Images & Voices of Hope - Media as an Agent for World Benefit

I just came back from experiencing four days at the Images and Voices of Hope (IVOH), World Media Summit - Mind Full Media, in the Catskills of New York. This was an amazing group of about 50 people that included – broadcast, print, photo and digital journalist; artist - musicians, singers, poets and writers. There were people from other walks of life – students, educators – people concerned about the adverse impact the media is having on people all over the world. This eclectic group of people are committed to IVOH’s Mission - "To expand awareness of the choices those in media make that raise public trust, generate constructive meaning and amplify human hope, enhancing humanity’s capacity for life-promoting action".

Anyone who knows me or is exposed to my work knows I am an unapologetic, unwavering optimist – so I thought. Recently events around the world have influenced me – I let what I perceived to be  “reality”, based on what I was seeing, reading and hearing from the abundant media channels and forms, cast a shadow over my light. I forgot these images and voices were not mine, and did not tell the wonderful stories of people and communities who were doing amazing things in the face of the chaos and confusion in our world. This special gathering in the Catskills lifted me up. I was once again in the mist of what I call DreamMakers - people who hold onto their vision and values in the face of adversity. I was amongst people who sing, dance and love in appreciation of life – no matter the circumstances.

These beautiful people are committed to shinning the light on people and events so we can see the whole of life - not just the violence and destruction. They are not people who wear rose-colored glasses; they have a clear grasp of current reality. Many of them have witnessed and reported the unimaginable devastation caused by of war, conflict and natural disasters. However, in the face of horror and heartbreak they also found the courage to discover and spotlight the beauty and resilience of people around the world. These voices and images of hope inspired me.

A lot happened at this Mind Full Media Summit. We engaged in dialogue and debate; we paused regularly to reflect and breathe; we learned from one another, shared our stories and ideas and we explored solutions together. At times it was intense and at times we laughed, danced and sang together.

Everyone there had made a significant contribution to society.  There were no “speakers” people shared their ideas and stories through panels, small groups and informal conversations. I hesitate to single out people because I was touched by so many, and the energy of the collective group created a special energy field. However, I want you to get a taste of the quality of people who contributed their gifts and came there to learn and engage with all of us:

• Roberta Baskin, Investigative Journalist who has won more than 75 journalism awards including three Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Journalism Awards, two George Foster Peabody Awards, the Investigative and Editors Award, the Radio-Television News Directors Edward R. Murrow Award and numerous Emmys. Impressive as her accomplishments are, what struck me most was the number of many people who talked about how she positively influenced their lives.

• Sonali Samarasinghe Wickrematunge, the renowned print and digital Journalist from Sri Lanka. Sonali is the Editor–in Chief of Lankastandard.com. Sonali has faced tremendous challenges including her husband’s murder by government-sponsored assassins in her country, which resulted in her having to flee Sri Lanka to protect her life. In the face of this horror she has never given up the fight for justice and freedom and she eloquently challenged all of us at the Summit to do the same – once again I was moved and inspired.

• Stephenson Olsson, documentary Filmmaker and founder of Link TV. He produced Global Spirit for Link TV and PBS stations. One Through Love, a TV series on the life and teachings of the Sufi mystical poet HZ. Jalaluddin Rumi. I have been in love with Rumi’s teachings for many years.

• Nick Buettner, Executive Producer & Co- Founder of Quest – the acclaimed, ground breaking educational program that integrates technology with classrooms allowing students to interact with scientist and global leaders around the world. His work resonates with me because I believe in the endless opportunities and possibilities that open to us, when we are exposed to different views and perspectives of people around the world - a requirement for the development of critical thinking.

• Sekou Andrews, A poet who traveled the route of the Underground Railroad to raise funds for the families of the fallen firefighters of 9/11. Andrews is a two-time winner of the National Poetry Slam championship and has shared the stage with artist including Jay-Z, Steve Wonder, Carlos Santana and Maroon 5. He was featured in ABC World News, MSMBC and Good Morning America, HBO and MTV. I admire his passion, poetry and his generosity. Living in NYC through 9/11, my heart hurts for the first responders who continue to bear the physical and emotional ramifications caused by working to save lives at ground zero. I can’t imagine the heartache they must feel from being abandoned by our society, left with no health coverage or support.

• Phillip Martin, Senior Investigative Reporter, WGBH and Executive Producer of Lifted Veils, Inc., a non-profit public radio journalism company dedicated to exploring the issues that divide and unite society. As a Black American that has lived and traveled many places around the world, I know that human beings have far more in common than we differ. Phillip’s work resonates with me on a very personal level.

• Gayatri Naraine, Spiritual Writer, Educator and Speaker. She is The Brahma Kumaries’ representative to the United Nations and the co-author of the book, Something Beyond Greatness – Conversations with a Man of Science and a Woman of God. Gayatri is an amazing woman whose mere presence inspires me.

• Mark Nepo, Poet & philosopher, a New York Times #1 bestseller author, his most recent book is Far As the Heart Can See. Mark is a cancer survivor who opened his heart and showered us with love, beauty and stirring poetry.

• Susi Melgaard, a young lady from Denmark who is attending the Kaospiolot School. Their mission is -  "To qualify the student vocationally as well as personally to thrive interdependently by developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes as pro-active learners, value-based leaders and sustainable entrepreneurs, for the benefit of themselves and society as a whole". Their vision - 
To be the best school for the world. Students compete to get accepted to this unique school by proposing a highly innovative project that contributes to society. Susi’s vision is a floating ship – The Arc of Art (and Life) that houses 500 people from diverse interest – art, science, technology, education … The ship will simulate a society and demonstrate what is possible when a community of people bring their gifts and skills together for the good of the whole. Her vision also includes offering workshops and exhibits to the communities where the ship comes into port. Susi, a young student, has the courage to dream big! I have no doubt that she will turn her dream into reality.

We were also treated to incredible gifts of artist including Michael Fitzpatrick, the acclaimed cellist, 5-string electric-cellist and recipient of the Prince Charles award for outstanding musicianship. He has been working with the Dalai Lama on a Compassion Rising Project for the past 14 years. Michael and his organization, Millenia Music, is committed - “To providing healing music and music-for-peace to humanity”- his performance was an outpouring of God.

There are so many “pockets of hope” all over our world. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the mainstream media found the courage to share the real life stories of hope and inspiration? But we don’t have to wait for the traditional mainstream media, WE, you and I, can share stories of people working to create a beautiful world against tremendous obstacles.  We can share these inspiring stories with our children around the dinner table, we can talk about them in our work and we can use our social networks to spread the good news. I am convinced that people are hungry for good news. That is why I am committed to -  And The Good News Is… Thoughts and stories of people dreaming a new future and transforming their lives in spite of the chaos and confusion in our world. 

May all your beautiful hopes and dreams come true!

Michele
Transformation Catalyst
www.dreammakers.org

Transformation Catalyst - Putting Vision and Values To Work
Cell: (646) 361-8369
Office: (212) 333-2112 or (313) 396-3950
Email:  michelemariehunt@gmail.com
Skype address: michelemariehunt
Website: www.dreammakers.org
Blog: www.michelehunt.blogspot.com

Author of DreamMakers: Putting Vision & Values To Work,
Foreword by Max De Pree, Former Chairman and CEO of Herman Miller, Inc.
and DreamMakers: Agentes de Transformação