projects

I Am a Seed of New Sudan VoiceItUp.com   I Am a Seed of New Sudan I Am a Seed of New Sudan is a story of hope and resilience in response to devastation and loss.  It is just one story of many of “The Lost Boys of Sudan,” thousands of boys who walked out of Sudan to safety during the country’s second civil war.  It tells of a beautiful country and a wonderful culture that have suffered many years of destruction.  It envisions a path forward to reunite and rebuild in a spirit of peace. Whendi is working with Jürküch Jameswal Atem, one of the so-called “Lost Boys of Sudan,” to publish a picture book, audio CD, website, and curriculum about Sudan. Among the goals of the project are: To share Jürküch’s story and raise awareness about Sudan To initiate inquiry regarding peace and justice To develop ideas for teaching and learning across the curriculum for all ages To inspire collective action for change and rebuilding in Sudan The initiative: Provides an introduction to Sudan through History, Social Studies, Language Arts, Art, and Music Illuminates connections among children around the world Inspires interest and inquiry about other cultures Shares a Hero’s Journey of an African boy to bolster self-esteem in African and African-American youth Emphasizes the importance of education – both formally and informally – to motivate students Calls to the fore the possibility of learning to live in peace, love and cooperation Helps people to explore openly issues of conflict and conflict resolution Elucidates the situation in Sudan and proposes strategies for supporting positive change Reframes the story of “The Lost Boys” to “Seeds of New Sudan” This project will include: Picture book for all ages Audio CD with a narration of the story, Dinka language, songs, and drumming Dinka language pronunciation guide Exercises for reading maps and developing visual literacy Fact sheet on Sudan with glossary of terms Writing prompts and creative writing exercises Curricula for various ages including action-learning activities Presentations and workshops with Jürküch Jameswal Atem and Whendi   VoiceItUp.com Voice It Up is a project initiated by the young women in Whendi’s doctoral research. This website will be a forum for dialogue to share in critical, conscious and creative exchange with others concerned about social problems and transformation. It will also be an avenue where people can post original writing, music, art and photography that promotes the kind of culture we wish to see in the world. Voice It Up will prompt people to challenge the status quo, pose problems to focus on, present questions for further research, and implement strategies for change.  It will celebrate the solidarity and progress made through grassroots efforts around the world.

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Vantage Video

[This project is currently on hold.]

With each creative act we have the choice to perpetuate the status quo, or to create culture.  We can passively accept what we see and hear in the world, or we can challenge and change it.  Music videos are short, powerful vehicles to share stories and shape social discourse.

Vantage Video advances culture on two levels – first, by using music video as a vehicle to vision the kind of society we want to live in… and second, by donating proceeds from sales of these videos to support organizations working for social change.

Khenuta  
In support of The Khenuta Project

The Khenuta Project is an arts and education initiative facilitating conscientization and empowerment through programs that help young people think critically, consciously and creatively in working for social justice.  Khenuta embraces tradition and innovation in creating a culture of peace, love and justice.

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Get It to You   
In support of Silver Lake Conference Center 

Silver Lake is home to the Outdoor Ministries programs of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.  It has served youth groups, church groups, schools, non-profits and other organizations for over 50 years.  Silver Lake offers vibrant camp experiences for thousands of youth, helping to shape spirited leaders and community-builders.

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Just Peace   
In support of Three Dot Dash

Three Dot Dash was inspired by the late 13-year-old poet and peacemaker Mattie J.T. Stepanek. It is a global initiative of the We Are Family Foundation to support Global Teen Leaders in promoting a more peaceful society by addressing issues related to basic human needs: food, water, health, shelter, safety, education and the environment.

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