The 21st Singing Tree – Redwood Singing Tree of Biodiversity by A.P. Giannini Middle School in San Francisco
You’ve come to the place where we turn odds into advantages through the power of creativity and community. How can we beat the odds so our children will thrive?
Unity Through Creativity – a 501 c(3) non-profit, ignites imagination and connections to address community challenges through educational and arts programs. It was founded by Laurie Marshall in 2001.
“Thank you for your devotion to the children and to the cause of consciousness. We need more like you.”
Edgar Mitchell, 6th astronaut to step on the moon, founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences
Unity Through Creativity addresses the 4 most important odds of today!!!!!!
HEALTH –
Our focus on health begins with a wholistic approach to prevention of disease, starting with healthy food production, healthy exercise and healthy community. With these supports in place, the natural human inclination to grow and learn flourishes. Therefore our programs are rooted in permaculture, movement and creative community building. We also have direct connections to hospitals and hospices, bringing the creative arts to relieve stress and speed healing.
ENVIRONMENT -
Respected climatologists have observed dangerous signs of climate change. Studies show that our planet faces perilous environmental consequences to the health of our biosphere. We use the arts to tell the story of humanity’s urgent need to demonstrate good stewardship and care for the earth through awareness of Nature’s capacity to regenerate through the principles of Permaculture.
Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million. TODAY we ARE at 392! We are including .350 in our artwork.
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EDUCATION -
We shift the educational paradigm from the Industrial model to the Ecological model, where creative problem solving, constant assessment, collaboration and communication solve the real problems of the 21st century. Those problems are the curriculum and these processes promote the love of learning that is every child’s birthright. See our Beating the Odds Now approach.
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POVERTY
1.7 billion people in 104 countries living on less than $1.25 a day is unacceptable. 27 million people working in forced labor and as slaves is unacceptable. 40 million people living below the poverty level in the U.S. is unacceptable. We want a world that works for all, where each person’s talent and brilliance can contribute to the well-being of the human family. Entrepreneurial genius lies in the community, with help from outside support. Our envisioning process helps spark creative, sustainable actions that lead to self-sufficiency.
OUR DREAMS:
1. “We want for all of the children of the world what we want for our own children – to find their spark and to have the tools and the courage to beat any odds they encounter.” Inspired by Mary Jane Burke, Superintendent of Marin County Schools, California
2. Prepare the next generation to thrive in a world with unprecedented problems by finding unprecedented solutions now!
3. Unleash the creative intelligence of the communities to envision possibilities and spark actions in beating the odds
Shayla, Angel Project
OUR GOALS (by 2014):
1. Roll out Beating the Odds and Safe & Caring programs in 7 US school districts: 2100 teachers and 35,000 students!
2. Deliver community collaborative projects that would touch over 70,000 people and would help envision and realize new possibilities in areas of Education – Environment – Health – Poverty
3. Provide 60+ jobs for at risk/at possibility youth in CA, CO, PA
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“You (UTC) are amazing. I enjoyed the Homewood Healing Angel’s Reunion like you can’t believe. My hope and faith are revitalized. You need to come to my school. I need you to help my teachers remember why they are teachers. You will light that fire tin their hearts. You are a gifted healer and I’m so glad you are coming to my district. I am selfish. I want you for my school. I need you to be a part of my kids lives like you are a part of the kids last night. Together we can make more of a foundation and offer a lifelong support for them. It would make my time there much more worthwhile. ” from a Principal, Uniontown, PA
“Thank you for all you do. Go forth and conquer.” Daniel Pink, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
“The project that all of you were involved in, “The Singing Tree”, was so emotional and inspiring for me to see. I painted a couple of the pieces for the mural and it made me feel so very important and involved. If our world could be like the singing tree world, we would all be very blessed and happy. If we keep the thoughts and idea alive in our hearts and our soul, our world can be a singing tree life.” Rick Hunckler, Colorado
Wow – I love this mission and your new website!!!! Unity Through Creativity will surely make a difference in the lives of many!!! Kudos and much love and success! I look forward to a Singing Tree project here in Asheville, NC… I am dreaming on it! Love and GodSpeed!!!! Jean Elizabeth, Asheville, NC
Absolutely awesome Laurie, all of it. And may the roots of inspiration from these trees spread around the world and bring the fruit of creativity to all who participate in the process and all who see. Out world is a better place for the seeds you sow. You have a wonderful gift as a teaching artist and we all thank you for sharing it. Jo Sinclair – Visual Artist / Teaching Artist.
Two wonderful possible collaborators… http://www.artmonastery.org are meeting this Sunday at The Rickshaw in SF and their Artmonk Project work fits so well with what you are doing. Please contact Betsy and Christopher. Secondly, The Charter for Compassion Network has a leader in SF and he would be such an asset for development…His name is Wade Hudson and his email is Wade@wadehudson.net. No need to hesitate. I so wish I were also there to lend a hand. Should a window appear for a moment, I will not hesitate either. Wonderful work from a wonderful soul Laurie. Many blessings to you.
Hi, John,
I just found this comment by you. How weird is that. I will follow up on your suggestions. I appreciate your warm response to my work, John, and hope all is well with you and your family.
Laurie
I am deeply inspired. I have been looking for ways to spread friendship and peace in my part of the world, with much emphasis on kindness. I believe that sticks burn quickly, but put a lot of sticks and you have a bonfire that will burn all night long. And so each individual, added to the others, creates great movement toward peace for all.