Break through the digital divide!
The Free Hugs Campaign is a social movement involving individuals offering hugs without any expectations in public places. This is meant to be random acts of kindness—selfless acts performed just to make others feel better.
For the last 10 years we’ve sponsored the free hugs campaign in Union Square as part of our vision of creating the positive changes we’d like to see.
Why give out hugs?
Everyone has their own reason. Hugs release oxytocin and serotonin, which are naturally occurring chemicals in your body that make you happy and fight depression
We adhere to a strict set of policies
Always be polite – don’t force a hug on anyone, if they don’t want one that is that. No reason to be offended, or to offend someone if they refuse a hug.
Respect the other persons boundaries and comfort – just because someone accepts a hug, doesn’t mean they owe you anything. Match the hug they give you, make them feel comfortable, and when they loosen their hug, let go as well.
Hygiene- wear clean clothes, take a shower or bath before you go out and make sure you look clean and nice. The better you look the more people will want to hug you. A dash of fragrance or cologne goes a long way.
Be safe! Always be in a group of people you know. Just because you are holding a sign does Not mean you HAVE to hug everyone. Alert your friends if anyone is acting inappropriate, and if anyone is harassing you, let someone know right away!
Consent is easy – JUST ASK!
