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The premise behind an Images & Voices of Hope conversation is that in any situation there are an infinite number of stories that can be told, each with its own set of possibilities and consequences.  The question that faces those of us in media is "how can we write, create or present stories that are the most beneficial for the greatest number of people?"  Learn more

IMAGES & VOICES GATHERING: Miami, FL - by Meredith Porte

November 30, 2009

SEEDS OF INSPIRATION

Thirty people participated in an Images and Voices of Hope conversation in Miami on November 30, 2009. The theme, Seeds of Inspiration, was intended to help the participants see how going within to reflect on one's work could be of great benefit in doing stories that impact society.

The gathering took place at the home of Fred and Jen Toplak Spiegel. Jen, a physician who had left the medical profession to pursue painting, had recently shown and talked about her art work at the Images and Voices Summit. She shared how coming to previous Images and Voices of Hope conversations had inspired her to create paintings that would bring people closer to nature.

The program featured El Nuevo/Miami Herald columnist Daniel Shoer Roth who talked about his commitment to writing stories that inspire change in the community. One particular story was about an orchestra that was giving free music lessons to Haitian children. The public school where the lessons were held began to charge rent to the orchestra which could not afford to pay the rent. When Daniel wrote a story about this, the school reversed its policy. Daniel told how much pleasure it gave him to see that he could help change things through his work in journalism.

Gopi Patel, who is the Coordinator of the International Youth Forum for the Brahma Kumaris, also spoke to the group. Her message was about the great changes that are happening in the media. Journalists should not be afraid of what they see as losses, but try to look forward and see the newness that is emerging out of what looks like collapse. Some of the journalists in the room whose careers have been with traditional media shared how these changes were personally affecting their lives and work.

The conversation also centered on what was giving people enthusiasm and energy in their lives. Many of the participants talked about their meaningful and interesting work. The event concluded with Veronica McHugh who conducted the reflection. Everyone was invited to take a few minutes to go within and think about what newness they might bring to their life and work in the coming months.

One person who attended the conversation for the first time wrote back with this response, "What a moving experience Monday night was. Thanks so much for inviting me. I'd like to attend an upcoming Images & Voices of Hope gathering, and have a friend who is intrigued and interested in tagging along. What really resonated with me was the importance of connecting within and allowing yourself quiet time. The dynamic was comfortable, and the group was fascinating."

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