Spread the Word, The Afterw@rd

What’s The Afterw@rd?
The Afterw@rd is a compilation of letters discussing current events to suicide victims written by their surviving family members, who experienced their loss 5 or more years ago. The intention is for these letters is to form a publishable book that will save lives and touch the lives of the millions of people who have experienced such a loss.

Suicide is often a taboo subject that is rarely, if ever, discussed. The Afterw@rd is a work that focuses on the impacts in a real and tangible way. Through these letters, people will be able to relate to another's story and themselves.

To the many writers, thank you for your courage and for sharing your story.

Help someone find peace. Save a life.

Who should submit a letter?
Anyone who has survived a loss of a loved one to suicide can submit a letter. You are a survivor.

While anyone may submit a letter, and we encourage anyone affected by this topic to do so, now, we are looking for survivors who have experienced a loss 5 or more years ago.

Make a difference. Share your Afterw@rd story.

What should the letter say?
The letters should have a real and active tone. It should be as if you were reconnecting with someone you haven't seen in a while, who you will hope to see again. What has transpired in your life since the passing away of your loved one? What's current in the news that would have triggered a reaction from your loved one?

Tell them. And expect them to receive it.

Tell them how how much you miss them or not. Let them know the impact of their leaving. What have they missed since their departure? What historical things have occurred that they would have found cool to experience had they still been around?

Be raw. Be funny. Be real. Be creative. Tell it like it is. Tell it like it happened. Be in the NOW. Write what you feel. Mean it.

Read a Sample Letter.

How do you submit a letter to The Afterw@rd?
Send submissions to TheAfterward@gmail.com.
Direct submission through http://theafterward.blogspot.com/ is being considered. Check in.

Please be sure to include: (*Required fields)
First name or Pseudonym of departed *
First name or Pseudonym of survivor *
Date/Year of Departure*
Relationship to Departed *
Geographic location (Optional)
Body of Letter *

Be part of the solution. Contribute.

Why submit a letter?
You never know whom you could help. You are not alone and neither are they.

Statisticians conservatively estimate that 6 persons are affected by each suicide committed in the US. Over the last 25 years, that would put the target audience at about 5 million people. But let's be real!

How many people do you alone know? Do you feel me?

We estimate we can touch the lives of over 250 million people just by writing one letter.

The Afterw@rd is a project of healing, acceptance, forgiveness and closure for survivors and a tool for saving those considering suicide when they feel at the end of their rainbows.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Let's live in the possibility of the lives that we can save.

Contact Us:
Send any questions, submission, comments to: TheAfterward@gmail.com
Check in: theafterward.blogspot.com

Feel sad, need to talk?
If you need help or just need to talk to someone, call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK(8255), any time day or night.

Proceeds
Proceeds from this project will go to recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations that work in the area of suicide prevention.

Support intervention. Save a life.

This community project is an outcome of a course through Landmark Education.