Confronting Conflict with Purpose
Written by Sharon Cecil
Our youth are creative strategists. They want their world to be a safer place to live. The frightening statistics affecting them today regarding vulnerability to poverty, hunger, homelessness and violence are NOT acceptable.
The answer is not easy but together we can find the right pieces.
There are no simple or easy solutions to the anguish being seen around the world. Yet, young people are eager to help bring about change by confronting conflict through art.
When working with young people, it is imperative they are in an environment where they can feel safe. The youth open up and are extremely honest with their feelings in a relaxed, safe, informal setting.
Recently, discussions have been geared toward how youth feel about attitudes in their world. They are seeing a shift to a culture of violence and hatred and want to offer young people options to express their discontent, anger and fear.
Artistic outlet for health and healing
There are definite benefits between health, healing and art. James W. Pennebaker, PhD is a professor of Psychology at the University of Texas, Austin. Dr. Pennebaker has done extensive research on Writing to Heal. In his book Writing to Heal–A guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma & Emotional Upheaval Dr. Pennebaker states, “the simple act of expressing your thoughts and feelings about emotionally challenging experiences on paper is proven to speed your recovery and improve your mental and physical health.”
We Survive designs programming that concentrate on health and wellness from all disciplines. With the Creative Expression program, “There are so many different approaches to mental and physical healing. Writing and the arts offer many choices for you to express yourself. By releasing your emotions through some form of medium, you can improve your health.”
Hope through creative healing, Courier Journal 12-9-2014, “We all benefit when dreams take precedence over fears. When possibilities take precedence over probabilities. When we choose love over fear.”—Nikki Giovanni, one of the best known African American poets
All forms of art have been used throughout history. Researchers continue to explore the benefits to health and healing. The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature—US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. “This review explores the relationship between engagement with the creative arts and health outcomes, specifically the health effects of music engagement, visual arts therapy, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing.”
We Survive’s Portrayal of Hope provides a platform for voices to be heard through artistic talent. It is an opportunity to take action NOW to show the world there is HOPE for the Future.
EDUCATION is the KEY to Understanding
Sunshine Joe Mallard – one of American’s premier Creative Embroidery craftsmen for more than 40 years
We may not comprehend that poverty can be an entanglement of multiple circumstances. As we send messages of inspiration and hope around the world, We Survive and “Sunshine” Joe Mallard (one of American’s premier Creative Embroidery craftsmen) would like to see you incorporate HOPE into your daily lives and reach out to your community, city and the world at large bringing awareness on the issues of poverty.
If you need help in developing ideas and or need support for your Portrayal of Hope project, please contact lightfest@wesurvive.org
Together we will change lives!
Portrayal of Hope
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