June 2020
Site Update
Site Update
Welcome to June, Umbra!
Let's cut right to the chase: summer is quickly approaching, and usually that brings along images of sunny beach days, taking the dogs out for a nice hike, or spending light nights in front of the bonfire hanging out with your closest friends. For many of us, those activities are not possible as we continue to self-quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For others, thoughts of frivolity may be overshadowed by concerns we have for ourselves, our friends, and our family who are members of the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ communities.
We have always worked for Umbra to be a place where people can disappear into their stories, where we can express ourselves and our feelings through our writing. The world is in a difficult place right now. We are all dealing with hard choices and sometimes overwhelming emotions. Whatever the world throws at you, know that we will continue to strive to build Umbra into a community where you can take a brief respite and find joy in writing.
Events
For Pride month, we're returning full force with a few games and contests to help celebrate our communities and offer you all something to help invigorate those creative brains!
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Choose Your Own Adventure Game with @Dao Ma
Dao Ma has constructed a "Choose Your Own Adventure" game for all of Umbra to enjoy. She's put together a thing of beauty. If you were one of those kids who adored Goosebumps's series of CYOA books, this will be a perfect little dose of nostalgia.
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Create Your Own Mythical Creature Contest by @Nyctibius
Do you love fantasy, world building, and creating your own fascinating species? This is the contest for you! Designed to encourage you to flex your unique brand of creativity, this contest will give you a platform to show off your skills! Entries will be (anonymously) voted on by the community. Let's see what's in that awesome brain of yours!
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Propositioning Positivity & Pride by @ReireitheSmileFaerie & @Merra
Our resident positivity gurus Rei and Merra have put together a thread where you can share some positivity with the Umbra community.
The New-New
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Finding roleplay partners can be a hassle, so we want to offer you all the opportunity to get your Request Thread SEEN! Each week we'll be displaying a Featured RT right at the top of the page for everyone to gaze upon with amazement. A new RT will be posted each Sunday. If you'd like to get your RT featured, send a PM to @Nevermind with a link to your RT and what you're looking for and we'll take care of the rest!
Each RT submitted WILL get featured, so don't worry if yours isn't put up immediately. All RTs will be featured in the order they're received.
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Some eagle-eyed members may have noticed we have Pride medals available for all those who wish to wear a little badge of pride all their own! If you would like any of these medals, contact myself, @Nyctibius, or @Candi Cosmo with your request. (If you'd like to make a request for a pride medal we currently don't have, contact Nyctibius.)
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Calling out for all potential Mods! Umbra is currently in the process of adding a new Global Moderator to our team. A brand new staff application has been posted and can be found here. This position is open to all current Umbra Assistants and members who have been signed up for at least one month.
We will be accepting Moderator applications until Friday, June 12th, so be sure to get your app in as soon as possible.
How to Help
We've been lucky enough to have attracted an excellent community here on Umbra. You all have shown us time and time again how thoughtful, mature, caring, and unique you all are. If you've been looking for small ways to help during these uncertain times, I've collected a few links to various charities and organizations you can support.
Umbra is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed.
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To donate to those affected by COVID-19:
Center for Disaster Philanthropy - COVID-19 Response Fund
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To donate to those fighting for social and racial justice:
Black Lives Matter
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Sign the Petitions:
Justice for George Floyd
Justice for Breonna Taylor
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
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To donate to LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities:
Marsha P. Johnson Institute
Trans Justice Funding Project
Trevor Project
To find more charities in need of your assistance, visit Charity Navigator.
Thank you all for continuing to be a part of the Umbra community, especially during these difficult times. I've heard stories from many of you about how you're struggling, and I get it. Just remember that you're not alone. As cheesy as it is, we're in this together.
See you, space cowboy...
Nev