t-shirts, posters, whatever you feel like!

I'm still working on two books about the Free Hugs Campaign, the first being the story of how the campaign began, how it's changed my life and stories from some of the amazing people I've met over the years.

The second is an Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs, with advice on how to start your own campaign, the importance of hugs and of course, a list of the different types of hugs people can share.

I'm looking for someone to help illustrate this and I'd be absolutely honored if someone from the Free Hugs Campaign would be willing to help! All I'm asking for is an illustration of your favourite type of hug from the following:

A Bear Hug
A Man Hug (where the two men shake hands and pat each other on the back at the same time)
A Side By Side Hug - The kind of hug seen in most of the Free Hugs photos.

The only criteria is that one of the huggers is me in my red jacket and that there's a Free Hugs sign somewhere in the drawing.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of the interesting interpretations you all have!

I'm also on Facebook these days, just search for Juan Mann!

Thank you all for your comments and messages, I really appreciate all your support!

Hugs, Juan
www.freehugscampaign.org

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

"no touch" policy at VA school

SistaWeotch — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:09:38 GMT

From: http://env-action.tribe.net/thread/aac9a1e3-05e5-4cef-937e-b22a99f03236?newpostingid=30f4dbd8-b868-4727-895e-c1ef9f06ce17#30f4dbd8-b868-4727-895e-c1ef9f06ce17

Here is the copy and paste:

Touching is an essential part to healthy human development and expression. However, in attempt to keep safety and order officials at Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, VA have made all touching against the rules. This is extremely detrimental to normal psychological development. In addition, it is avoidance of common adolescence problems, and is miseducating the students on what is appropriate. Help convince the school officials to find a better way to educate and support their students!

I have developed a petition via the care2.com petition site so we can help this school board discover better options. I am so grateful for all the work our public schools do, but feel they need our help sometimes, too. I hope this petition will become a catalyst for other public schools that informally have this as a policy.

Please read, sign, and pass on (at least pass on to those who may be interested). Thank you!
petition - www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help...enna-va
news article about Kilmer school - www.npr.org/blogs/news/2..._total_1.html

Peace,
Lynn
________________________________________________________________________

I signed the petition and posted my petition comments in the Tribe thread.

Hugs,
SW

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

HugNation

btd — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:25:10 GMT

http://potw.news.yahoo.com/s/potw/42/love-warriors

An excerpt (but there's also good news story/video attached):

Love Warriors

A 94-year-old Baptist Minister and his 35-year-old grandson soothe lonely hearts with online hugs, and in the process, preserve a legacy.

SAN DIEGO - Caleb Shikles was possessed with an optimism so relentless you had no choice but to surrender to it.

The ex-Baptist minister with a shock of white hair died in late March just a week shy of his 95th birthday; but not before leaving a unique legacy online — a weekly, worldwide, virtual hug via HugNation.com.

Hug Nation was the brainchild of Caleb's grandson, John Styn, a Burning Man disciple, artist and Internet pioneer with pierced nipples, washboard abs, shocking pink hair and a dizzying creative energy. In 2001, John was living in an experimental "webcam house" in San Diego where dozens of cameras recorded occupants' every move.

"Thanksgiving Day we invited a bunch of people who didn't have anyone to hang out with into this chat room; and if you had a webcam, turn it on yourself," says John. "As people were going around the table sharing what they were thankful for, it felt like we were together. It felt like we were sharing. People were crying."

...

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

Yesterday at Pike Place Market!

SistaWeotch — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:57:18 GMT

Hey, everyone!

Two first-time huggers, Zen and Patricia -- who drove up from Olympia! -- joined in on the free hugging action yesterday at Pike Place Market. We didn't get any pictures of ourselves doing the deed, though plenty of other people did. I told people, "If you're going to take my picture, you've got to take a hug, too!" Hugged a guy who was taking a picture from his car because of that, lol. I'm thinking about getting a t-shirt made that says, "Hugging is not a spectator sport." ;)

One gal got my email address and said she'll email me some pictures in a couple of weeks. Other than that, we have pictures of the 3 of us post-hugging, feeling warm, fuzzy, exhausted, elated, goofy, and chatting non-stop about the amazing experience that is Free Hugging. Pics are up in the photo album for the tribe: http://tribes.tribe.net/seattlehuggers/photos

HUGS!
SistaWeotch :)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Saturday, June 9 in Seattle!

SistaWeotch — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:59:58 GMT

Planning on heading in for some free hugging! I know Zen is planning on coming. Who else would like to join us? :D

Hugs,
SistaWeotch

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Giving out free hugs in the central valley of California

jay9 — Sun, 13 May 2007 23:54:39 GMT

I'm thinking about making a sign and standing in a public place giving out free hugs sometime. I was inspired to do this by a wonderful couple I encountered at burning man who were doing just that.

Anyone want to join me?

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

People in Maine!

Tori — Sat, 05 May 2007 06:11:24 GMT

I looking for people to go hug with me!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Hug Whoring

halcyonpink — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 23:20:48 GMT

Hey Hug fans...

Last day to vote HUG NATION for a Webby Award is April 27!
It takes a couple minutes to register and vote for Grandpa and me in the “VIDEO: REALITY” category. (Grandpa passed last month, so this would be a sweet tribute, as well)

::: http://pv.webbyawards.com/nominee/entry/86

I know award shows are stupid and everything, blah blah…but it would still mean a lot to me. Heck, it means a lot that we got nominated. But since we're so close, might as well go for it. As grandpa said, "You only live once…enjoy the color!"

And if you haven't watched the tribute video I made, its 10 min of white-haired wisdom, Hugs, and smiles:
::: http://www.veoh.com/channels/GrandpaCaleb

I hope you are wonderful. Wherever you are, give yourself a hug!
((HUG))
Love,
john Halcyon

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

You all have inspired someone

RobertJK — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:13:24 GMT

But it sounds like he did not think it through all the way.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2007/04/offer_has_phone.html

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Free hugs in Italy?

SistaWeotch — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:36:00 GMT

Hello, all! I'm most likely going to be spending a few weeks in Italy, courtesy of the US Navy. I'm hoping to extend my time over there by a few weeks and visit more than the Navy base. ;)

Wondering if there are any free hug types over there who would like to get together and spread the love!

I'm also looking for general shoestring budget travel info -- how to save money, best and worst hostels, must see places, maybe even a couch to crash on for a little while. Let me know!

Hugs and grins,
SistaWeotch

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 4 replies

Deleting nude-based posts on this hugging tribe...

HarveyNormal — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:40:21 GMT

Hey everyone

Well, its possibily a controversial decision I believe, as the lass who posted up her XBash 2007 http://tribes.tribe.net/freehuggingtheworld?current=tribeevents&set=y#tabs
seems very legit....but I chose to delete her open invite.
Reason is that it emphasises nudity in a sexualised way as the FIRST port of call (not an organic result that some may take in the course of the evening)
To me, and a reason I set this site up, is to keep the ideas and networking to be a hug giving resource, to take it to the streets, and to bring some joy to people. When I have done it, it brightened up peoples lives for a day, and have may inspired them from not jumping over a bridge...I dunno, but the possibilities are endless.
And, well, sexualisation/nudity is completely out of the picture.

As much as I see XZanthia M from her bio to be totally legit in her wish for the invite to be on this site, and have been to a few like hers myself - and it looks like it will be pretty good... the door is opened to those NOT LEGIT. And crap like that happens, unfortunately. Then oncomes the real fullon moderation...

eg I am a MT, and have been a member of various yahoogroups. A lot of people equate CONTINUE to equate MT with sex. A real shit for our industry. Eh.
Some are real postings, but soon its taken over by the sex industry, and most MTs jump ship.
Which I dont want to see here.

btw I have kept the XBash up in the listings - so you can make up your own minds

If there is a better reason for keeping it here on the main page, I will do so. I am only the servant. But I have seen things go awry in the past.
No offense to Ms X/M and her choices of lifestyle - go for it. Neither do I wish to set myself up as a point to rebel against, casting myself as an Authority™ (gawd knows there's enough reallife atrocious authorities to really pay attention to in the world)

I am just being a sensible and trustworthy moderator based on observations and personal experiences....

Feel free to email me here on yay4things@mac.com

(btw I notice the BM tribe is highly moderated...been wanting that for a long time. JMHO)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 4 replies

freehugscampaign.org forum - what a con

phord — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 00:50:15 GMT

Why is the freehugscampaign forum practically impossible to post to?

The site is being financed by the revenue generated by the sale of t-shirts. As a purchaser of a t-shirt, I feel that I have been conned and that my money has been stolen.

There is however a new forum that actually works. http://www.freehugscampaign.org/phpBB2

Somewhat lacking members however, but with enough support, this site will provide a means of communication between huggers around the world.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

Award winner!

misujerr — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:12:55 GMT

So I heard that sooooomeone won a youtube award for "most inspirational vid"

"Winners of the inaugural YouTube awards in seven categories included an Australian man who hugged strangers on Sydney streets (most inspirational) and a Chicago band, OK Go, dancing on moving treadmills (most creative). As you'd expect, YouTubers got the final say, ranking 10 nominated videos in each category."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/03/27/BUGK8OS0CE1.DTL&type=printable

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Do Something and Free Hugs Celebration March 10th

kimarie — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 18:07:45 GMT

Saturday March 10th will kick off the Leon and Mary Fields Foundation’s “Do Something Saturday Celebration Weekend. On Saturday March 10th we will be meeting in the parking lot of Santa Monica Beach just south of Ocean Park Boulevard. This is the same place we always meet. The following items are needed for our outreach to people living without a current residence.

Warm Beanies
Warm Gloves
Warm jackets/coats
Underwear (unopened)
Bras (unused)
Socks (unused)
Shoes in good condition
Raincoats
Deodorant
Tooth brushes (CLOSED)
Tooth paste
Mouth wash (small travel size)
Soap
Face towels
Back packs (Downtown LA has the best deals)
Sleeping bags
Warm blankets
Bag lunches
Snacks
Bottled WATER

Please meet in the parking lot no later then 10AM so we can be ready to leave by 11AM. If you are bringing items please make sure you are on time. If you would like to drop off your items before hand, please send me an email and I will let you know where you can drop off your items.

COLD WEATHER SHELTERS ARE CLOSING ON THE 15th OF MARCH

Sunday is the CELEBRATION FREE HUGS PIC NIC. This will take place in the park that is just north of the parking lot where we meet for DO SOMETHING SATURDAY.

The PIC NIC is a pot luck. Please cook something or pick it up from a store, Jack in the Box, Deli, Kentucky Fried or where ever. For all you chefs out there I am hoping that you will show up and show up. This is the last weekend people will be able to stay at cold weather shelters; they will be closed on the 15th. MEANING people will have no place to turn, no place to sleep at night. I would like at the very least for them to have a great fun filled weekend.

Please get on the horn now and tell your friends, family, co-worker and people in your TRIBES. Please get behind this HUGE effort to let people living without current residences know you support them. This will mark my final stretch before I return home to rest up and regroup. PLEASE EVERYONE lets make this a great weekend. Please support both days in a HUGE WAY. Treat the entire weekend like BURNING MAN and do your part to make it HUGE for these folks.

I know we will not be able to have load music, but I know there are some dance troops out there and I would like to see you guys perform. All my FREE HUGS peeps will be in the house as well. I am inviting people from all the local papers to come out and next week I will be making a hard push to get this event aired on local radio stations.

If you have questions, then please contact me. Please put DO SOMETHING WEEKEND in the subject. If you start talking about this NOW this can and will be a great weekend for people. TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS. LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Article about free hugs.

SistaWeotch — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 17:20:18 GMT

This came to my inbox today:

Hello,

My name is Michael Dang and I am currently writing an article about the Free Hugs Campaign for the Columbia News Service in New York. I attended a Free Hugs Campaign in New York started by Carlos Montoya and have also done interviews with Juan Mann in Australia who began the campaign as well as the Shimon Moore, the lead singer of Sick Puppies who created the widely seen YouTube video on the Internet. I am definitely lacking in interviews from other groups of people across the United States who have started their own campaigns and was hoping you would be able to help me out by letting me know about your own involvement in the Free Hugs Campaign, how and when you started, what have you done, and also things like what your first hug was like. I am currently on deadline this week so if you could get back to me via e-mail or telephone that would be wonderful. Feel free to be as detailed as you to give yourself a voice. If not, thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Michael Dang
Columbia News Service
mpd2115@columbia.edu

______________________________________

Contact him if you'd like! :)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

FREE CUPID HUGS in Washington DC Feb 17

goddesscomedia — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:48:22 GMT

Come one, come all!

We are incorporating Free Hugs into this event:

CUPID CACOPHONY
Join the Eros Army on Feb 17 in Washington DC
2 pm - ?
Meeting spot: National Gallery of Art
Event is Rain, Snow, Sleet, or Shine! So dress for it dammit!

Activities: FREE HUGS, Gifting, Cupid battle, pub crawl

CAMERAS WANTED for documentation! Please bring digital still and/or video cams for sharing with other cupids. Email pics/video to cupidcacophony@yahoo.com

COSTUMES are a must! Wear read and use duct tape to create wings if you have to. Or cut out a giant Heart and tape it to yourself.

Ultimate destination: Cupids will invade Club Chaos for the Drag Show.

LOCATION and more details are at www.geocities.com/cupidcacophony/home

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

"Huggable" Campaign - this Valentine's Day

halcyonpink — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:43:20 GMT

I do weekly group hugs with my grandpa (hugnation.com) But we are doing something special for Vday.

Join us!

see: http://www.hugnation.com/huggable/

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 8 replies

From San Francisco

btd — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:22:21 GMT

After seeing "the" video, I made my own sign for the Burningman San Francisco decompression street party back in October, see my photo: http://people.tribe.net/btd/photos/ce98018c-47cc-4bb8-9775-b91c66a559ed
I also went a week later to LA for their similar street party.

Everyone enjoyed it, and I must have hugged hundreds of people at both places, but Burningman folks are very much into hugs.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Greetings huggers

Laurel — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:45:50 GMT

Just wanting to say hello to everyone and that I'm glad I found this place.

I live in Southern California and like most people first came across the Free Hug movement via the Youtube video.

I think it's absolutely beautiful and I'm truly looking forward to being a part of it.

Laurel

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 4 replies

just sharing...

heart2heart — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:21:49 GMT

>>
> Tech Support: Yes, ... how may I help you?
>
> Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install
> Love. Can you guide me through the process?
>
> Tech Support: Yes, I can help you! Are you ready to proceed?
>
> Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do
> first?
>
> Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your
> Heart?
>
> Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay
> to install Love while they are running?
>
> Tech Support: What programs are running?
>
> Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-esteem, Grudge and
> Resentment running right now.
>
> Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your
> current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will
> no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low
> Self-esteem with a module of its own called High Self-esteem. However, you
> have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent
> Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off?
>
> Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?
>
> Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness.
> Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been
> completely erased.
>
> Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that
> normal?
>
> Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You
> need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.
>
> Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program
> not run on external components." What should I do?
>
> Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run
> on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In nontechnical
> terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.
>
>
> Customer: So, what should I do?
>
> Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files:
> Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.
>
> Customer: Okay, done.
>
> Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will
> overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also,
> you need to delete Verbose Self-criticism from all directories and empty
> your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.
>
> Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile
> is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves
> all over My Heart. Is this normal?
>
> Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually
> everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One
> more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its
> various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others
> and return some cool modules back to you.
>
> Customer: Thank you, God!!!
>
>
> _Enjoy your day...heart to heart, Dawna

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

Free Hugs Vancouver

kuyarey — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 09:17:19 GMT

Granville Island Market
Vancouver, BC
December 3, 3006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjUUOFK3efo

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 4 replies

amazing :)

Lūfher — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:03:57 GMT

yesterday, when i was at asylum village happy hour, i came out to smoke a cigarette. a bum came up to me and asked for some change so, i gave some to him. after that he was, like, "hey, gimme a hug" so, i gave him one. and then i was, like, "oh, dude, are you a freehugger?". guess what he answered :) it's amazing how it spreads everywhere :) i gave him a free hug from myself, too :)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 5 replies

Free Hugs from Cyprus

Costis — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 07:26:03 GMT

Well we made this project as well at the city centre and it was really great :)

here u can see a small video we made on that day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ngOn2BkEmo

and also the event on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2222662445&ref=mf

Date: Saturday, December 23, 2006
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Lidras / Eleftherias square
City: Nicosia, Cyprus

cheers for viewing :)

*hugs*

FTO

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

sydney made me cry!

LieseDenise — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 18:16:10 GMT

That was an awesome video thank you! *hugs*

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Denver Huggers!!

sam23 — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 04:29:22 GMT

Others in Denver?? Please get in touch, maybe PM me. I want to organize a mass hugging. Maybe a friday at like 5ish on 16th st mall. I have a camera, but of course the more the better.

Blissings,
~S

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

musical hugs for You...

Skeyeopener — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:18:04 GMT

http://people.tribe.net/skeyeopener/blog/50ae2ae1-07f0-4e8e-a9a6-970c487a7c57

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Free Hugs Campaign Forum

phord — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:37:15 GMT

Hi Huggers,
For those of you who use the forum, you are probably aware of the continuing technical problems with the site. I have made contact with the technical contact of the site and also with Juan regarding this issue. Juan has commented that his management have made some poor decisions regarding the hosting. The revenue generated by the sale of T-Shirts is supposed to pay for the upkeep of the website.
Please email me at phree.hugz@gmail.com with your comments as I am trying to gain enough support to have the hosting transferred to a more reliable web hosting service or please email the technical contact directly stepane@attglobal.net

Thanks huggers.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

free flowers

lilybuhfly — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:28:06 GMT

last weekend, my bf and i decided to go to harvard square (then fanuil hall, then downtown) and buy a bunch of bouquets of cheap flowers (mostly carnations) and just give them out to people. It was the most fun ive had in such a long time! once people realized you werent trying to sell them, they were just tickled! especially little girls and old ladies, hehe. we must have given out...ohhh....somewhere around 1,000, maybe 1500 flowers over the course fo the day. its addictive! i had 2 favorite moments...

1- the drive-by flowering. there was a woman in her car with her window down, stuck momentarily in traffic. my bf ran into the middle of the street to give her a flower, and she was terrified! (my bf is...well...lets say he's the type of person that could easily be negatively judged by his outward appearance, which is unfortunate...dreads, leather punkish jacket, etc.) she tried to drive away, so he threw the flower in her window as fast as he could, then ran back to the sidewalk to avoid getting run over. he missed her face since he was turned back, but she was just beaming! she tried to stop to thank him, but cars were piling up behind her, so she had to drive away.

2- a man came up to us later in the day and asked if we were the ones giving out flowers. we said yes, with a smile. he said "thank you so much. my wife got one." he was so happy, and went on to say how beautiful and touching it was that we were doing that. but we were the ones that were touched by all the smiles we brought out that day!

fun times, fun times.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 6 replies

Free Hugs earns story in Canada's Globe & Mail

Angelisa — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 15:57:05 GMT

From Saturday Dec. 16 Globe and Mail

The new arms race...

Some people give to charity. Others pitch in at shelters. But a growing movement has a more intimate approach to spreading holiday joy. REBECCA DUBE investigates

Arlene Valiquette thinks you need a hug.

So do Joanna Potratz, Alain Archambault, Deborah Isaac and thousands of other people.

And they're taking matters into their own hands -- literally. On city streets and in malls across Canada and around the world, they're greeting strangers with open arms and signs that say, "Free Hugs."

"It's a real, warm, open hug," says Ms. Valiquette, who was recently kicked out of a North Bay, Ont., mall along with her husband and three-year-old daughter for offering no-strings-attached hugs to shoppers. "People need a boost, and a hug makes you feel amazing."
While hugging strangers is nothing new -- drunks and religious people have been doing it for years -- this particular wave of public affection was inspired by an Australian who goes by the pseudonym Juan Mann.

He started giving out hugs on the streets of Sydney in 2004, but his movement really took off on YouTube, where his Free Hug video has been viewed nearly 7.8 million times since it was posted in September.

"The moment I saw it, I was like, 'I want to do this,' " says Ms. Potratz, a 24-year-old photographer who regularly doles out hugs at a busy intersection near Toronto's Eaton Centre. "I was a little bit nervous the first time, but the response made it so worth it."

Mr. Archambault and Francois-Olivier Brochu also started offering hugs to co-workers in their Montreal financial services office after being inspired by the Free Hugs video.

Surprisingly, instead of sparking a round of remedial sexual-harassment training, their affection got an enthusiastic reaction.

This encouraged them to take their hugs to the streets, where Mr. Archambault recalls one particularly tough-looking guy walking by his free hug sign. He made it about halfway down the block and then -- "this giant, bigger than a tree" -- turned around and came back to get a squeeze. "He said, 'Thank you, I really needed that. I just broke up with my girlfriend of 10 years,' " Mr. Archambnault says.

The pair are now trying to organize an international day of free hugs on Dec. 23 -- which they hope will draw 10,000 participants to Montreal.

"We want to encourage social bonds," Mr. Archambault says. "Unfortunately, around Christmas, people are more into shopping than into doing something to express love. So it's a great time to do it."

Scientific studies have certainly shown the benefits of a good hug. Human touch reduces your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases serotonin, the feel-good hormone.

"Actual physiological changes happen in the body," says Scott Haltzman, a human-behaviour expert at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

He adds that the appeal of the Free Hug campaign lies in its simplicity: Hugs are universal.

"I think people who live in big cities are too isolated and they don't have the degree of social connections they once had."

Of course, thanks to a growing crop of hugging converts, this could be changing.

There are now free hugs on offer in Spain, South Korea, Italy, Russia, the U.S., Norway, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary . . . the list goes on.

And on freehugscampaign.org, huggers exchange tips and debate the relative merits of rubbing versus patting.

Mind you, these huggers are mere amateurs compared with the likes of Mata Amritanandamayi, the living Hindu saint of hugs who embraced about 10,000 devotees this summer at a Sheraton hotel in Richmond Hill, Ont., as part of a worldwide hugging tour.

"Free Hugs represent some amazing things: unconditional love, acceptance and belonging," says Deborah Isaacs, 24, a Toronto hugger.

"The idea that something as simple as a cardboard sign could generate such warmth between strangers who would otherwise have walked right past each other is astounding."

Still, some people would rather just walk on by. Some assume that the huggers must be scam artists, or at least collecting for some unorthodox charity.

Others simply shudder at the thought of having their closely guarded personal space violated. Huggers report that some people cross the street when they see the signs, or deliberately avoid eye contact.

"At that moment, you're stretched between two natural human reactions -- avoiding potential problems, or reaching out to someone who's reaching out to you," Dr. Haltzman says. "How you balance that is part of the intrigue of this whole hugging phenomenon."

And then there are those people who take the invitation to "love your neighbour" a little too far.

"This one guy came up and grabbed my butt and tried to hump me!" Ms. Potratz says.

After explaining the Free Hug concept, however, she says the man apologized and she agreed to give him a proper, polite embrace.

"It really is a great way to reach out, and it's so easy."

Many of the huggers believe that they can change the world one person at a time, armed only with, well, their arms.

But in some cases the act of hugging also sparks further efforts at public service.

After appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show in late October, for example, Juan Mann started a Free Help Campaign, an online charity that aims to connect people in need with people who want to give help. So far, the site has 45 people asking for help and 133 offering help (most with time rather than money).

At the local level, Ms. Valiquette says her family is getting more involved in the community and volunteer organizations now that they have started hugging (they've also taken their hugs to other malls -- where they have been welcomed -- along with senior citizens' homes).

Ms. Potratz, a newcomer to Toronto, says her weekly hugging regimen has made her more confident about striking up conversations with new people.

But Dr. Haltzman says the legacy of the free hug movement will probably be limited.

"I see it more like streaking, which was fascinating and opened our eyes to a new way of seeing things, but quickly faded into the history books."

Rebecca Dube is a writer and editor with The Globe and Mail.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061216.whugs16/BNStory/Front/home

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

saw this in an email

ApRiL fReSh <3 — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 23:13:52 GMT

Step1: Breathe

Step2: Ground

Step3: Stretch

Step4: Be Grateful

Step5: Hug As Many People As Possible

Step6: Plan Your Day with Intention....but loosely...

Step7: Soak in The Sunshine...Recalibrate to the Earth.

Step8: Be Fully In Your Body

Step9: Release The Past, Keep Yourself Watchful and in The NOW.

Step10: Open Your Heart

Step11: Clear Your Mind

Step12: Put Aside The EGO and be VuLnErAbLe!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 8 replies

We Want Peace...

Gita — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 20:33:01 GMT

Hello One and all.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8OJgCur30U

This Video was made with the help of Kind Loving People.......

more about it (some International Hugs going on in there, so i'm not that off-topic ;)
http://people.tribe.net/44782934-9c22-45ae-ab2d-ee79e0905933/blog/67403495-8db9-4acf-aef2-321ac1e0bc82

If this Video resonates with you....Do Share it with others so that we'll Create more Ripples for Peace......To all......

PeaceLove'n'Hugs.....

Gita.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 11 replies

Free Hugs Campaign in Redding Ca.

stvalerius — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 16:39:58 GMT

Around 2pm on Monday December 11th 2007, there will be a free hug demonstration held at the MT. Shasta Mall in Redding Ca.
Feel free to join us and help to bring in the love.
For more info, contact Morgana.
bombhillsnotcountries@yahoo.com
or me on tribe~
If you are in the area...come get/give a hug!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Light to unite

LYMEDeLITE — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:24:59 GMT

Today, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the pharmaceutical monolith that charges nearly $1,000 for a 30 day supply of one of its HIV/AIDS medications, is donating $1 to the National AIDS Fund for each person who simply visits their website and "virtually lights a candle." The tally is near 800,000 now.

Please, please take a minute to "light a candle":

https://www.lighttounite.org/

This really will take just a second!! :) Please forward this on to other friends!

P.S. Please, take a few seconds to repost this so that the word can get out to as many people as possible. Thank You!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Free Hugs in Vancouver, Canada

kuyarey — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 01:43:59 GMT

At Granville Island Market on a chilly Saturday afternoon of December 2, 2006 but with lots of warm hugs:

http://flickr.com/photos/emorey/sets/72157594402622231/

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

Free Hugs In New York City with Juan Mann

Juan — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 01:41:44 GMT

Come out and meet JUAN MANN from Australia . 1pm sharp and get together and spread the love.

SUNDAY 3rd DECEMBER – 1PM - FREE HUGS * NYC DEBUT feat. JUAN MANN – TIME SQUARE NYC Cnr. 7th Ave & 44th St in front of the MTV Store.

TUESDAY 5th DECEMBER – 1PM SHARP! - FREE HUGS MARCH feat. JUAN MANN. BE PART OF THE NEXT FREE HUGS VIDEO AND COME CRASH TRL WITH US. BRING YOUR OWN ‘FREE HUGS’ SIGN – Cnr. 7th Ave & 44th St. in front of the MTV Store.

---

Now that's done! Thank you all so much for your support , I hope you've all had a great time with your free hugs campaigns! New York is going to be great!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Hows everyone inspired hug wise lately?

HarveyNormal — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 08:33:18 GMT

I've been travelling, and taking in a lot of circus - getting ideas and such - and while I went away, 40 people ore more joined. Yay!
I'm in Miami, and I am reinspired to give hugs.
Going out onto the Lincoln Mall in South Beach - if you know the area, its chic on legs up and down that street, so I think the hugs will do some non superficial wonders to the place.
But its good to keep coming back and seeing a bit of activity.

Hug you all soon in one way or another
Eric aka Harvey HHH5 Normal, Soup stirrer to the overthrown Zog King of Albania.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

An online smile when a real world hug is not readily available...

SamWise — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 01:55:22 GMT

Buzz the Bee say's...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DuMaX7Irjg

It's me... as a bee... smile, be free!!!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

awww...

hosie — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 03:29:24 GMT

Ok, I know this is a product and all, but still.

http://greenergrassdesign.com/hugsaltandpeppershakerbymint.html

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 6 replies

in the spirit of all our hope and love...

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:05:50 GMT

be the change...

http://www.challengeday.org/index.html

hugging is most certainly involved.

I challenge you all to be the change

much love

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 6 replies

Free Hugs Group on YouTube!

Skeyeopener — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:08:39 GMT

If you're on there, come and join. :D

http://youtube.com/group/FreeHugsMovement

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Italy Free Hugs

dragolar — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 12:23:55 GMT

Finally Free Hugs comes also in Italy!

http://www.regaloabbracci.it/

Hugs for all!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

SUPERNATURAL HI

tmba — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:40:00 GMT

Share your Supernatural stories and folklore!!!
http://tribes.tribe.net/supernaturalhi
~M

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

America Needs a Hug on Tuesday, November 7

donna — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 14:39:15 GMT

Tuesday, November 7, is a general election day in America. As you cast your vote for whomever, how about giving someone a hug?

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Hugging in San Diego this weekend

NaughtyKitty — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:47:28 GMT

It's my birthday weekend and Sunday I am going to Balboa Park to do some *Free Hugging*

If you are in the area, and want to join me here's the info;

2pm at the fountain in front of the Space Theater, Reuben H Fleet.

I'll have a few signs, but feel free to bring more. I have no idea how many folks may show, it may just be me. I'm hoping for more, though!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Some clarity from Juan Mann on the 'commercialization' of hugging

Skeyeopener — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:36:52 GMT

Okay, here is a message I sent to my contact on MySpace questioning the potential of commercializing free hugging, it appears to actually be JM himself, and his response:

Skeye:
Don't know who this page is runned by, if it's actually JM himself, someone from Sick Puppies or what, but I wanted to share some perspective about commercializing hugs from a tribe discussion that has gotten started:

http://tribes.tribe.net/freehuggingtheworld/thread/3daa1cf4-95ce-4eb0-8d42-dc3866d6b851

Would really love to hear any perspective you may have, whoever you are. :)

Peace...

Nov 1 2006 12:09 PM
Subject: RE: FW: Commercializing hugs

Thank you so much for forwarding that link. It's an intelligent discussion that holds immense merit.

The decision to launch a pair of shirts came out of the pure desire to give people one less excuse to get out there and give away free hugs, to help fund the running of the website and forums and to make it possible in the long term, to visit other countries, to thank everyone for making this possible.

I for one am adamantly opposed to the very thought of commercialising this to a point where it becomes the "Choose Life" of the new millenium.

I use a pseudonym for two reasons. It's not about me, it's about the message and because this isn't what I want to be known for in my life. There are other amazing things i'd love to achieve.

After the first day of giving away free hugs, i jumped online to see if it had been done before. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I wasn't the only one who felt this way. There is Amma the hugging saint in India, Jason Hunter in Atlanta Georgia and an article about Jayson Littman in New York.

I wasn't the first and I won't be the last. Even when the spotlight fades, years from now, someone, of their own initiative will think, will feel that this is the right thing to do.

freehugscampaign.org was set up in response to the phenomenal number of free hugs campaigns kicked off arond the planet. I thought it would be amazing to have a forum for people to share their stores and experiences. I've heard some amazing stories of triumph over adversity, of sheer desperation and the power of the human will. I really want people to be able to hear about these things. How we fight a continuous struggle.

You won't see me get drawn into a legal battle over copyright, because these words, this gesture, belongs to people, not to an individual.

You won't see me advertising multi national corporations. It serves no one any good.

The site will never have advertising on it, since it cases more harm than good. It is a pure haven on the internet for people to exchange their messages of hope and goodwill. The t-shirts are merely there to help finance the site. You will never see wrist bands, sticker packs, hugging anti-perspirant. I've already had the offers. I've had the suggestions of putting a donation link on the site and accepting people's money so i may go places and see them. I won't take any money for this. What profits are made from the sale of t-shirts are to be used for my next initiative.

I am kick starting a charitable initiative, called the freehelpcampaign.org, a forum for people who can offer help in any way possible, to interact directly with those who need assistance.

Ultimately, I'd rather be richer in spirit than richer in pocket.

For sure this message will only ever truly work if a group of individuals hand make signs and shirts and take to their community. It's the genuine sincerity of the message that appeals, not the marketing.

For certain, my friend Shimon of the sick puppies is getting a boost from this for his career. But, due to the deftness of my cynicism, all the proceeds of the track have been donated directly to the freehelpcampaign.org initiative.

I have no objection to linking to other free huggers internationally on my site. That they directly seek to profit from such a genuine gesture bothers me, no doubt, but the hope is, their hearts are in the right place.

While I breathe, I hope.

I guess i've ranted long enough about my position on commercialisation, "competition" and the future.

My sincere hope is that this message self perpetuates, that we forge a community of like minded individuals and that along the way, someone doesn't make the foolish mistake of trying to trademark this concept or initiate a legal situation. The first person to do this will be the last person on earth anyone wants to deal with.

Thank you for your message and thank you for the link to the discussion. I hope this puts people's fears to rest.

Together, may we keep up the good work.

Hugs, Juan

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

How very interesting....

HarveyNormal — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 07:02:48 GMT

If you go to google and put in 'free hugs', you get these guys. Free-hugs.com

This time when I looked, I got this notice that pops up:
Dear Free Hugs family,

Since 2001, we have been spreading the message of "Free Hugs". That year, this company was born, inspired by the death of my dear mother Josephine Hunter and her mission to let every single person she met feel significant and loved. Over the past five years, we have touched many lives all over the world through our commitment to community, through the sale of our t-shirts and more importantly, through our FREE HUGS.

It has come to my attention that Juan Mann, a young man in Australia, started his own Free Hugs campaign two years ago, beginning exactly as I did with a hand drawn sign and a will to share hope and love. Many of you have asked me about his video on YouTube and appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. We want to make it clear that we are not affiliated with Juan Mann. We are truly honored that we may have inspired others to start a campaign of their own.

I know that if we all continue to share the Free Hugs message, we will see positive social changes in the world sooner than we think. And if Oprah is listening right here in America, then certainly our message will continue to be heard around the world. Thanks again for all of your continued support. And this week, please wear your shirts. The world is watching.

Your friend,

Jason G. Hunter

..... well, what do you make of it? Affiliation with freehugging? I see hugging as almost anarchist in spirit. No one is centralising the approval to do freehugging. No one is the official site. Very much like the net. No supreme power says you can run a website or not.
Its funny at the end, he goes..."Please wear your shirts", the ones hes selling.
Is Juan competition?
As far as I can see, Ammachi inspired him more than this website, but when I get to Sydney, I can ask him
Apparently, his 'company' is what this is about.

I hope this doesnt become an ego thing between people who 'run' freehugging. I dont think the internet mentality kids will buy into someones top down heavy 'I am the freehugs king, and you my subjects will get my approval or not'

I have to say I am impressed with Juans site. Its the most professional. And he is selling tshirts. Ah commercialism.

I surely hope that his site gets 10000 members plus. There will be a lot of groups out there on the streets!
I also want to not be knocking corporations, but am puzzled by the inclusion of corporation energy into this. Been going for a while.
Well, each will do it their own way....
Strange....

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 8 replies

Hug-o-ween

halcyonpink — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:52:17 GMT

I think you'll enjoy this video from HugNation yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTxIEh8bQUQ

love,
-halcyon & Grandpa Caleb

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

free hugs @ nyc decomp!

Lūfher — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:30:17 GMT

come on by the art of fine tobacco camp @ nyc decomp :) we'll be granting free hugs :)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Juan the Mann

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 01:27:18 GMT

so I just got a bulletin from Juan Mann about a new international hug movement...see more here...

http://www.freehugscampaign.org/

and here's the bulletin, unaltered.

cheers...

Yesterday marked the launch of freehugscampaign.org, an international forum for people to meet and kick start their own free hugs campaigns in their own cities and towns across the globe.

Thanks to your initiative, interest and inspiration, working together we can make the strangers in our world smile, with the hope of making our world a friendlier place.

Jump into the forums, read the stories, the experiences, be as involved as you'd like to be. Someday soon, you'll see someone hugging in your city, in your town and maybe, just maybe, that hugger will be me!

Hugs, Juan!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

Good karma

temptress_deborah — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 05:17:52 GMT

Simple steps to follow in life … each bringing us closer to balance and happiness and a life richly blessed by sharing with others. And of course always offering up free hugs will put a smile on your face and enrich your life greatly! :)

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s:

* Respect for self,
* Respect for others and
* Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

China

SistaWeotch — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 23:51:56 GMT

http://tinyurl.com/y5e3ts

Looks like there will be some cultural barriers to melt.

Blessings,
SistaWeotch

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Oprah!

SistaWeotch — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:48:55 GMT

Looks like Juan Mann is going to be on Oprah tomorrow.

If it's not posted on Youtube right away, I don't know how I'll see it. No TV here. Help, help, I'm bein' repressed!

*wink*

SistaWeotch

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 11 replies

This one time...at decom

Penguin, Emperor variety — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 07:47:56 GMT

Today at the SF decompression (burning man) I must have seen 5 people with free hug signs and I saw one guy with a free hug shirt. A few of us started thinking, gee, if it's becoming this popular, we don't want to do it. I'm sure it was so prominent because there are so many huggers at this event.

The funny thing was the guy with a sign reading free creepy hugs. That was neat. Had us brainstorming different types of hugs (mostly in jest) like free dirty hugs (muddy shirts, etc.).

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 5 replies

Interview with Juan Mann

Skeyeopener — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 09:01:17 GMT

Interview with Juan Mann
Jenna Good interviews Sydney's "Free Hug guy"
BY JENNA GOOD || Posted Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006

JG: How did this all start?

JM: I came back from London in January 2004 and my family and friends were scattered across the world. I was the only person I knew and I was lonely. My parents had divorced, I had broken up with my fiancée and my grandmother was sick and I needed to feel happy. I went out to a party one night and a completely random person came up to me and gave me a hug. I felt like a king! It was greatest thing that ever happened. Six months later, on June 30, in Pitt Street Mall, I decided to give away free hugs. It was kind of creepy walking up to a stranger without any form of introduction and I didn’t want to harass anyone so that’s why I held up a sign. My first hug was from a little old lady, really similar to the clip. I’d been out for 15 minutes and I was terrified. But I had hope that maybe one person out there would take me up on the offer.

JG: What do you do with yourself when you’re not giving out Free Hugs on a Thursday afternoon?

JM: Oh I just have a little job around the corner of my house – nothing spectacular. I walk away from work and it’s all just gone. I don’t want to say where because I’m trying to keep work out of this whole thing—they’re really excitable! It’s very quiet around here—I live in Roseville, near Chatswood, in a quiet little area, nothing much goes on and that’s the way I like it. It’s like a little refuge. I went to university four times and I always do really well and I don’t feel challenged. Giving free hugs is one thing that I’ve gone back to week after week without fail because I know I’m doing something. It doesn’t matter that the money’s not there and that it’s not a career path, what matters is that it makes a difference to somebody’s life just for a moment. Life ambitions? I’ve never had an answer!

JG: So are you worried about how this fame is going to affect your life?

JM: It is going to be different but the important thing for me is being able to be kept grounded and keeping my job. The spotlight will shine for a while but it will fade in the end. It’s exciting but my life is just going to carry on as it always has and as it always will. If I became a rich and famous hugging celebrity I would still be doing the same thing I do every week. I would still be hugging because I have everything I need, what more could I possibly want? I have a house to live in, food to eat. My housemates didn’t really know I did this either, they kind of had a few ideas. It wasn’t the kind of thing I ran around boasting about. I’d always avoid the TV crews when they came to Pitt Street. I would run away and hide.

JG: Is that why you go by the pseudonym Juan Mann?

JM: I keep my real name to myself because my family, friends and work didn’t know and I guess the whole thing about a different name is that it’s not about me, it’s about how it makes people feel and think. I used to say to my friends, “I’m just one man! What can I do?!” I did feel that I was looking for something that was a little bit more than what’s out there, I had to do something.

JG: Do you get recognised even when you’re not in hugging mode?

JM: I cut my hair about a year ago because I was getting stopped at petrol stations while I was buying milk. It wasn’t good for work. It’s a bit like Superman and Clark Kent! This has grown beyond anything I ever thought was possible. What started out as a way for me to get a smile out of strangers has turned into this social theory of peace and humanity. I want to go on Oprah to say thank you to everybody. you can be going hungry on your el-cheapo noodle diet (all in the name of following the rock star dream, of course) and the next, getting ready to appear on Oprah.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

12/31 International Free Hug Giving Day,.... Post your city!

EliCurrey — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:21:26 GMT

Im Eli from Santa Barbara CA.
I think ill be putting up a Free HUG booth somewhere on this day, maybe a park, or street corner

-=^..^=-

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 27 replies

Phone hugs...

HarveyNormal — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 19:23:32 GMT

Who has given a hug to a friend on the phone, and fully felt them wrapping around you?
Ooooo, I do!
((((((((H))))))))arvey Normal reporting

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 10 replies

I'm new........in Italy

Swanahilt — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 14:13:07 GMT

Was thinking about giving free hugs in Florence where I live......

I use to give out hugs in Toronto Canada when I lived there and did some street preformence.....it was nice giving random people hugs.

hugs for all of you :)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 11 replies

So we've got a tribe, how 'bout a Camp?

brenna — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 19:29:05 GMT

Has anyone yet done this at BM? Should I get a-plannin' for '07?
I would love to see a massive group hug!
Who's with me?

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 20 replies

Hey, I'm new also.

Argyle — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:05:35 GMT

If you can't give me a full body, well intentioned hug, then don't bother.
None of those hands on the shoulders, cheeks almost touch with puckered lips facing the other way deals.
Wrap your arms around me, pull me close, hang on and feel the love.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.
That kind of stuff will end all wars and world hunger.

ever

in the winds of grace

gyle

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 20 replies

New York Freehuggers! Where're y'all? :)

Lūfher — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 02:09:11 GMT

Join in! Let's make NY warmer and smiling :)

http://tribes.tribe.net/nyfreehuggers

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

meow?

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:30:17 GMT

purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 10 replies

Where are you huggin'?

SistaWeotch — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 18:32:19 GMT

So in what areas are you doing your hug thing? I'm near Seattle. Heading downtown Tuesday evening for some hug action, woot!

Blessings,
SistaWeotch

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 28 replies

hug nation...worldwide hugs at 1 o'clock...every tuesday:)

lilybuhfly — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 18:48:09 GMT

check it out, join in the huggy fun! (and thank halcyon for posting this in his blog:)

http://www.hugnation.com/

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 8 replies

FREE HUGGIN' @NYC ZOMBIECON TOMORROW

omigooodness — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 23:44:00 GMT

I will be free hugging tomorow at zombiecon in my bloody dripping gore filled costume. It is an all day bar crawl. Pictures will follow. At 11 pm I will be free hugging at Evil Dead: The Musical. I scored the last ticket in the splatter zone... where the audience gets buckets of blood poured on them. Then it is back out to the bar crawl to catch up with my zombie buddies.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 6 replies

Free Hugs Campaign at Pioneer Square in Portland OR

Silverwillow — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 19:34:28 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I just caught wind that there is a Free Hug event happening today at Pioneer Square. It starts at 2 pm...if ya'll can make it......
Hope to see you there!!

Blessings!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Free Hugs Vancouver Tribe!

squishelle — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 18:52:14 GMT

Thanks to all of you for being a part of this, it's simply amazing.
I was inspired last night to start a local chapter, the Free Hugs Vancouver tribe.
Looking fwd to meeting more people into spreading our love, and can't wait to set some dates!
I'm thinking Free Huggin' Santas will be an additional blast!

Anyhoo, if you're in the area, or travel to Vancouver, feel free to join: http://tribes.tribe.net/freehugsvancouver

Thanks HarveyNormal for sparking this, and for adding this tribe to the description/growing list of sites!

Big squishy hugs all around.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

i'm new!

chumtastic — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 01:31:14 GMT

hug me!!!!!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 22 replies

Ms Raspberry is in hospital...

HarveyNormal — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 07:46:52 GMT

Heya all

Our collective ability to put smiles on people in grey cities across this western world may mean that we can do it for individuals...
I just heard that Ms Raspberry is lying in a Seattle hospital, having been bitten by something only a few days ago, and has had her leg cut open to remove an infection (apparently)
Hugs, love, kisses, great healing energy, all that maybe more for fellow hugging tribe member, Ms Raspberry (and a friend of mine!)

Love to you, thinking about you
(((((((((((((((((((((((({{{{{{{{{{HEALING HUGS TO YOU}}}}}}}}}}}}}))))))))))))))))))))))
http://people.tribe.net/meeegs

Shes the one is a red furry hat and sunnies lookin' atcha!
Harveyskisklop

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 7 replies

Israel Free Hugs!!!!! :)

Gita — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:57:52 GMT

it's starting to roll here in Israel as well !!!! doing my little **Happy Huging** Dance!

got this in the mail:
www.notes.co.il/carmel/23692.asp

i know you cannot read Hebrew :), so basicaly it started yesterday, these are the first two Free Hugs.
i asked a permission to post it here.
The guy's name is Shay, His Mission is to get to 10,000 Hugs and then rest for awhile. :)
In 3 hours 232 people got Hugs! ages range from 5 to 85!
Place: Yitzhak Rabin (Hope you saw it from above....) town Square, near the Tel-Aviv municipality.
The Police guys were smiling to them and encouraged them.....one Police car also stoped in the traffic light to get a Hug but then the Police man changed his mind.....

Now it's on You.Tube and in the next few days there'll be a better edited version with more Hugs in it!
so i'll keep you posted when i'll have it.

www.youtube.com/watch

Next Hugging day is on this Friday....

ah! the song in the video is the part when the girl is saying to the guy "you don't Love me anymore" and the guy says that "she's turning her back at me, only for recieving a Hug...."
and i say....oh....give her a HUG Already! lol

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGSFROMISRAELTOYOUALL}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Peace! Yeh!

Gita.

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 28 replies

Freehuggin' sellin' out! and other tidbits

HarveyNormal — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:11:43 GMT

I was looking at a post put up by SistaWeotch in the Seattlehugs tribe, about media and commercialisation of what we are doing, and I thought about it, and said, well its worth a new thread...so eh...

All we have to do is just get out there and do it, and the media will find it.
If you look on YouTube, there's about 1 or 2 other freehuggings that went on during the week in Seattle. I forgot the links, but I think there were 2...
I doubt any of them knew about the other

For this losing its grassrootsness or becoming commercial: I wouldnt worry about the exclusivity being ruined.
The only thing I would really worry about is if hugs are copyrighted by someone, and you are legally no longer allowed to do it. I mean, like life it feels, people worry over what are actually trivial things, while the big things like global warming or selling arms to foreign countries, or deforestation happens, but we are too busy worrying whether someone likes us, or whether a partner is cheating on us....

But you know, as I have researched this a bit (hey I'm on holiday, I can fill up my days with this sort of thing)
Right now, 3million+ kids around the world are watching the Freehugs video and see that hugging strangers are not only OK, but fun.
Check out the Kiev YouTube vid for an example. I think there is another one where there are 300 kids or something. I mean, LARGE numbers of teenagers combing the streets. You CANT not be hugged by them.
Thats the ship thats happening out there due to this video
And thats what I find really inspirational. Most are keeping to the spirit of the video too!

As for commercial hugging sites. Have the stopped us? No.
Like gay marriage. 2 guys/gals getting married in Boston, Barcelona or Copenhagen wont stop me doing it.
In fact, when or if we are all in our nursing homes (and the nursing home in my mind is radically different to the ones we have presently!), we can all go out on trips to the local stupidmarket and give hugs there!

This is infinite, well, as infinite as we can breathe and humans exist. Even if we mutate into little furry creatures or stormtroopers or ewocks, we can STILL hug people.

Let the profits do their thing, and let the prophets do theirs! (ie us!). Maybe we can all profiteer from our prophetering!
...I just like being pronoic!

My 2,50 euros worth
Yours sincerely
Harvey SirBlorgXXP Normal

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Just added a 'Planning a World Trip & Want to hug' bit in the main page (open up the hidden info on the main page)

HarveyNormal — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 03:15:43 GMT

If you know of any regular freehuggings going on around your parts or somewhere else - post them here & I'll put them up!
(((((((H)))))))arvey Normal

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

How would the International Hugging Day happen/be 'organised'?

HarveyNormal — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:14:13 GMT

• Maybe all you would do is make a few signs, get a load of people, video it, and list it here or somewhere else.
• Would people be into making little flyers to hand to others to meet in a certain spot, and hug?
• Who would be up for joining this day?

Here are some suggestions - talk to, or email, or post on other tribes/yahoogroups/googlegroups/myspacegroups etc people who do/are in:
- contact improvisation
- snuggling
- yoga
- peace groups
- massage therapy/reiki...
- tantric sensuality/sexuality
- circus/acrobatics
- Burning Man, Ren Fair, Confest, Alternative Fair of Zambia groups
- meditation
- artists/sculpturists/painters
- psychodrama
- do flashmobbing
- musicians
- other freehugging sites (free-hugs.com)
and anyone who has emailed Juan
and anyone we personally know who havent seen the video of Juan's, but would if they could and would get excited if one of us say we are going to go out and do this

Ideas ladies and gentlemen, ideas! Start yer engines!
x Harvey/Eric

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 5 replies

All the links - please add!

HarveyNormal — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 02:17:37 GMT

• SEATTLE: http://tribes.tribe.net/seattlehuggers
• ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3As1IBC9ohI
• BAY AREA: http://tribes.tribe.net/bayareahuggers
• TORONTO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAdrfwsFdGA
• KIEV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEI4FKkq_h4
• OPORTO, PORTUGAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjgmvyLRNOs
* NEWFOUNDLAND: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4smNUfLAoA&watch_response
• PORTLAND: http://tribes.tribe.net/portlandhuggers
• MONTREAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNzCYV_9Jh8&NR / www.huggerbusker.com
• TELAVIV1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptjqFfzF8Hk&eurl=
• TELAVIV2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TroAeYtRKWQ
• SWANSEA, GB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEMJe_MWTAw
• BARCELONA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zESzA_Cpg5E
• MOSCOW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSDOSC-_yI
• VICTORIA, BC, CANADA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVHl4iAvTdw
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
• FREE HUGS: http://www.freehugs.org/
• INTERVIEW WITH JUAN MANN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJC28OCYBwY&mode=related&search=
• JOIN ME: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Join_Me
• WORLDS BIGGEST HUG: http://worldpeace.org.au/readcyber.asp
• RANDOM HUG CULT: http://www.geocities.com/random_hug_cult
• SUPPORT THE FREEHUGS CAMPAIGN/PENNSYLVANIA: http://groups.myspace.com/supportthefreehugscampaign
• FREEHUGSCAMPAIGN: http://www.freehugscampaign.com/
• FREE HUGS: http://www.free-hugs.com
• JAYSON LITTMAN: http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2004/05/10/free_hugs_are_scary_to_new_yorkers.php

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 6 replies

wonderful hugs

lilybuhfly — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:46:47 GMT

just wanted to mention that i had a great hugging sesh in the theatre district of boston on saturday night....i even joined in some hugs of couples trying to keep warm, hehe....it was great!

{{{}}}}

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 13 replies

New hug tribe formed, San Diego, California!

bad-dawg — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 19:15:07 GMT

tribes.tribe.net/sdhuggers

So I started it... and it will all depend on you folks to get it going. I sent out an invite to a 'buncha' SD folk and a couple in LA but I am depending on the rest of you locals to join up and let's get this ball rolling!

Love and hugs to all of you,

B-D

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

gave a random hug

ApRiL fReSh <3 — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:14:58 GMT

today! went out to lunch w/the bf and saw an older lady sitting a few tables down from us
before i left.......i went over to her and said she looked like such a sweetie- and wondered
if i could give her a hug.........tears came to her eyes, she grabbed my hand and pulled me
close- EVEN gave me a kiss on the cheek........she got choked up and said that noone has
ever done that before.........she smiled at me and i smiled back at her.........i told her and her
friend to have a wonderful day....and walked out

i even got a little choked up.......it was such a simple but beautiful thing...........maybe whenever i go
out, i will try to give one random hug a day

my bf thought i was nuts, but i don't care............it made me feel SO good!!!!!!!!!!

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 11 replies

LOS ANGELES: New Regional Tribe

HarveyNormal — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 07:57:50 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/lahuggers
c/o Samwise - http://people.tribe.net/samwise

Have fun!
Harveyblob

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 2 replies

can we make a international free hug day?

EliCurrey — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:59:06 GMT

where people from all over the world in all sorts of cities take over the cities with free hugs on a certin day?
-=^..^=-
*bounce*

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 6 replies

SEATTLE: Latest Freehugging bonanza

HarveyNormal — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 02:20:21 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/seattlehuggers/thread/e3910b74-da4d-43dc-b0f0-f5d6c6e26bcd

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

Iowa huggers...

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 07:20:28 GMT

I know we're rare but I wonder if there are any about?

I followed a link from Skirblah...just so she gets some props.

cheers all

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 3 replies

any virginia huggers here?

ApRiL fReSh <3 — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 17:53:26 GMT

just joined and would LOVE to know where to sign up :)

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 0 replies

The freehugging meme's impact on society....

HarveyNormal — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:20:25 GMT

I'm noticing that freehugging is really taking off in so many cities. I look on YouTube for an updates to comments to Juans vid, and I see so many people filming what they do & posting on the net. Just like that seemingly

And this excites me so!
Another pronoia action in action...

if this becomes the norm in cities - then who knows, over time, hugs will become the norm, and ... stuff like .... war wont.
I mean, its all about what becomes important to people in life, or makes them feel important.
If it was being a man by killing others, then that was what did it
If it now means, going out and hugging people, sharing love...particularily 'in a 9 11 world' then...well, my optimistic self has little orgasms over this sort of stuff. And why not. Its healthy to have these little orgasms...

What I love about this is that this is a meme that has huge potential, coz we all get something out of it - connection, reach, new friends maybe, touch, health, the buzz from someone else getting a buzz....
I see absolutely nothing wrong in this meme going out as far and wide as possible. I guess neither does Juan

Were all just helping to dispense this, and we are just rungs along the ladder.
So when I read of others talk about this FH getting too far out, I say, let it go!

Just my 5 zloty's

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 7 replies

SF decom free huggers!!!

EliCurrey — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 03:25:17 GMT

Thank you!!!!
I huged every person I saw with a free hug sign and many who didnt ;).....

*huggsss everyone*

-=^..^=-

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Juan Mann Update

KnowMatterWhat — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:50:17 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AdQo1qBy1E&NR

Although I don't intend to get money in the way of Hugs; I was touched by Juan's comments regarding his blind grandfather grieving the passing of his Grandmother and the fact that Juan is caring for him. What if those who wanted to, sent Juan a financial hug? A dollar, whatever. Something tells me Juan would do the right thing with whatever he received...

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Free Hugs for Beth

omigooodness — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 05:38:31 GMT

Let's all give a free hugging hug to my new friend Beth who just joined the tribe. We are Long Islanders going hugging in the big apple this weekend. Anyone want to join us. If you are near NY, feel free to add me as a huggable friend. Hell feel free wherever you are.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Chris

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 7 replies

Free Hugs on UCSD campus today, San Diego, CA

bad-dawg — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 22:02:50 GMT

So, I was walking back from a "department retreat" at about 2 PM with my assistant Daryl and there were these 3 gleaming young asian girls, with free hug signs. I immediately made a beeline for them with arms out and demanded to know why they were giving Free Hugs on campus when they should be studying!!! The response was a great bear hug for both of us and the comment that this place was not nice enough.

Oh My God, It was SOOOO GOOD!!! We did a round robin 5-way Hug and I clued them into our Free Hugs International Tribe. I think UCSD needs more of these and It is now High on my list of things to do.

So... Who's with me???

B-D

posted in Free Hug Givers International! - 1 reply

Free Hug Givers International!'s topics - tribe.net

Sacramento, CA

Dead?

the Free Hugs sign

The Warrioir Within

Free huggers in Paris.

New moderator for this tribe

Is this for real?

Free Santa Hugs

Free hugs in China

Hug Nation Tour Dates / Locations (Oct 3-Oct16

Picture of B.A. free hugger.

I need a BIG GROUP *HUG*

Newbie, excited, changing the world one hug at a time!!!!

Let's give Kenneth a Hug!

Free Hugs Sign, Facebook and a Call for Help

"no touch" policy at VA school

HugNation

Yesterday at Pike Place Market!

Saturday, June 9 in Seattle!

Giving out free hugs in the central valley of California

People in Maine!

Hug Whoring

You all have inspired someone

Free hugs in Italy?

Deleting nude-based posts on this hugging tribe...

freehugscampaign.org forum - what a con

Award winner!

*Do Something* and *Free Hugs* Celebration March 10th

Article about free hugs.

FREE CUPID HUGS in Washington DC Feb 17

"Huggable" Campaign - this Valentine's Day

From San Francisco

Greetings huggers

just sharing...

Free Hugs Vancouver

amazing :)

Free Hugs from Cyprus

sydney made me cry!

Denver Huggers!!

musical hugs for You...

Free Hugs Campaign Forum

free flowers

Free Hugs earns story in Canada's Globe & Mail

saw this in an email

We Want Peace...

Free Hugs Campaign in Redding Ca.

Light to unite

Free Hugs in Vancouver, Canada

Free Hugs In New York City with Juan Mann

Hows everyone inspired hug wise lately?

An online smile when a real world hug is not readily available...

awww...

in the spirit of all our hope and love...

Free Hugs Group on YouTube!

Italy Free Hugs

SUPERNATURAL HI

America Needs a Hug on Tuesday, November 7

Hugging in San Diego this weekend

Some clarity from Juan Mann on the 'commercialization' of hugging

How very interesting....

Hug-o-ween

free hugs @ nyc decomp!

Juan the Mann

Good karma

China

Oprah!

This one time...at decom

Interview with Juan Mann

12/31 International Free Hug Giving Day,.... Post your city!

Phone hugs...

I'm new........in Italy

So we've got a tribe, how 'bout a Camp?

Hey, I'm new also.

New York Freehuggers! Where're y'all? :)

meow?

Where are you huggin'?

hug nation...worldwide hugs at 1 o'clock...every tuesday:)

FREE HUGGIN' @NYC ZOMBIECON TOMORROW

Free Hugs Campaign at Pioneer Square in Portland OR

I need a BIG GROUP HUG

Do Something and Free Hugs Celebration March 10th