Artists and activists working for social change often work in isolation from each other. Earthdance and the Harriet Project, a youth advocacy/social change organization, are working in partnership to address the need for cross-cultural, intergenerational dialog and leadership training in Western MA. The Harriet Tubman Healthy Living Project deepens skills in ecological research, critical thinking, dance-making and physical health, contemplative practices, and intercultural communication. Everyone who attends the conference - youth and adults - will have the opportunity to facilitate and present. Through network and exchange, we can be a part of buildng a stronger foundation for healthy community growth
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The 2008 Conference offers:
empowered community
HTHLC brings together intergenerational artists
and activists from Holyoke, Springfield, Amherst+ Northampton. Who has the power- we do! HTHLC is about being together, sharing our struggles and making life-time connections.
critical thinking
+ creative expression HTHLC is designed to challenge you to think + play your hardest. Each of us will come with a certain truth- a truth to speak, examine and take to the next level. We will play with these truths by means of creative expression-poetry, spoken word, music, dance and presentation.
live feedback for leadership skills No punches pulled, everyone at the conference-is the conference. Live feedback means time out for group communication and problem solving. We become strong leaders when we address issues at hand and gain skills in negotiating. HTHLC focuses on the greater good and the ability to take your skills back to ‘the real world.'
Conference Expanded: This time, we’ve got a whole week to experiment!
Wilderness Skills Component with RAVENWOOD FARM: Yes, we will be camping, kindling outdoor fires and engaging in wilderness-survival skills with the kind folks at Ravenwood Freedom Farm. The Farm is in the surrounding neighborhood near the Earthdance Retreat Center Facility.
Youth Track Teaching + Presentation: Youth are encouraged to present with several stipend spots being held for Youth Track facilitaors.
New Participants: We are keeping space for our core community and we are reaching out to other youth organization’s seeking new participants. Some new adults with skills to share wil be present, along with returning adults from last year.
