People around the United States are finding meaningful ways to honor lives lost or injured due to gunfire through art and community. If you are also the one who wants to know How to Start Your Own Soul Box Project then this guide is for you.
The Soul Box project is a national initiative that invites individuals and groups to create hand folded paper boxes that represent those affected by gun violence. Each box stands for a single life lost or injured through gunfire whether from violence, suicide, defense or accident.
Start Your Own Soul Box Project
The Soul Box Project was based in Portland, Oregon. It is a community based art initiative created by artist Leslie Lee in response to escalating gun violence. This project goal is to help people connect emotionally with the human impact of gunfire in the US.
Each soul box is traditionally an origami fold and the visual effect of hundreds or thousands of boxes displayed together gives emotional weight. This project is not limited to one place or one group. People across the US have participated in Soul Box creation, events and community exhibits.
The Soul Box Project 2026 Overview
| Post Title | How to Start Your Own Soul Box Project |
| Country | USA |
| Project Name | Soul Box Project |
| Purpose | To raise awareness about gunfire deaths and injuries |
| What You Create | Hand folded soul boxes |
| Who Can Join? | Individuals, schools, community groups |
| Materials needed | Paper, markers and simple supplies |
| Category | Latest News |
How to Start a Soul Box Project
Step 1: Learn the Mission: Visit https://soulboxproject.org/ to understand the project purpose. The focus is on human impact and public awareness of gunfire deaths and injuries.
Step 2: Gather Basic Materials: People do not need expensive items to begin a Soul Box project. At minimum they need a sheet of papers, pens or markers and a clean space to fold quietly.
Step 3: Fold First Soul Box: Follow simple origami folds to create a small box and each box will represent one person affected by gun violence. People may write a name, date or other detail on a box if they are honoring a specific life. People can visit the official https://soulboxproject.org/ portal to check how to fold the soul box.
Step 4: Personalize Each Box: Participants can write tributes, draw pictures or add personal elements inside or on their soul boxes. These details can make each box unique.
Step 5: Organize a Group Event: People can also invite others to join in folding Soul Boxes, Group sessions can be held at schools, churches, community centers or libraries.
Step 6: Create a Display: Once people have folded many Soul Boxes then they can consider them displaying publicly. People can set up a panel, exhibition or tabletop display that visually shares the impact of gun violence.
Step 7: Share with a Branch: The Soul Box project has branches across the US. People can connect with them and share their boxes and they can even become a registered branch to expand impact in the community.
Step 8: Expand Beyond One Event: A Soul Box Project can grow with annual events, school projects or community collaborations.
How To Become a Soul Box Branch
The SoulBox Project allows individuals and organizations to become part of its national network by registering as an official branch. To become a branch, interested participants must submit a request only via the official Soul Box project portal.
When submitting a branch request, applicants are asked to provide full name, primary contact, email address for communication, shipping address, organization name, state and country and social media handles or website. Applicants are also asked to share how they first heard about the Soul Box project.
Applicants are also asked about why they want to become part of the project and how they plan to respect the project mission and their willingness to participate. Applicants are also asked to briefly describe how they plan to incorporate the project into their work. The registration request also asks whether the applicant has taken any prior action related to raising awareness about gun violence.
FAQs
What is a Soul Box Project?
A Soul Box project is a simple origami box folded to represent a life lost or injured due to gun violence.
Where can people get instructions to fold a Soul Box?
The Soul Box Project official portal includes DIY toolkits and folding guides.
Who started the Soul Box Project in the US?
Artist Leslie Lee created the Soul Box Project in response to the gun violence epidemic in 2017.
Who can participate in the SoulBox Project?
Anyone whether they are individuals, families, school, community groups or artists can participate in the SoulBox Project.
Where can people learn more on the Soul Box Project in the US?
People can learn more on the Soul Box Project in the US via official https://soulboxproject.org/ portal.
