Amplifying Voices for Racial Equity in MD-DC-VA
About
In 2017 Montgomery County's Police reported an 26% increase in bias incidents compared to the prior year. Of the incidents reported, roughly half were motivated by bias toward religion and half were motivated by bias toward a race or ethnicity. Story Tapestries took this report as a call to action and collaborated with other local organizations, including the Strathmore and Impact Silver Spring, to call upon our wide networks of concerned individuals to begin meeting and form a Task Force.
Need
An increase in bias incidents and hate crimes, in particular related to youth, has created a volatile environment in Montgomery County schools and communities. Children and adults alike live in fear of sharing their own stories and struggle to advocate for themselves and those they care about. Language, cultural and economic barriers can create a sensation of distance and separation. The arts break down these barriers, honoring our uniqueness while connecting us, highlighting our commonalities.
Long term impact
Workshops create a non-judgmental space in which participants are comfortable to share their experiences, perspectives and feelings. The facilitator and teaching artist give children and adults tools to appropriately handle conflicts, advocate for their needs and become more compassionate listeners. Art breaks down barriers and creates safe spaces to express emotions in ways that other strategies do not. Art becomes a part of the solution to the social-emotional problems communities are facing.
About the Organization
Mission: To use the arts as a powerful tool to create accessible, open spaces and opportunities for individuals to reach their highest potential and to work together for a more inclusive community. Story Tapestries accomplishes this by: providing innovative, custom-designed performances, workshops and hands-on community and educational experiences; designing programs that develop skills, connect individuals, elevate diverse voices and celebrate youth, families, adults, and seniors; and engaging and impacting individuals where they live, work and thrive. Vision: To give individuals access to tools and resources that use the arts as a vital form of communication for expression, skills development, enhancement of community connections and celebration of unique voices and stories. Value Statement: With a respect for the needs of those supporting and collaborating with the organization, Story Tapestries strives to bring fiscally responsible, innovative, culturally-sensitive programming to all generations.
EIN
GlobalGiving Categories:
- Racial Justice
- Justice and Human Rights
Total Goal
Remaining Goal
What is a Project?
Domestic and international programs and services housed within organizations, addressing specific needs of community groups.