Ed Note: Today we’re taking a bit of a departure from our regular content to introduce a new initiative from our very own Emily. Gun violence is such a big and overwhelming issue, and it’s so easy to feel like there’s nothing that we can personally do to help. Emily’s new initiative, Love is Mightier, is a reminder that we can make our voices heard and, together, we can make a difference. Emily has gathered some incredible designers (and is still accepting submissions!) to donate postcards spreading a message of love over fear, and 100% of the proceeds will go to support local organizations working to end gun violence. Read more below!

This is a more personal post than my usual brick + mortar column. Thank you to Nole for welcoming it and each of you for reading it!

As a mother and community member, the continual acts of gun violence have pierced my heart. In December, in the wake of another gun tragedy, I was tired of wringing my hands and wondering what I could do. I thought about my best skill sets and the creative community around me and knew it was time to act. I am at my best when I’m cheerleading and organizing others into action. I put out a call on social media to my creative community to create cards celebrating love over fear with the idea that we could support organizations and individuals working to end gun violence. I didn’t have a complete plan, but the response was overwhelming, so I got to work. Over the past few weeks, I have felt like a very lucky lightning rod for some incredible creativity and emotion. I am reminded each day that each of us can do something and together, we can ensure that love is mightier than fear. ~ Emily of Clementine

Amy Heitman, Love is Mightier

Details of the Love is Mightier campaign: Each designer contributed their designs and creativity for this project. They either funded or had the printing costs donated. The cards are currently for sale at my store, here, and I’m working to reach out to independent shops nationwide (there are some legal regulations that we’re working through to make this as easy as possible).  Each card set is $10 for 10 cards (plus some grassroots action to end gun violence in your community). The 10 cards presented here represent our first volume, I expect to have at least 3-5 volumes (30-50 postcards!) over the next few months. I hope those who send and receive the cards will share their messages on social media with hashtag #loveismightier so that we can increase the volume on this issue and contribute to ending gun tragedies in our communities.

The Nic Studio, Hands, Heart, Love. Printing donated by Catprint Inc.

Happy Cactus Designs, Love More Fear Less
Hartland Brooklyn, I love you

Laura Macchia with printing by May Day Studio, Love

Printerette Press, Love Thy Neighbor

Steel Petal Press, The True Protest is Beauty

Power and Light Press, Hate Generalizes Love Specifies

Thimblepress, Shape the World with Love

Idlewild Co., We are Love

I’m not sure there are words to adequately describe the experience of fielding these submissions, and the sentiments that are sent. I want to send a warm thank you to each designer who has already contributed, and those in progress. I love the postcards above, and believe me, we have some incredible work on the way. See the new arrivals here on the Love is Mightier instagram.

If this project moves you, I’ll be accepting new submissions (at least) through March, please send me a note [email protected]

All photos by Jessica Sipe who donated her time to this effort.