A sticky note on a bathroom mirror is the whole idea behind a Pinal County campaign running through September.

Pinal County Public Health is inviting schools, businesses, organizations and community coalitions across the county, San Tan Valley included, to take part in Notes of Hope, a monthlong effort to leave short, encouraging messages where people will find them during an ordinary day.

How It Works

The campaign has four steps, and any group can run it without a budget.

• Write it. Short, positive messages about hope, kindness and connection.
• Place it. Post the notes in shared spaces where you have permission: bathroom mirrors, classroom or office doors, break rooms and staff areas, libraries and bulletin boards.
• Invite others. Ask students, employees, customers, members and community partners to add their own.
• Share it. Photograph the notes and post them, protecting privacy and following your organization's photo policies. The county is using #NotesOfHope, #SmallNotesBigImpact and #PinalCountyPublicHealth.

What to Write, and What to Leave Out

Public health officials ask that messages stay positive and encouraging, inclusive and welcoming, brief and easy to read. Their examples are plain: You matter. I'm glad you're here. You are not alone. You belong here. It's okay to ask for help. Better days are ahead.

The guidelines also list what to avoid. Notes should not offer mental health advice, make assumptions about someone's situation, or carry anything that could read as judgmental, political, religious or sarcastic. The point is a moment of encouragement from a stranger, not counsel.

The Partner Challenge

Pinal County Public Health is also running a challenge for participating groups: post at least 100 Notes of Hope during September, then challenge another school, business, organization or coalition to do the same.

Groups that want to take part can reach the department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..