markers of imbalance

Often times opportunities arise that allow you to make a real difference.  Sometimes decisions must be made to set other things aside so that the change can occur.  As a keynote speaker, my business depends on booking events. I measure each event by the value for my client. If I can make a real difference then I book the event. This summer I have set aside six weeks from potentially more profitable events to work with the Center for Arts Inspired Learning in Cleveland. C.A.I.L. has an award winning program called ‘Artworks’, which offers students a chance to work in the arts creating community outreach projects and be paid an hourly wage who learning valuable workforce skills.

I was asked to be the Master Teaching Artist for the Theatre cooperative. On my first day I realized I was working with a special group of students who wanted to change the world for the better. I asked them what they wanted to achieve this summer and what could we do with theatre to reach those goals. Very quickly present day social issues became the topic. Black Lives Matter, LGBT Marriage, Religious Freedom, and Gender Equality were the topics of choice for these 14-17 year old kids. After breaking it down we realized the overall theme was “Equality.” We set about creating a theatrical piece called “We Matter: Our Future Leader’s Perspective on Today’s Issues.” The program, produced and directed by the students under my guidance, will be a free performance at the Cleveland Public Library in the end of July. 

I must say hearing these kids talk about the future and what they plan on creating, I am inspired with a very optimistic view of things to come. They see a future filled with equality and peppered with opportunity. I truly feel that this may be one of the most important works I may be involved with in my lifetime. So let me ask you. What are you doing that makes a difference? If you don't make a difference, who will? If you want to make a difference, when is NOW a good time to make one? Take action with small differences that matter.