As many others across the community, we at Tree Street have been trying to think hard about the ways we can play a role in supporting the community and especially our youth in processing all that has and is happening around them. In that reflection we have landed at an idea, and in true Tree Street fashion it's a big one!
We want Friday November 3rd to be a citywide, statewide, nationwide call for a "Love Lewiston Day." This would be a day where people can spend intentional time doing something in honor of the victims and their families by sewing love in whatever way they see fit to those around them or by participating in some more organized responses by community partners including ones Tree Street will be hosting. (More details below). It is our sincere hope everyone can get behind this effort and encourage everyone in their networks to participate far and wide in whatever way they can.
Tree Street's Efforts will center on 3 main opportunities designed to strategically to create opportunities for youth and family processing and for any and all yearning to contribute in a meaningful way.
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Remembrance Ribbons-We plan to blanket the city of Lewiston with “Remembrance Ribbons” to honor the memory of those lost, and to show unity across the community. EVERYONE can help by tying “Remembrance Ribbons” around each and every telephone pole of the city. Choose your own street, outside your business, or anywhere you see an open pole! There will be bundles of Remembrance Ribbons ready for pick up at Tree Street Youth, drive up pick up in front of Next STEP-Longley School, at Bates College, and also across community businesses. (All Ages Activity.)
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Create/Write a Thank you Letter/Encouragement Card-Anyone can create their own card or thank you letter for first responders, victims families, or any senior residents of Lewiston. ALL supplies (Thanks to the ShareCenter) and space to create will be available at Tree Street or you can bring down your own card. Tree Street will collect and deliver cards to recipients. Cards can be made and collected at Tree Street Youth. (All Ages Activity.)
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Become a Response Listener-In partnership with NAMI Maine we will be holding short support response trainings with community members who are ready to become listeners across the community. After receiving this training, individuals will move to frequently attended areas of Lewiston to encourage and listen to peers or use their new skills in the coming weeks across the community and beyond. All trainings will be held at Tree Street Youth. (This is an 18+ opportunity.)
Beyond these opportunities we are encouraging any and everyone who wants to create any other opportunities across the city or beyond to do so! If people want to gain support for their efforts, we encourage them to submit their efforts in this quick google form: https://forms.gle/NezFzh3bp2qSKt3Q6 so we can help promote opportunities.
A Facebook event that can be shared and used to spread the word can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/348435767699418
Additional Information including a list of ideas for various ways to Love Lewiston can also be found at: https://treestreetyouth.org/love-lewiston/
We are thankful for any support or assistance you can provide in spreading the word out to your networks and we sincerely hope you will all find your own way to Love Lewiston on November 3rd!