Free Mom Hugs: spreading love and acceptance statewide

"Hugs are free and available for anyone who needs them."

Since Free Mom Hugs began, the Wisconsin chapter has grown to over 700 volunteers and counting. From northwest Wisconsin to Kenosha, the Free Mom Hugs philosophy of “changing the world simply by showing up” is spreading across the state. 

The physical and mental health benefits of hugging have been well researched. Hugs can result in the release of the feel-good chemical oxytocin, a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol and a feeling of support and reassurance overall. The power of a hug to convey love and acceptance for the LGBTQ community was the inspiration behind Free Mom Hugs, a nationwide non-profit organization that aims to make a difference for LGBTQ individuals in local communities through visibility, education and conversation. 

Free Mom Hugs was founded in 2018 by Sara Cunningham, a mother living in conservative Oklahoma. Sara became involved in the LGBTQ community as a way to support her gay son. Today, Free Mom Hugs has more than 50,000 volunteers from chapters across all 50 states with other initiatives forming globally. 

The work the organization does goes beyond offering hugs at public events. According to Jill Lash, the national program coordinator and founder of the Detroit-area chapter, the goal of Free Mom Hugs can be summed up as “teaching people how to celebrate others for who they are.” Through public speaking engagements, collaborating with local and national organizations, participating in Pride events and providing programs and resources for individuals, families and communities, Free Mom Hugs hopes to spread acceptance and help families restore relationships. 

From slow start to statewide visibility

When your organization’s mission is based on hugs, you need local people to make that community connection. Local chapters are also important for addressing the needs of individual communities, which can vary greatly. 

“There are some rural communities where the only support that members of the LGBTQ community might get is simply seeing someone wearing a Free Mom Hugs shirt in public,” says Jill. “Our local chapters do what they can, because everyone needs to know they have someone in their corner.” 

In 2023, Lisa Thompson of New Berlin, WI, registered to be a volunteer with Free Mom Hugs in an effort to show support for her gay daughter. After getting in touch with the national team, Lisa learned that Wisconsin had recently lost their state leader and were looking for someone who would be willing to take on the responsibilities of that role. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Leading the Wisconsin chapter got off to a slow start for Lisa, as she was only able to represent Free Mom Hugs at a handful of events in the Milwaukee area in her first year. She found engaging volunteers and venues more difficult than she anticipated it would be. 

“That first year involved a lot of community education to explain what we’re about, what we do, and the fact that the hugs are available for anyone who needs them,” she says. 

Since then, the number of volunteers for the Wisconsin chapter has more than tripled. While Free Mom Hugs presence at Wisconsin events was at first limited to the Milwaukee and Madison areas, the growth in volunteers and regional leadership has allowed the organization to expand its reach into northwest Wisconsin, Platteville, the Fox Valley and Kenosha. 

“I’m really excited that we’re getting out to more rural areas where the LGBTQ community might have less visibility. I feel [our mission] is just so needed in the world right now where there’s so much negativity, especially against LGBTQ people. It means a lot that we show up and send the message that we accept people as their authentic selves. The more places we can do that, the better,” says Lisa. 

"Make time, show up"

Jill urges allies to get involved simply by showing up to Pride events—even if you’re not a hugger. 

“Just show up, whether you’re signed up to volunteer or not,” says Jill. “Showing your support is a great first step and the best way to see Free Mom Hugs in action.” 

Each chapter has multiple ways to get involved, including behind-the-scenes work. Despite the name, volunteers aren’t limited to moms—they include dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins, friends and anyone else 18 years or older who wants to be part of the Free Mom Hugs movement. 

Since organizing volunteers takes both time and money, those who can’t volunteer are encouraged to donate. 

“People don’t realize how expensive it is just to give free hugs,” Lisa says. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the Wisconsin chapter of Free Mom Hugs should email chapters@freemomhugs.com. To become a volunteer, please join the national volunteer registry.