"Spreading joy, optimism and inspiration..."

...through the magical power of sidewalk chalk.

About

Chalk the Walks (a project of The Joy Team) is all about spreading joy, optimism and inspiration through the magical power of sidewalk chalk.

Remember when you were a kid and you’d draw pictures and write happy thoughts with chalk in your driveway and down the sidewalks of your  street? And the adults always smiled when they read the big, pastel-colored messages? This is just like that. Only we’re bigger now. And we don’t have to go in the house when the street lights go out.

The idea is as simple as it was in childhood: write happy messages, have fun doing it, spread some joy while you’re at it.

Have questions? Contact Michele McKeag Larsen:

  • (p) 503.724.7442
  • (e) michele (at) thejoyteam.org

2018 Chalk the Walks

Tuesday, August 21st is the 8th annual Chalk the Walks!

Here’s how you can get involved this year:

  • Be a Chalker – join the Facebook event and post photos of your positive chalk messages there on August 21st so we can all enjoy them.
  • Be a Community Partner – help us spread the word! Call Michele for localizable posters or download a pdf to print over or an editable PowerPoint version.  In July we’ll have a press release template to help you promote your local Chalk the Walks event.
  • Be a Chalk Partner – If you’re company or organization is gathering to chalk, join the list of 2018 Chalk Partners by letting Michele know where you’re chalking and be a designated location for free chalk in your city.

You can chalk positive, inspiring messages from anywhere on August 21st. Then post them on the Facebook event page to share them with the rest of us. Want some inspiration? Check out some of the images from last year’s Chalk the Walks.

Please Chalk Responsibly

In many cities chalk is considered a graffiti medium.  Chalking in some cities is legal as long as it’s on your own sidewalk, driveway or on private property with permission.  In others, chalking is illegal altogether.  So, please chalk responsibly and check with your city for regulations first.

Best Practices:

  • Be respectful – consider your neighbors and others who will see your chalked walks.
  • Remember the mission – the goal here is to spread joy, optimism and inspiration; if what you’re writing doesn’t accomplish that in a pure and simple way, please reconsider.
  • Keep it clean – it’s very difficult to spread joy if your content is offensive; if an 8-year-old shouldn’t read it, don’t write it.
  • Have fun – play is important to our mental and emotional health; connect with your inner child, be playful, have fun.

 

Need some ideas? Here are some messages that will scatter joy, sprinkle smiles and shower love.

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