Free Hugs Campaign
The CouchSurfing Wiki, an informal workspace which anyone can edit.
The Free Hugs Campaign is a social movement involving individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public places. The campaign was widely publicized in 2006 by a music video on YouTube by the Australian band Sick Puppies. The campaign promotes a selfless act performed for the sole reason of making others feel better.
Contents |
Free Hugs Etiquette
1. Be clean. Have shower on the day, try not to smoke beforehand and dress appropriately.
2. Put yourself in a good mood. Smile. Positive energy is contagious!!
3. Do not pester people. They may refuse a hug due to cultural, religious, health or personal reasons. It should never be forced. They will hug you if they want a hug.
4. Avoid alcohol and drugs before or during Free Hugs.
5. Remember to be prepared. Bring a sign or materials to make signs.
6. Be sincere with your hugs. Give a real hug and put some meaning into it.
CS Free Hugs Campaign, March 21nd 2009
The mission: organise a Free Hug Meeting in as many cities and countries as we can, on March 21nd.
February 2008, a post on the Free Hugs group: "Here in Belgium, we're playing with the idea of organising a Free Hug Meeting in as many cities and countries as we can, on March 22nd. After the amazing turn-up in London last weekend, I think it would be an awesome idea to organise several meetings at the same time. We can definitely get some media attention for this as well. So far it's going to take place in Brussels, Antwerp, Brugge and Gent in Belgium. I'm going to set up meetings asap. What are your opinions about it? And more: please organise one in your city/country on the same day!!"
Meetings
Please add your meeting here! If you create a meeting, add a link to this page so people can find out about other meetings.
Europe
- May 16, 2009: Innsbruck, Austria
- May 17, 2009: Paris, France
- May 30, 2009: Brno, Czech Republic
- June 11, 2008: Vienna, Austria during the Vienna Calling, the 10th Birthday of CouchSurfing celebration
- October 18, 2009: Prague, Czech Republic, Free hugs for MDGs
America
- May 31, 2009: Toronto, Canada
- August 16, 2009: San José, Costa Rica
Asia
- May 24, 2009: Hong Kong, China
Please add your meeting here! If you create a meeting, add a link to this page so people can find out about other meetings.
Links
- Free Hugs Campaigners group
- Flickr account for photos from the above events. The accountname is "csfreehugs" (csfreehugs@yahoo.com) and the password, well guess what: "couchsurfing" of course!
- Juan's online community of the Free Hugs Campaign
- Wikipedia article about the Free Hugs Campaign
