There Is a Place for You Here
You don't need a degree in hugging. You don't need to have your life figured out. You just need to believe that showing up for other people matters -- and be willing to prove it.
Whether you have five minutes or fifty hours a week, whether you want to hug strangers or write checks or rally your neighborhood -- there is a way for you to be part of this.
Ways to Join
Show Up
There are no chapters or teams to join: Defensive Hug is a creative project. The real version needs no sign-up. Check on a neighbour, listen to a friend, sit with someone having a bad day.
Support the Project
Optional payments support this creative project. It is not a charity, payments are not tax-deductible, and they do not fund services, kits, training or chapters.
Collaborate
Want to work on the creative side: writing, art, the joke itself? Say hi below.
Reach Out
Tell us how you want to help. Or just say hi. We are not picky about reasons to connect.
Spread the Word
Not ready to show up in person? That is completely okay. You can still make a difference just by talking about what we do.
Common Questions
Is this real?
It is satire and a creative project. The idea is real: caring about strangers is not weird. The foundation, chapters, programs, stories and numbers are fiction.
Where does support money go?
Payments are processed by the EWEPIP Stripe account (Salmagundi Services LLC) and support this creative project. They are not charitable donations, are not tax-deductible, and do not fund crisis services, kits, training or chapters (none exist).
Are there chapters, volunteers or a training academy?
No. There are no chapters, teams, staff or certifications. Caring about people needs no certificate.
Can my company partner with you?
Only on the creative project itself. There are no Defensive Hug programs to bring into workplaces or schools.
The World is Waiting
Not for a hero. Just for someone who cares enough to show up.
Read Our Story See the Programs (fiction)