Mission: Changing Worlds’ mission is to foster inclusive communities through oral history, writing and art programs that improve student learning, affirm identity and enhance cross-cultural understanding.
Target demographics: grades K-12, teachers, and community members
Programs: After-school program: arts & cultural connections program (acc)changing worlds partner community organizations and schools with teaching artists to explore culture through dance, drama or visual art during after-school hours. Its integrated approach provides students with rich exposure to one or more cultures while developing valuable artistic skills. Residency options include drawing and painting, digital photography, murals, drama, african dance, samba, bomba, hip hop and much more. The acc program is available for 1st-12th grade students and is customized to meet the cultural and artistic interests of the school.
in-school program: arts, cultural & literacy connections program (acl)changing worlds partner schools with teaching artists and literacy specialists in the classroom and pairs art-making and writing to explore "big ideas" that enhance students' learning in the arts and other academic content areas. The acl program is offered to 3rd-8th grade students and is designed to meet the academic, cultural and artistic interests of the school.
community outreach initiativeschanging worlds traveling exhibit follows the journeys of chicago immigrant and refugee families through their stories of change, cultural traditions and dreams for the future. Family nights enable families to discover unexpected connections through the celebration of family history, culture and heritage. Incorporating writing and story-telling experiences, each family will create a project that is meaningful to them.
After hearing of the mission of Changing Worlds, I made it a point to learn more about the organization and realized that their mission was closely aligned with that of my University (Roosevelt University) and my own personal beliefs. I met with the Executive Director to discuss the possibility of becoming involved and am now a board member.
At a time when Chicago is seeing more diversity in its schools and its communities but less tolerance and understanding of these diverse cultures, Changing Worlds is taking the lead as an organization that is trying to address this problem. Changing Worlds effectively uses the Arts and Oral Histories to help students and community members understand not only their own culture and roots but the culture of others. They highlight not the differences but the similarities that we all share. With knowledge comes an acceptance of "different" and a curiosity that brings people together. Most importantly, Changing Worlds not only provides these services but this dedicated group of professionals also train teachers to continue this work when they are gone.
This is a wonderful organization and I am proud and honored to serve on its board.