#earpermeetup

Earper Spotlight on @EarperQueen

My little sister, Jillian, is probably the most thoughtful and creative person that I know. She is hard-working, generous, stubborn in a good way, and always willing to help out however she can. Back in the beginning of December of 2018, Jillian told me about this awesome organization called “The Rainbow Cards Project”. This project sends holiday and celebratory cards to LGBTQIA+ youth who might not receive cards. It’s an awesome organization for such a great cause. I remember Jillian immediately texted me saying we should make some cards. Over the course of a few days and two trips to the craft store, a few cards escalated into making around 50 cards. We also decided to live stream and have a card-making party with other Earpers! Jillian set everything up and smiled the entire time. We did two live streams on two different afternoons and made a couple of new Earper friends. Everything was so much fun and we loved helping out such a cool organization. We hope to do the card making parties again next year and meet even more kind Earpers! I’m so proud to call Jillian my sister and she inspires me all the time. I know we’re both proud to be Earpers.

~ @thatcatcoffey

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jillian and I am a queer, chronically ill teen Earper. I found a home in the Earp fandom, the show, and the people.

Tell us about the Earp Your Community project you organized.

I organized a Virtual Earper Card Making Party! We made cards for The Rainbow Cards Project (@rainbowcards).

The Rainbow Cards Project sends holiday/birthday/celebration cards to LGTBQIA+ people who would otherwise not receive them from people in their lives due to lack of acceptance and discrimination.

Organizing the event involved selecting a time where many Earpers could get together and talk virtually while making the cards. While we could have used Twitter, I wanted there to be some face to face interaction.

I ran a poll to determine ideal time slots for Earpers. I also asked if anyone knew of good chat platforms to use and if people could help publicize the idea and spread the word. Now, I am not very comfortable asking for help or even really interacting over video calls, but I knew Earpers would love to help and wouldn't care or judge me.

The poll allowed us to chose a time that worked best for people and I found a chatroom with the option for video calling for those who felt comfortable with face to face interaction.

It was an interesting experience for sure because it was the first thing I’ve ever really organized in the fandom but I’d definitely do it again.

What motivated you to plan an EarpYourCommunity event? Why did you choose this particular project?

I saw so many people who were having so much fun with EarpYourCommunity events, and I really wanted to get involved! But, I am still a little uncomfortable meeting in person because I can’t always keep plans because of my health.

I chose this particular project because I am a creative human and I am queer myself, so I want to help my community in any way I can. I know how hard it is to feel unaccepted because I don’t have many people in my life who accept me and love me for who I am, besides my family.

I knew I couldn’t organize anything that was huge in scale but helping someone’s emotional state is just as important as money.

How did the event go?

It went okay for a first-time event! There were only a few of us that kept coming and going. I take some responsibility because I chose a poor time and people were probably still at work. Whoops! Lesson learned for next time!

What was the most challenging part? Do you have any advice for others that want to plan an event of their own?

The most challenging part was definitely choosing a time. Earpers live all across the globe and while people in my time zone were available, others were asleep. For the first, I chose a Friday afternoon which wasn’t great, but I now know that weekends are the best.

Do you have any advice for others that want to plan an event of their own?

Survey your demographic! If you want east coasters, make sure all prospective times are in EST! My demographic was everybody and that was hard, so I polled to determine the best times for everyone. Always get input, because Earpers DO want to attend and will help you make sure they can.

What else would you tell someone who is thinking about organizing an EarpYourCommunity event?

Go for it! There are really so many pros and not many cons! You have fun with Earpers, you’re doing good for the community, and you’re doing stuff you enjoy. It's really a win-win!

What was your favorite part of the event? Was there anything about the experience that surprised you?

The whole thing! This was my first Earper event and I organized it myself mainly (with lots of help, of course) but it was really rewarding!

I was really surprised that so many people were eager to attend and hang out (I really shouldn’t be, we’re Earpers after all!) because I’ve always felt on the outskirts. Being involved with others really gave me a sense of fulfillment.

What did you find the most rewarding about this experience?

Everything really! I enjoyed making friends and helping people smile.

What does EarpYourCommunity mean to you?

To me, EarpYourCommunity means bringing your joy of changing the world as an Earper outside of the fandom and into your community.

Would you organize or take part in an EarpYourCommunity event again?

YES!!! In fact, I have a few things up my sleeve!

Is there anything we missed that you’d like us to know?

It’s not something we missed, but I would like to let everyone know that since people really loved the idea of the cardmaking party, I’m starting a monthly #PurgatoryCraftNight!

As Jeremy said, “Thursday at Shorty’s is craft night.”

What better way to honor the show, share our creativity, and have fun with Earpers than a craft night of our very own? It doesn't have to be a specific craft—  just bring whatever makes you feel creative!

My friend is planning to bake, I’m going to do whatever my skill of the week is, and my sister is doing origami! You can paint, dance, knit, stitch— whatever you love that is creative! All the announcements and information will be on the official twitter,  @purgatorycraft! Come one, come all!

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Learn more about The Rainbow Cards Project here - https://www.therainbowcardsproject.org/

Check out last spotlight on @VisitPurgatory featuring a special introduction and message from, Kat Barrell HERE

For more Earper #EarpYourCommunity Spotlights take a look at the past posts on this Tumblr and give us a follow.

#EarpYourCommunity is a core component of Earp It Forward and a call to action to give back to our communities and neighborhoods through service events. #EarpYourCommunity activities come in all shapes and sizes and can be done by groups of Earpers or as an individual. It is about celebrating what Earpers may already be doing and helping people connect to take action and make a difference in the lives and well being of those around us. To learn more about #EarpYourCommunity, check out the “Are You Ready to Earp Your Community?” introduction document which outlines the project and provides support and resources for all your passion to help and give back. You can also reach us directly using the contact information below:

Twitter: @earpitforward  

Instagram (earpitforward)

Tumblr: earpitforward.tumblr.com

Email: [email protected]

I first met Geffen in 2014 while volunteering at the LA Food Bank, both there with a group called Have a Hart Day. Right off the bat, I knew Geffen was a kind-hearted person.

Her charisma shone through as I found myself comfortable in her presence and quickly becoming friends with her even though I am an introverted person.

So when I found out that Geffen (@LAearpers) was going to be coordinating the volunteer events for Earp Your Community LA , I couldn’t think of anyone better to do the job than her. Being a volunteer coordinator can be hard work and daunting at times but Geffen is one of the most hardworking, humble, kind people I know. Always there to lend a hand. Always making sure people feel comfortable and cared for. You can always count on her being there for her people, not just a leader but as a friend.

Geffen, always the one taking the picture, never the one in it. I’m glad she’s getting this chance to be in the spotlight. She deserves it. ~ @TheLesleyEst

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Geffen and I’m an Earper living in Los Angeles who loves building positive communities and giving back. Beyond local causes, I’m especially passionate about global access to clean drinking water.

Tell us about the Earp Your Community project/event you organized

The first Earp Your Community event I organized was with LA on Cloud 9’s Homeless Services Picnic. It involved raising money for donations (food, hygiene supplies, etc) and participating in the picnic. During the event, volunteers served food and gave out clothes and supplies to people in need. Because it was right before Halloween a craft station was also set up with face painting and pumpkin decorating.

The experience was great! It was such a welcome, festive environment with Halloween music playing and many people in costumes. Our Earper group spent the majority of the time at the clothes station organizing donations and helping people find what they needed.

What motivated you to plan an EarpYourCommunity Event?

Forming a volunteer group has actually been on my mind for years, but I never knew who to start one with. When I began getting invested in the Wynonna Earp fandom and found out about Earp It Forward/Earp Your Community, I knew I found the perfect fit! I couldn’t get the idea out of my head so even though I’m usually very private online I decided to start a group in LA.

Why did you choose this particular project, organization, cause, etc?

I chose the Homeless Services Picnic for the first event because Los Angeles has the second largest homeless population in the United States. It’s a HUGE problem here and I’m always looking for ways to give back. We also volunteered with the LA Food Bank in December 2018 and have been volunteering regularly with LA Animal Services since November.

What was the most challenging part? Do you have any advice for others that want to plan an event of their own?

The most challenging part of planning events is dealing with unexpected changes (for example, a date change for our food bank event) and then trying to communicate those changes. For anyone trying to plan an event of your own, just make sure to go with the flow :) Things come up so just be prepared to accommodate changes both related to the event and volunteers. My DMs are always open if anyone wants to bounce off EYC ideas.

What else would you tell someone who is thinking about organizing an EarpYourCommunity event?

DO IT! Seriously, you’ll meet great people and have an amazing time.

What was the most memorable part of either organizing the project or the project itself?

I was pretty nervous that the first event just wouldn’t work out at all, but then we all had such a fun day volunteering and eating lunch together, so that will always be memorable.

Was there anything about the experience that surprised you?

I was surprised when Kat called upon Earpers to attend the animal shelter orientation with her. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised given her big heart and dedication to this fandom. I was so excited to build off the momentum of that orientation and volunteer regularly with a group.

What did you find the most rewarding about this experience?

Creating an opportunity for Earpers to meet and connect based on a shared passion for serving their community :)

Tell us about some of the people you met while volunteering.

Well, Kat Barrell for starters! She helped me meet an awesome group of Earpers who I now get to see every few weeks at the shelter.

Everyone I met has been so great. Funnily enough, I also reconnected with my friend Lesley (@TheLesleyEst) who I met volunteering with a different fandom years back! So that was another cool surprise from this whole experience.

What does EarpYourCommunity mean to you?

Earp Your Community means taking the values of this fandom into “the real world” and pursuing causes you care about alongside like-minded people. It’s community, family, generosity, and all that good stuff we don’t see enough in the world.

Would you organize or take part in an EarpYourCommunity event again?

Definitely! I plan to do this regularly for the foreseeable future. I can’t wait to see how this initiative grows and evolves.

Is there anything we missed that you’d like us to know?

I just want to shout out my Twitter-less friend Declan (side note: GET TWITTER) who introduced me to Wynonna Earp in the first place and has been super supportive about this whole project. I wouldn’t have done this without their encouragement and involvement.

Also, thank you, Kristen and Sarah, for always being a great support!

#EarpYourCommunity is a core component of Earp It Forward and a call to action to give back to our communities and neighborhoods through service events. #EarpYourCommunity activities come in all shapes and sizes and can be done by groups of Earpers or as an individual. It is about celebrating what Earpers may already be doing and helping people connect to take action and make a difference in the lives and well being of those around us. To learn more about #EarpYourCommunity, check out the “Are You Ready to Earp Your Community?” introduction document which outlines the project and provides support and resources for all your passion to help and give back. You can also reach us directly using the contact information below:

Twitter: @earpitforward  

Instagram (earpitforward)

Tumblr: earpitforward.tumblr.com

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to the very first #EarpYourCommunity Earper Spotlight from Earp It Forward. This series is a chance for us to highlight Earpers working to make positive change and bringing Earpers together by organizing different community service activities. To kick things we off we talked with Earpapalooza’s volunteer coordinator Meredith (@tacosaretasty1) who organized the very successful and very fun #EarpYourCommunity event in Minneapolis. Special thanks to both Meredith and Kristen (@Gravery) who wrote the lovely intro about Meredith for our spotlight. When I first heard that Mere was going to be the volunteer coordinator for Earpapalooza, I just knew she would do an exceptional job. Although I was a Comic Can't this time around, I could tell the Earp Your Community event was a wonderful success and made a big impact. What better way to kick off a con than by Earpers joining together to give back to the community? Mere has a kind, giving heart and is always willing to help others. She lights up a room with her presence, setting people at ease and making everyone laugh. She’s not only a great friend but a wonderful community leader. In her position as an Oncology Dietician, she spearheaded an effort to create a garden for cancer patients to tend to. A thoughtful, beautiful initiative for people who are coping with a difficult illness. Mere exemplifies Earpers in kindness and caring and is well-deserving of this spotlight. ~ Kristen (@Gravery)

Tell us a little about yourself.


Well, the most important thing is I’m an Earper right?!  Besides that my name is Meredith and I live in Charlotte, NC with my two cats Ozzy and Finn.  I work as an Oncology Dietitian at a Cancer Center in a nearby community.

Can you talk a little about the event you organized? 


The Earp Your Community event I planned was immediately prior to Earpapalooza in Minneapolis, MN for an organization called Open Arms of Minnesota. Open Arms is a nonprofit that cooks and delivers free, nutritious meals to people living with life-threatening illnesses in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  Open Arms asked us to decorate the bags they use to deliver meals to their clients.  They told me that although it seemed like a  small thing, it was something that meant a lot to their clients. What went into organizing your event?

As far as organizing the event the first thing I had to do was figure out how many people we were anticipating participating because I had to find a volunteer opportunity that would accommodate that number.  Once I found Open Arms it was just a matter of coordinating with them and then getting supplies together for decorating the bags which we had to supply ourselves.  It was a fairly simple process so I would encourage other people not to be intimated about organizing for a group.

What was the experience like?

Overall organizing the event was great and very fulfilling.  Even though most of the Earpers involved were not even from Minnesota they were so eager to help and although that was not surprising, it was so nice to see.

What motivated you to plan an EarpYourCommunity Event?

I was the volunteer coordinator for Earpapalooza and when the Earp Your Community initiative started it seemed like a great opportunity to take advantage of having Earpers from all over the world together in one place.  I knew a lot of Earpers would jump at a chance to help out and it was also a great way for Earpers from all over the country (and world) to meet before Earpapalooza and spend time with friends.

How did it go?


It went so well!  We had over 30 people come to volunteer, including a few people that joined in last minute.  It seemed like everyone was having a great time decorating the bags and talking with the people at their tables.  We were able to decorate 150 bags for Open Arms. What was the most challenging part? 


As far as organizing the event the most challenging part was finding an organization that could accommodate the amount of people we were anticipating. I knew if Earpers were involved that they would show up in good numbers.  As soon as I put the announcement out on Twitter I had a great response.  In fact, we had so many people sign up for the event we outgrew the space at Open Arms and had to have our event at the con hotel who was nice enough to donate a space to us.

What was the most memorable or surprising part of your experience planning this event?

The most memorable part of the project was definitely looking up at one point and seeing a room full of Earpers all working on this project together. It was a great feeling!  

The only thing that surprised me a little was the amount of people that came.  I was hoping for 15 when we started and we wound up with over double that!

Do you have any advice for others that want to plan an event of their own?

My advice would be to keep the numbers of volunteers you are anticipating in mind when you are deciding what to do.

Anything else you’d tell someone thinking about organizing an EarpYourCommunity event?

Do it!  Just jump right in! It’s a really rewarding experience. It doesn’t matter if there are three of you or forty, you’re going to be doing some good and hanging out with Earpers so you can’t lose.

Would you organize or take part in an EarpYourCommunity event again?


Absolutely!  I have organized an event for my local Earper group as well and we will definitely be doing more in the future. I’m also hoping we will be doing another one of these events prior to Earpapalooza in 2019.

What does EarpYourCommunity mean to you?


This may be cheesy but to me Earp Your Community is a way to spread the Earper spirit around the world.  Earpers are kind, generous and are natural helpers so taking that spirit out into our individual communities makes perfect sense.  That could mean volunteering by ourselves, with a friend, or with a large group.  What matters most is spreading kindness.

Is there anything we missed that you’d like us to know?


Just a thank you for getting Earp Your Community started in the first place!  So much good has already been done by Earpers!

#EarpYourCommunity is a core component of Earp It Forward and a call to action to give back to our communities and neighborhoods through service events. #EarpYourCommunity activities come in all shapes and sizes and can be done by groups of Earpers or as an individual. It is about celebrating what Earpers may already be doing and helping people connect to take action and make a difference in the lives and well being of those around us. To learn more about #EarpYourCommunity, check out the “Are You Ready to Earp Your Community?” introduction document which outlines the project and provides support and resources for all your passion to help and give back. You can also reach us directly using the contact information below:

Twitter: @earpitforward  

Instagram (earpitforward)

Tumblr: earpitforward.tumblr.com

Email: [email protected]

EARPERS- ARE YOU READY TO #EarpYourCommunity?

Over the last two years, we’ve all watched an amazing “little fandom that could” grow and evolve into something really special. Earpers have built a community centered on kindness, support, generosity, and an ambition to use our collective power to make positive change. We’ve seen how powerful this fandom is when it sets its mind on a goal. The talent, drive, and creativity of Earpers has already raised thousands of dollars for charity, rallied behind Earpers struggling with various challenges, and inspired people to keep striving to be the change they want to see.

It’s with that spirit in mind that we are excited to launch a new Earper initiative and challenge called #EarpYourCommunity.

#EarpYourCommunity is a core branch of #EarpItForward started by @Kindnesskru and a call to action to use some of that Earper NO CHILL to give back to our communities and neighborhoods through local service events. It’s about celebrating what Earpers might already being doing and helping people connect to take action and make a difference in the lives and well-being of those around us.

So, how does #EarpYourCommunity work?

1. PLANNING SERVICE MEETUPS AND ACTIVITIES

Service Meetups

Earper meetups have connected fans and helped us build a stronger community. Many Earpers are actively working to bring about positive change. Now we’re asking all these passionate  people to combine these efforts and come together to create opportunities for shared events and volunteer engagement.

We hope these events will give people even more chances to meet and get to know each other while they give back and make a difference in their neighborhoods and beyond. We believe that this will be wonderful way to break the ice and make connections with Earpers with shared interests.

Earpers are amazeballs and the world could use a little more kindness, for this reason, feel free to invite non-Earpers (or as we like to call them Future Earpers) to take part as well!  In fact, it’s encouraged! Have your family and friends join in, invite a group from school, a sports team, co-workers, whomever you’d like. Let’s show our communities what it means to be an Earper, that kindness is contagious and they can make a difference. After a day of service maybe we’ll have a few more Earpers ready to get on the bus.

Solo Volunteers

#EarpYourCommunity isn’t just for meetups. Not every Earper has a meetup near them and not every activity is well suited for groups. That doesn’t mean you can’t participate in #EarpYourCommunity. You don’t have to wait for an official Earper meetup or feel obliged to organize a large activity yourself. Everyone can take part, everyone can change their community for the better! All you have to do is find an activity and get started (and we have some tools to get you on your way). Whether it’s with a few friends or on your own it all adds up, it all makes a difference.

To help people organize we’ve compiled a list of databases and volunteer search sites to connect you with opportunities in your area (link below).

Once you’ve found an activity and decided on a date, let us know and we’ll help get the word out. Use the hashtag and tag @EarpItForward. If you want your event added to our  #EarpYourCommunity calendar DM or email @EarpItForward (Contact info below) with the important details and contact information.

2. LET US SEE YOU IN ACTION

Now that you’ve got your event planned and publicized, we’d love to see everyone in action.

If you have Earper gear and it’s appropriate, wear it to your meetup. Take lots of pictures, record some video, write about your experience then post everything on Twitter with the hashtag #EarpYourCommunity and @EarpItForward tagged so we can see all your good work.

Did your area meetup volunteer at a food bank? Let us know. Did you organize a community clean up? Show us. Share your project’s stories and your journeys - before/during/after. Whatever it is you’re doing to make your community a little kinder and a little more compassionate, we want to hear about it and celebrate it with the rest of our Famdom.

3. KEEP AN EYE FOR #EarpYourCommunity ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

Make sure you are following @EarpItForward and looking out for the #EarpYourCommunity hashtag for news and announcements about this effort. This may include giveaways, service day challenges, or new resources that we find along the way. These are just the first steps of something we hope will continue to grow with your help.

For many of us, Wynonna Earp changed our worlds and we think we should spread that love. Remember, what you do may seem small but it can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. Whether you’re doing these projects as an individual, team, or a small group, it all adds up and we can change the world.

So Earpers, there’s the challenge we put before you! Are you ready to accept?

Project Ideas Examples:

Organize Yourself

Organize a free hug event

Stick post-it notes with smiley faces, words of encouragement, or nice quotes to doors/mirrors

Write letters to soldiers

Make cards for children with cancer and other conditions

Make care kits for people dealing with homelessness

Participate in roadside, park, beach and other clean-ups around your community

Connect with a Local Nonprofit or Charity

Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry

Volunteer at an event with your local community center

Fundraise for a local charity (yard sale, bake sale, 5K walk/run, etc.)

Organize a food drive, clothing drive, toy drive or another kind of drive

Link to Resources:

Find a volunteer opportunity (click link to open)

Calendar of EarpYourCommunity Events (click link to open)

Contact Info:

Twitter:

General Account- @EarpItForward

Sarah - @HeresTheThing17

Kristen - @Kindnesskru

Email- [email protected]

Instagram and Tumblr (Under Construction)- @EarpItForward