Mission: To ignite imagination and connection to address community challenges!
Why: “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.” UTC team inspired by Mary Jane Burke, Superintendent, Marin County, CA
Where: Education – Environment – Health – Poverty
How:
- By asking the question “What needs to be healed in your community?”
- By helping each participant to identify what “Brings them joy”
- By co-creating inspiring images of what’s possible, unleashing the community genius to take action
- By implementing Nature-centered, Project-based Learning and Arts Integration Programs in communities around the nation and globe
- By training teachers and parents in a ten-step program, outlined in the book, Beating the Odds Now! by UTC founder, Laurie Marshall. Simple, low-cost steps to help prepare young people and their families for the 21st Century
- By making jobs for low-income youth
- By linking various organizations and people together
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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
Detail of the Cherry Singing Tree of Gratitude, made by 800 people in inner city Pittsburgh, PA, with 5th graders taking the lead!