Meet Elizabeth Wilder of To Write Love On Her Arms: Now On The Vans Warped Tour!

Meet Elizabeth Wilder of To Write Love On Her Arms: Now On The Vans Warped Tour!

The mission statement is powerful and enlightening: To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Since its start in 2006, they have donated over $1.8 million directly into treatment and recovery and have answered over 200,000 emails from over 100 countries.

For the last several summers, To Write Love On Her Arms has been a positive presence at the Vans Warped Tour, sharing their inspiring message to music fans all across the nation.  And for a second year in a row, TWLOHA’s Music & Events Coordinator Elizabeth Wilder will be the friendly face at their booth.  Prior to the commencement of the hot summer of Warped, we caught up with Ms. Wilder to find out more about her participation in TWLOHA in the midst of the iconic cross country tour  now in its 23rd year!  Read on…

How long has To Write Love on Her Arms been in existence, and what was the catalyst to start the Organization?
To Write Love on Her Arms has been an active non-profit organization for eleven years this past April. It began from simply helping a friend and sharing her story. Her story was one that so many could connect with. They said, “That’s me. That’s my friend. That’s my mom.” We could have never known TWLOHA would evolve into what it has become today, but we are so grateful and humbled by the connections we’ve been able to make and the help we’ve been able to give.

Elizabeth Wilder from To Write Love On Her Arms

How did you become involved with the To Write Love on Her Arms family?
I became involved with the To Write Love on Her Arms family through their internship program last spring! I moved to Melbourne, FL, for three and a half months to work alongside the staff. Following that time, I spent the summer representing TWLOHA at events like Bonnaroo, and eventually, Warped Tour!

How many tours of duty have you completede on Warped? What made you decide jump on board for what is sure to be a brutally hot summer on Warped?
I hopped on Warped Tour mid-summer last year, so this will be my second year on the tour! I love being able to connect with people while sharing TWLOHA’s message of hope and help. The days are long and hard, but the stories we get to hear and the people we get to meet every single day make it all worth it.

What are you looking forward to the most about the 2017 summer of Warped?
I’m really excited about our activation booth this year. Every year we go out on the road looking to start a conversation through prompted response cards. This year’s prompt is an “RSVP.” First, it’s an invitation to write the one thing you may need to say to a friend, a family member, or even yourself. These are displayed around the booth throughout the day. We then invite you to come back and take the one thing you need to hear as a reminder that you are not alone. It’s a simple way to bring the people of Warped Tour together.

What is the most rewarding aspect for you when being on the Warped Tour?
The most rewarding aspect of being on tour for me is being able to meet people who have been impacted by To Write Love on Her Arms’ mission. There are countless times when someone will walk up to the booth and say, “This organization saved my life” or “I sat in front of a counselor for the first time because of TWLOHA” or “I’m two years clean today.” It’s inspiring to hear the triumphs that come along with these personal battles.

What bands are you looking forward to the most at Warped Tour this year?
I’m looking forward to Being As An Ocean, Beartooth, and Silent Planet. They’re all made up of great guys, and their music has had such an influence on the mental health world. Bringing an awareness to mental health through music is so incredibly powerful.

After a long day at Warped, what music do you like to unwind to?
You’ll find me listening to bands like Dawes, Paramore, Bon Iver, and Florence + The Machine.

Any advice for music fans attending this Warped Tour this summer?
Drink lots of water! I can’t say that enough, hydration is key. Wear clothes that are comfortable and airy. Don’t stress about seeing every single one of your favorite bands, just go with the flow of the day and take the time to enjoy yourself.

For those seeking the assistance of To Write Love on Her Arms, how would they contact you or the organization?
The best way to contact To Write Love on Her Arms for anyone seeking out help, more information about the organization, or ways to get involved should email info@twloha.com . We answer every single email we receive, and are more than willing to talk with you!

To Write Love On Her Arms Official Home Page
Vans Warped Tour Official Home Page