As parents, particularly during the tumultuous year of 2020, our children observed our actions and reactions closely. They absorbed our words and silences alike. The tragic events surrounding the death of George Floyd prompted my 15-year-old son to ask difficult questions, like “What will happen to the officers involved?” When news of Breonna Taylor’s death reached me, my heart ached not only for her family but also for the future of my young daughters. I found myself worrying about their safety in a world that can be so cruel.
This anxiety was evident in our home. At family dinners, we engaged in discussions about racism and the profound loss experienced by families like Breonna’s. We marched together, our children joining us in protests, making statements that held weight beyond their understanding but recognizing their responsibility in this movement.
Every one of us has a part to play, both as parents and as citizens. This is the message that Ava, CEO of EcoArt Corp—a “Creative Hub”—and her daughter, Mia, founder of the youth arts nonprofit, Creative Change, aim to convey. Recently, we had a conversation about why the mission of their nonprofit is so essential today.
Reflecting on my talk with Ava and Mia, I was reminded that even in our toughest moments, we can contribute to a better world. Ava’s journey began in the 90s with her eco-conscious fashion brand, Green Threads. Her commitment to sustainability inspired Mia, who says, “Growing up with a focus on eco-friendly living (thanks to my mom), I realized we needed to intertwine art with environmentalism. I founded Creative Change in college to create a platform that merges activism and art.”
Mia’s mother, Ava, authored a book titled ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Eco-Friendly World, which Mia is currently narrating for an audiobook. Through Ava’s example, Mia found her calling in sustainability and art education, leading to the establishment of Creative Change.
Creative Change’s mission revolves around educating youth through the lens of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging them to produce original artistic works. “We believe that creativity and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are vital for mobilizing young people to tackle global challenges, including inequality, climate change, and social justice,” their website states.
The objective of Creative Change is clear: to harness our collective voices and talents to inspire social and environmental transformation. It’s crucial to include our children in this journey, as they will inherit the world we shape.
In the upcoming weeks, Creative Change will launch a curriculum designed to equip youth with the knowledge and tools to comprehend the societal issues affecting our communities. These complimentary sessions will be led by impact artists focused on education, empowerment, and creativity. Starting January 14th, this six-week program will be held virtually, adapting from in-person sessions to continue uplifting young voices through art.
Mia shares her favorite quote by Bertolt Brecht: “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.” She emphasizes that art influences our narratives and culture, healing us and allowing children to articulate feelings they may not fully understand. “Art is a powerful medium for communication,” she adds.
Creative Change fosters a community where children can express themselves healthily and use their art as a tool for activism. This summer, COVID-19 permitting, they will collaborate with a performing arts camp in New York, inviting kids aged 7-17 to discover their voices and understand their importance in the world.
In these chaotic times, our children’s senses are often overwhelmed. However, as Mia reminds us, art has the power to heal. In my household, I’ve seen firsthand how it encourages imagination and helps kids process their emotions. By encouraging creativity, we equip our children with the tools necessary to navigate the uncertainties of today and the future they will create for themselves.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this resource on pregnancy. You can also find valuable information on fertility options from Make a Mom, which provides essential tools for aspiring parents. To learn more about our mission, visit our blog.
Search Queries:
- Importance of arts education
- Nonprofits supporting youth arts
- Benefits of creativity in children
- How to engage kids in activism
- Resources for sustainable youth programs
Summary:
The article emphasizes the critical role of arts education in today’s world, particularly through the work of Creative Change, a nonprofit founded by Mia and her mother Ava. They aim to educate youth about social issues through artistic expression and align their mission with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The nonprofit will soon launch a virtual curriculum to empower young voices, illustrating the power of art as a tool for healing and activism.
Leave a Reply