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For centuries, artists have created work that explores, reflects on--- and advocates for--- social issues. Art offers powerful opportunities to express our common humanity,
challenge assumptions, spark conversation, connect diverse people, inspire wonder, imagine new solutions, and promote action for positive change. Music, dance, the visual arts, film, theater, and writing can also inspire empathy, which is why they have always played a role in social justice movements; art shifts the way people think about the world. Especially for youth, doing art can be a powerful way to give voice to their passions.
--- Jenny Friedman,
Executive Director
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Prime your young artists (and your whole family!) to express themselves by seeing how other artists have used their skills to make a difference.
- Share examples of creativity that's tied to a cause:
- Walk through a museum or gallery together and choose a few pieces that catch your eye. Practice empathy by imagining what the artist was trying to convey. Do the same when listening to music, watching a movie, viewing public art, or reading a book. Think too about what is going on for the subject of the work. When we begin to understand how someone else is feeling and how they might experience life differently, it encourages understanding--- and (when needed) can motivate us to search for innovative ways to help.
- DGT has all sorts of artistic activities that kids can do to make the world a better place by spreading kindness or raising awareness about issues that matter to them.
- Talk as a family about what injustices most concern you, whether in your own community or across the globe. Imagine how your family might use its artistic skills to inspire change. Then share your story with us!
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Start a conversation about creative expression and advocacy.
- Think about the books, movies, photographs, or paintings you've experienced. Which ones do you still remember and think about? Why do you think they made such a big impression?
- What is your favorite creative activity? (drawing? painting? writing? sculpting? movie making? music?) How can you use this to advocate for a cause you care about?
- Art is a powerful way to tell your story (or someone else's), and such stories are essential for social change. What story might you tell with your art?
- Is it sometimes hard to share your art with others? Why or why not?
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Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle. Ages 4 and up. The inspirational story of how one little girl changed the world through her passion for drumming. Beautiful, vibrant illustrations.
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"The arts empower. The arts give a voice to the voiceless. The arts help transform American communities and, as I often say, the result can be a better child, a better town, a better nation and certainly a better world. Let's champion our arts action heroes, emulate them and make our communities everything we want them to be."
~ Robert L. Lynch, President, Americans for the Arts
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Doing Good Together is now training volunteers to lead a "kindness club" for their school, youth group or scout troop. Our carefully developed materials can help you coach a fun, meaningful kindness club for world-changing kids near you!
Learn more or sign up today
to connect with our new Just Be Kind program.
Looking for a simple way to share kindness tips with families in your school or faith group? Consider including our
free kindness and service ideas in your newsletter or website.
Our new "Service and Smiles Kindness Tips" offers one fun tip for each week of the school year, September 2019 to May 2020. You'll find service projects, kindness cues, and other simple ideas that teach children about giving, caring, and compassion. It's free--- just acknowledge Doing Good Together™ as the source! Sign up at our
Service and Smiles web page
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Calling all Twin Citians! YOU'RE INVITED to our one-of-a-kind Festival of Giving. You'll find service projects for your family to complete, plus family activities about mindfulness, and environmental awareness. Enjoy multicultural performances, fair food, and a giant kindness art installation you can be part of! It's a great opportunity for your family to celebrate generosity, kindness, and giving back. Sunday, September 22, noon to 4pm, Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis. For more information, visit our Festival of Giving page - or purchase tickets through Eventbrite.
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Doing Good Together is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that provides information and support to help people raise compassionate and socially conscious children through family volunteerism.
Copyright © 2019 Doing Good Together
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