I'm back after a break and a lovely holiday. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family :) I've been hoping to update the blog more in this coming year, so I decided to start that a little early, and share some of the posters I received from Concern Worldwide this past week. When I opened the package, I was immediately moved. The posters were impactful and eye-opening. I am aware of these statistics from being actively involved in Concern's Leadership Network, taking part in the Malawi Field Visit this past July, and by staying up-to-date on current global issues. However, every time I see a Concern post on Instagram, scroll through their website, or read their impact stories, I am amazed. It is so inspiring to me seeing how much their organization is doing to combat global poverty. 

In an effort to spread awareness about growing poverty rates, lack of access to education, food distribution, sustainable agriculture methods and unclean drinking water around the world (specifically in developing countries), the Concern Active Citizenship program has sent posters to hang up in schoolrooms, local businesses, etc, in hopes that others will take action. 

In the new year, I am hoping to teach a class based around global issues, using theatrical-based methods. I will be following some of the Concern Active Citizenship curriculum, and incorporating original theatre activities and lessons to follow along

holiday giving & concern worldwide: 

They call the holiday season the "season of giving." However, society has turned Christmas into a very big holiday of receiving, with ads promoting what we "all want" for Christmas, and how to "score the best gift." Of course, there is nothing wrong with receiving. We all love getting gifts, and we also enjoy giving them. However, we have, as a society, strayed away from the true meaning of Christmas time and the holiday season: giving. It is always a good idea to remember that so many people do not/cannot receive gifts this time of year, so to appreciate everything and everyone you have around you.

 This year, my family decided to donate to Concern as part of our holiday giving. On Concern's website, there is a list of donation amounts, each describing where your money will go, and what it will be doing to help in Concern's efforts to combat world poverty. My family chose the third option of a donation to feed 26 malnourished children for 6 weeks. Some of the other donations can include:

• giving 2 families farming tools to grow crops

• buying 4 months of classroom supplies for a school. Any amount can help and bring hope to those in need.

To donate to Concern this season, click here. 

Happy Holidays! Looking forward to everything to come in 2018.

Xx, anna