Dear ETSU,

There is a new initiative to bring love to campus.

Sincerely, Letters of Love

ETSU Letters of Love is an initiative on campus that brings love and kindness to staff, faculty and students. Shaina Thompson founded the initiative in March 2023. She was inspired by a video. She brought together a group of trusted friends, mentors and community members and went to work. Thompson wanted to bring love, kindness and compassion to a divided world.

Photo of founder Shaina Thompson sharing Letters of Love around campus. (Contributed/issuu.com)

“It is something unique to our campus,” said Thompson. “We need a little unity to rebuild the campus community.”

Thompson said that it was beneficial to receive and give a letter because it is special. It fuels the giver’s generosity. The receiver is able to feel special. It is not a complex to show some love said Thompson. It is not something to overthink.

“What would you want to hear,” said Thompson. “What do you need to hear during this hard time? You have value. You have worth. You are loved.”

Individuals can submit a nomination through the form on their Instagram. This includes the sender’s name, receiver’s name, sender’s email, receiver’s email and why they need the letter. The reason can be a celebration, passing of a loved one, passing of a pet, undisclosed hard time, stressful classes, mental health concerns or any other reason. ETSU Letters of Love will be the only ones who know who sent the letter, unless the sender wants to be known. The initiative is open to anyone on campus who wants to receive or send letters. Letters of Love appreciates knowing the event inspiring or requiring the letter, but prefers to not go into details. They prefer vague submissions.

Individuals can join the Letters of Love GroupMe to participate in making letters and events around campus. Letters of Love have tabled around the Culp with post-it notes, letters and a whiteboard. They have partnered with many organizations around campus including POLO, SGA and Roan Scholars. They partnered with Roan Scholars for an Indonesia gift drive during Christmas. Letters of Love were able to send personalized letters to children. They sent letters to students living in hotels during the student housing crisis. They also send general notes during hard times like finals or midterms for the community. Thompson said it is a great way to bring groups around the community together no matter the religion, politics, major or distinctions. She wants to bridge the gap and mend the relationship of the divided campus.

“Everyone deserves kindness,” said Thompson. “Love is an action and not a word.”

Thompson hopes that the initiative will grow and last after she is gone. They hope to be registered as a student organization soon.

Join the GroupMe online. Nominate a person for a letter through Letters of Love’s online form, or follow their Instagram @etsulettersoflove to access their form and connect with their upcoming projects.

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