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The Power of a ((HUG))
Be the Difference: One Hug at a Time.
Million Hugs Mission
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May 1 - 3, 2026
Days remaining
Imagine a world where everyone feels valued and seen. Global Hugs, founded by Carol CC Miller through Positive Focus in 2008, is on a mission to create that world—one hug at a time.
With an annual event on the first weekend of May and a year-round goal to reach one million hugs, we’re spreading love, connection, and kindness globally.
BECOME PART OF THE GLOBAL HUG SQUAD
We’re building the biggest hugfest ever, and we need you! When you join the Global Hug Squad, you become part of a powerful movement that changes lives—one hug at a time.
WHY HUGS?
In January 2008, I nervously stepped into the world of free hugs. Each hug since has brought joy, connection, and sometimes comfort in moments of sorrow. This mission is dear to my heart because I’ve seen the power of a single hug.
I believe that when people feel heard and seen, they become more confident and are less likely to harm themselves or others. A hug can be a moment of connection that lets someone know they matter. I invite you to leave your comfort zone and feel the magic of sharing kindness!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
There are two ways to participate:
- Global Hug Weekend (First Weekend of May): Whether you love hugging everyone or feel more comfortable hugging just your close circle or yourself, you can still be part of the global movement. Participate in a way that feels right for you, publicly or privately, and help us spread love and connection worldwide.
- Become a Hug Ambassador: Share hugs year-round and help us reach one million hugs! Track your monthly hugs and send in your totals. Pictures are certainly appreciated. Every hug counts!
You can participate in just the weekend or join year-round—it’s all about spreading love.
Whether it’s a bear hug, a gentle heart-to-heart, or a light embrace, every hug is an offering, not an expectation.
People should always feel comfortable walking by without receiving a hug—but many will thank you for spreading kindness.
Safety first: Please follow all local safety guidelines.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE GLOBAL HUG SQUAD?
Your participation makes a difference. Invite your family and friends to join us and help us spread love worldwide!
Together, we’ll make the world more loving—one hug at a time.
Sending you much love and a big virtual hug,
Carol CC Miller
Have questions? EMAIL ME.
New to the idea? Watch our video guide below and prepare for an uplifting experience. Seasoned hugger? You know firsthand how meaningful it is.
The original video that
inspired it all.
A beautiful song written by
my friend Kris Voelker
Are you new to hugs? Check out my video on how to get started.
2026 Global Hug Locations
Thank YOU for joining the global hug squad spreading LOVE and kindness one hug at a time.
Below is the list of global huggers for the 2026 event.
Let’s continue to LOVE up this beautiful and messy world.
CONTINENTS (1)
COUNTRIES (1)
US STATES (2)
North America
United States
Florida, Illinois,
NORTH AMERICAN LOCATIONS
UNITED STATES:
Florida:
Chuluota
Laura
Public event
Illinois:
Chicago
Carol, Tony, (Yes),
May 2nd: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Chicagoland
Sheryl (Yes),
All weekend
2025 HUGGERS
Continents: 5 | Countries 8 |US States 20
AFRICA (3):
Elaine (Botswana), Loretta (Kenya), Mqaphelisi (South Africa)
ASIA (1):
Loretta (Kuwait)
AUSTRALIA (1):
Linda (New South Wales)
EUROPE (2):
Ursula (Austria), Emily (the Netherlands)
NORTH AMERICA:
Canada (3): Giuliana (Calgary), Cindy (Kelowna), Anne (Quebec)
United States (20): Peter & Gina (Alabama), Suanne (Alaska)Holly (Arizona), Laura, Sharyl (Florida), Sharon (Georgia), BJ, Lisa (Hawaii), Carol, Tony, Rossi, Edita, Katherine, Sheryl, Stacey (Illinois), Bonnie (Iowa), Libby (Louisiana), Jen (Maryland), Frank & Sue (Massachusetts), Ellen, Jim & Stuart, Judy (Michigan), Kelly & daughter (Montana), Jowanna (New Mexico), Victor (New York), Gail (North Carolina), Gina & Dave (Ohio), Paul (Oregon), Edie (Pennsylvania), Jane, Kate (Wisconsin)
The (yes) behind names signifies they would like to meet other huggers in their area.
If you choose yes on the registration form, then I will connect you via email
with other huggers in your area that also chose yes.
(That is the ONLY time I would share your email address)
Previous Hug Locations
Since 2008
CONTINENTS: 7 | COUNTRIES: 47 |US STATES: 36
Desmond Tutu (twice)
Juan Mann (founder of free hugs)
Humanity’s Team
CONTINENTS (7)
Africa
Antarctica
Asia
Australasia/Oceania
Europe
North America
South America
COUNTRIES (49)
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam
US STATES (37)
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado,| Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Other
British Virgin Islands, Guam, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Washington DC
About Global Hugs
Founded in 2008 by Carol CC Miller through Positive Focus, Global Hugs is a worldwide initiative dedicated to spreading kindness and connection through the power of hugs. Every May, Global Hugs Weekend brings people together to share love and warmth, and with year-round participation, we’re working toward our mission of one million hugs. This movement is creating a global ripple of positivity, proving that a simple hug can make a world of difference.
About Positive Focus
Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to help individuals see love over fear. We believe in connecting dreams rather than dwelling on fears, fostering a sense of unity by recognizing that we are one person 8 billion times, rather than just 8 billion people. By helping individuals feel seen and heard, we reduce the likelihood of harm to themselves or others. Join us in spreading love, kindness, compassion, peace, and hugs through Positive Focus. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and connected.
