I am a survivor. EDM music has been my lifeline, pulling me back from the brink of suicide. As a child, I was thrust into situations where I had to intervene in fights and seek resolutions to conflicts. In essence, I was promoting PLUR before I even knew what it meant.

Today, as an adult living in the Springfield, MO area, my mission is clear: to promote the core values of Peace, Love, Unity and Respect (PLUR) that are central to the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) community.

Springfield and the Ozarks lacks a vibrant music scene and lacks a dedicated EDM community or festival. This needs to change. The establishment of such spaces would not only enrich our local culture but also provide safe spaces for individuals like me who find solace in this genre of music. People around here don't have the money to go to festivals on the west coast nor they want to drive through big cities to get to them. Remember the saying united we stand, divided we fall? This is a part of what the EDM community stands for. 

According to Nielsen's 2017 Year-End Music Report (source), Dance/Electronic music is among the top five most consumed genres in America - proof that there is demand for such initiatives.

I urge you all - whether you're part of our local government or just someone who believes in fostering unity through music - let's make Springfield known for its commitment towards PLUR by establishing an EDM community and festival here.

Please sign this petition if you believe that everyone deserves access to communities where they feel loved and respected; communities that can save lives just like mine was saved by EDM.