June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day and the launch of the Henna for Hope Campaign

Henna is an ancient art form in South Asia, expertly applied to the hands – and sometimes feet – in times of joy and celebration. Intricate designs celebrate the goodness of the body in preparation for marriage, holidays, and religious rituals. The imprint of a henna design becomes part of us for a week before fading away, leaving us ready for a new design.

Trauma leaves its own imprint on the body. Stress, grief, and fear send signals through our whole neurological system and create pathways that the body doesn’t quickly unlearn. Left feeling unsafe in their own skin, trauma survivors are often left feeling helpless and betrayed by their bodies.

The Henna for Hope Campaign inspires hope that the terrible imprint of trauma can also fade away, leaving survivors ready for ways of responding to stress and grief. Funds raised through Henna for Hope are used to create access to affordable therapy for trauma survivors as well as support and training for those caring for them. It inspires hope that peace and calm can be embodied once again.

 From June 27th through August 1st, join us in embodying this hope. You can:

-       Make a donation of any amount to Hope Roots between June 27th (PTSD Awareness Day) and August 1st (we will send you henna to try as a “Thank You!”)

-       Post about Hope Roots with your own artwork, by sharing this page, reposting an image from our social media, or by sharing one of the images below.

-       Tell your friends why you’re participating and invite them to participate. Consider a live event, a Facebook fundraiser, or an Instagram story.

-       Become a sponsor of Hope Roots - those who give larger or reoccurring donations get extra perks (download the guide to see the levels)

-       Share your embodied artwork on social media (using #hennaforhope & @hoperootsorg) for the chance to win a $25 gift card for Freeset USA. The giveaway will happen the first week of August, with voting on social media.