To find out more about the 60 Postcards journey so far, you can read a summary here.
I feel like I am forever apologising for being a bit quiet lately. Sorry again. I just wanted to reassure readers that my spark for 60 Postcards has not faded. Far from it. As I have explained many a time, it is important for me – both personally and for the future of the project – for it to become more of a group venture. Behind the scenes I am investing my time in my postcard project in a very new and exciting way.
Introducing….The Tribute Collective – a non-profit enterprise that I am aiming to launch by the end of the year.
I am being a little bold by sharing my initial ideas so publicly, but you have been part of this journey so far and I want to keep you in the loop – even at this early stage. (Please remember that this is very much a work in progress, though. None of the below is set in stone and I believe it would actually be a bad thing if it didn’t change and develop along the way!)
The idea:
What the Tribute Collective will provide:
1 – The Website
- Online postcard memory wall where photos of handwritten postcard tributes can be uploaded.
- Features of inspirational stories.
- Guidance on how to create your own tribute.
- A page on how to seek further help if you need it.
- An online community where you are able to chat to others.
2 – Speaking & Workshops
- Interactive workshops, encouraging people who have lost to get creative with their own projects.
- Meet ups – tributes aside, this will be a chance to socialise at various events in a safe and open environment.
- I am willing to travel around the UK as much as physically possible to deliver talks/workshops around this idea and the back story of 60 Postcards (including schools).
3 – The Tribute Collective Cafe
- This will encompass all of the above in our own space in London. (Admittedly a long-term goal!)
The most important thing about The Tribute Collective is the notion that you can get as involved as you wish. You can sit in the comfort of your own home and read the messages, or you can share if it feels right. You can meet people if you feel, in your heart, that you are ready. Everyone is welcome at any stage of interaction.
What happens next:
I am currently working out the legal status to sign up as, I am working on my business model, trying to secure the website and social network aspects of the collective, looking for some help with logo and branding and all while researching various funding avenues. This is such a learning process for me. Starting up a business is a wee bit daunting. Some people disassociate business from emotion. I’ve thought about that a lot lately. The conclusion that I have come to is that they are wrong. Working on something so close to the heart can only be a good thing, as it drives the desire to succeed.
Focus Group:
I think I have found the perfect spot to hold a focus group about The Tribute Collective. I am just finalising plans and then I will let you know the details. In order for this to be a success, I would love to gather feedback from those who know about the project. I chose the word, ‘collective’, for a very good reason. I like to think that when I launch this later in the year, it will be something that has been born through collaboration.
So there we have it! Apologies again for the radio silence but now you are in the circle of trust, I hope to chat more about the progress of 60 Postcards and The Tribute Collective very soon.
Speak to you later in the week,
Rachael x
PS: I will be at Watermark Books in Kings Cross Station (just next to platform 9 & 3/4) tomorrow (Weds 1st April) from 6.30pm to celebrate the bookshop’s 3 year anniversary. Everyone welcome. Give me a shout if you can drop in!
60 POSTCARDS 
Great minds think alike! I have been thinking along similar lines for a while, trying to find a positive way to help others who have lost loved ones, but where to start? count me in if you need any help, and I can arrange for you to give some assemblies at my school. xx
i love love love this! Anything I can do to help build this I am in! X