When we found out we were moving to Memphis I’m not going to lie, we weren’t exactly thrilled. You see, Nashville has the reputation of being one of the friendliest cities in America. Memphis unfortunately, does not carry that same reputation. We really didn’t know what Memphis was like and if it’s reputation was accurate. I was sure hoping that this city would prove the naysayers wrong and boy have they ever!
901 Rocks Cultivating Kindness, Sharing Creativity, and Building Communities
It’s been nearly three months and our fears have really subsided, we love the kids’ schools, we have met a lot of really nice people, and we adore our neighbors. We have been so pleasantly surprised at how fast we have clicked with people here and made fast friendships. One of my new friends introduced me to something really cool and really special going on here in Memphis. To call it a game would be an understatement, instead, it’s a truly positive and powerful movement. Move over Pokemon Go, Memphis has 901 Rocks! Want to learn more? Keep reading!
What is 901 Rocks?
901 Rocks was started by two local Moms, Lisa Dawson and Amy McSpadden in July 2016, as a way to spread creativity and art throughout the community. The concept is so simple. Paint positive rocks, mark them with #901rocks and hide them around Memphis. Why? To brighten someone else’s day! That’s it!
Next, when you are outside or running errands, look for rocks and either keep them for yourself or re-hide them. You do not need to be online to participate but there is a Facebook Group with over 30,000 members who share their finds and their creations. Some even go as far as creating clues for others to follow in order to find the rocks.
I’ll admit it. I totally didn’t understand the whole paint a rock/find a rock thing when my friend told me about it. That is, until this weekend, when we were out my 14-year-old was standing next to a tree. grabbed something out of it. It was an awesome 901 rock! (901 comes from the area code of Memphis and surrounding areas) I’ve never seen my kids so excited. And it’s not just my kids that are getting excited!
This morning I was on my daily dog walk and discovered this rock in a neighbor’s yard. I was picking it up because I thought it looked like a great rock to paint! To my surprise, it had a paw print on it. It’s just incredible how something so small can brighten your day! I can’t wait to show Jude!
Who Can Paint, Hide, and Find Rocks?
The awesome thing about this movement is that anyone can paint, hide and find rocks. I asked the 901Rocks Facebook group if I could share photos and over 150 people posted photos for me to share. This group is AWESOME! (check out the slideshow at the end of the post, INCREDIBLE) The finders and artists that participate in this movement are of all ages, from babies to retirees. Everyone can get involved!
Supplies to Paint Rocks
- Purchase smooth Rocks like these if you need a good surface, or find rocks in your own yard.
- Paint with acrylic paints like any of these and use a variety of paint brushes
- Seal with a sealant like outdoor Mod Podge
Are you a creative? Join our Facebook Group By clicking below
How to Start A Rocks Project in Your Community
- Check out 901Rocks Facebook page and website to get ideas and learn more about the movement.
- Start A Facebook Group using your cities area code (the group is a great way to meet people and connect).
- Paint Rocks.
- Hide rocks.
- Share with friends and get them to participate.
- Host rock painting parties
- Keep the movement going
A Message of Hope and Making Someone’s Day
As awesome as this movement is it actually even gets better. In just a few short months this grassroots “treasure hunting game” has become so much more. Many families have taken this movement to another level by painting large quantities of rocks and donating them to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital and area schools. One family even donated $100 to St.Jude’s once their rock was found and shared on social media!
Needless to say, Memphis and 901 Rocks is proving everyone wrong. This city is well on it’s way to becoming one of the friendliest cities to live in and a place I’m proud to call home. Now, I’m off to get some rocks, paint and sealer so that the kids and I can paint some rocks!
Have you been participating in 901 Rocks? Tell us all about how it’s made a positive impact in the comments below.
Got questions on how to get started? Ask below!!
[soliloquy slug=”901-rocks”]
I LOVE this idea and I think I am going to gather the kids and create some painted rocks in our area and spread them around. I can see where it would be so much fun to find these painted treasures and it would make anyone smile.
Thank you for sharing about this exciting and positive activity. 🙂
Yay, Wendy and when you do let me know the Hashtag for your area. I know that a few others have started this movement too! It’s so fun and so exciting. We love looking at the facebook group every day and seeing all the new rocks. We plan on painting a bunch and planting them this weekend. Can’t wait to see what you do!
I think that this is one fabulous idea! And such talent as well. The idea is slowly making it’s way around as I have been paying attention to what comes up about other towns that might be doing this. I have found Big Country “Rocks” as well as 615 Rocks. Excited to do this in my 615 town of Dickson.
Yay, I can’t wait to see what you do. We had rocks to paint at our neighborhood Fall Festival and the kids went crazy over it! We couldn’t believe it! Have fun!