On a chilly November day in Forest Park, over 80 individuals convened near the Saint Louis Art Museum, wrapped in blankets and gloves, with pens ready. They weren’t there for a race, concert, or festival; they had come to journal.
“It was freezing. It was borderline dangerous,” recalls Julie Zhang, founder of the STL Journal Collective. “But the energy was electric.”
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Just days prior, Zhang had posted a straightforward TikTok: an open invitation for anyone to join her for outdoor journaling. What she anticipated would be a small gathering with a few friends rapidly transformed into something much larger. The video gained momentum, attracting thousands of views and numerous responses from people throughout St. Louis and beyond.
“It became very clear that this is something I needed to facilitate for the community,” she reflects.
In just a few months, that spontaneous idea has blossomed into the STL Journal Collective, a free, community-focused gathering that attracts hundreds of St. Louisans each month. Zhang’s simple concept has evolved into a significant reflection of the city’s desire for connection, creativity, and communal interaction.
A Simple Idea
At its essence, the STL Journal Collective is precisely what the name suggests: a free, monthly gathering where individuals unite to write, reflect, and, if they wish, share. However, Zhang has tapped into something more profound.
“I believe people are craving community,” she states.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and digital interactions, the collective provides something increasingly rare: an in-person “third space” that is both organized and low-pressure. There is no fee to attend, no prior experience necessary, and no expectation to perform. All participants need is a journal, a writing instrument, and an open mindset.
This accessibility is part of what Zhang believes contributes to its success. Unlike many social activities, there are virtually no barriers to entry. Furthermore, for those who may feel apprehensive about meeting new people, the format creates a built-in comfort zone.
“If you’re not in the mood to socialize, there’s no pressure,” Zhang explains. “You can always choose to keep journaling.”
The Power of Shared Space
Journaling is typically a solitary activity, conducted in private moments during times of reflection, stress, or transition.
However, something transformative occurs when this practice takes place in a communal setting, Zhang points out.
“When you engage in this deeply personal, vulnerable activity alongside others, it creates what I refer to as ‘vulnerability dust,’” she explains. “It fosters an environment for authentic human connection.”
Each gathering follows a straightforward format. Participants arrive, receive a set of themed prompts, and dedicate time to writing. From that point, connection is optional. Some choose to share their thoughts, while others prefer to continue reflecting quietly.
The outcome is an atmosphere rooted in what Zhang describes as “radical acceptance,” where everyone is welcome, and participation beyond one’s comfort level is not required.
This intentionality has propelled the collective’s rapid growth. In just a few months, the group has expanded to over 400 members, attracting a mix of lifelong St. Louisans and newcomers eager to build community.
Following the initial event and with the drop in temperature, the collective confronted the practical issue of securing a venue. Zhang once again reached out to the community. After issuing a call for help, MADE Makerspace graciously offered its space for free, allowing the group to continue their meetings throughout the winter.
Instances like this have reaffirmed what Zhang perceives as the essence of the collective. “It has truly illustrated the strength of community and the beauty of people uniting around a shared mission,” she reflects.
