On a frigid November day in Forest Park, more than 80 people gathered near the Saint Louis Art Museum, bundled in blankets and gloves, pens in hand. They weren’t there for a race, concert, or festival. They were there to journal.
“It was freezing. It was borderline dangerous,” says Julie Zhang, founder of the STL Journal Collective. “But it was electric.”
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Just days earlier, Zhang had posted a simple TikTok: an open invitation for strangers to join her while journaling outdoors. What she had expected would be a small meetup with a few friends quickly turned into something much bigger. The video gained traction, drawing thousands of views and dozens of responses from people across St. Louis and beyond.
“It became very clear that this is something I needed to facilitate for the community,” she says.
In just a few months, that spontaneous moment has grown into the STL Journal Collective, a free, community-driven gathering that draws hundreds of St. Louisans each month. Zhang’s simple idea has become a powerful reflection of the city’s appetite for connection, creativity, and in-person community.
A Simple Idea
At its core, the STL Journal Collective is exactly what it sounds like: a free, monthly gathering where people come together to write, reflect, and, if they choose, share. But what Zhang tapped into was something deeper.
“I think people are starved for community,” she says.
In a world dominated by screens and digital interaction, the collective offers something increasingly rare: an in-person “third space” that is both structured and low-pressure. There is no cost to attend, no experience required, no expectation to perform. All participants need is a journal, something to write with, and an open mind.
That accessibility is part of what Zhang believes makes it work. Unlike many social activities, there is virtually no barrier to entry. And for those who feel hesitant about meeting strangers, the format provides a built-in comfort zone.
“If you don’t want to be social, there’s no pressure,” Zhang says. “You can always opt to continue journaling.”
The Power of Shared Space
Journaling is, of course, typically a solitary act, done in private moments and during times of reflection, stress, or transition.
But something shifts when it happens in a shared space, Zhang explains.
“When you take this very personal, vulnerable activity and do it alongside other people, it creates what I call a kind of ‘vulnerability dust,’” Zhang says. “It creates space for real, genuine human connection.”
Each gathering follows a simple structure. Participants arrive, receive a set of themed prompts, and spend time writing. From there, connection is optional. Some choose to share. Others quietly continue reflecting.
The result is an environment built on what Zhang calls “radical acceptance,” where everyone is welcome and no one is required to participate beyond their comfort level.
That intentionality has helped the collective grow rapidly. In just a few months, the collective has expanded to more than 400 members, drawing a mix of lifelong St. Louisans and newcomers looking to build community.
A Community Effort
After the initial event and as the weather turned colder, the collective faced the practical challenge of finding a venue. Zhang once again turned to the community. After putting out a call, MADE Makerspace stepped in, offering its space for free, so the group could continue meeting through the winter.
Moments like that have reinforced what Zhang sees as the heart of the collective. “It’s truly shown me the power of community and how beautiful it is when people come together around a shared mission,” she says.
Zhang, 25, moved to St. Louis to attend Washington University and stayed after graduating, building a career in finance. But outside of her day job, she had long been drawn to journaling, therapy, and personal reflection—practices that helped her better understand herself and the world around her. Over time, those interests began to point her in a different direction.
Inspired by that introspection, Zhang’s mission continues to evolve. She hopes to expand the collective’s reach through partnerships with local organizations, universities, and youth programs, bringing journaling and reflection to more people across the region.
For her, success is not measured in numbers alone. “Success is making as many people feel a part of a community as possible,” she says.
For those curious about joining, the STL Journal Collective hosts free monthly events at locations across the city, often in parks or community spaces. Prompts and exact locations are shared the day of each gathering via Instagram, TikTok, and email.
First-timers are encouraged to keep it simple: bring a journal, a pen, and a willingness to show up. Whether you stay quiet, make a new friend, or simply spend an hour reflecting, Zhang says that is enough.
“There’s no right way to do this,” she says. “Just showing up is the whole point.”
