How to Build Social Connectedness? Get Creative

We are pleased to share Kim Samuel’s latest article in the Huffington Post, “How to Build Social Connectedness? Get Creative.” In this article, Kim reflects on the power of creativity to inspire, empower, and build belonging. She experienced this first-hand with her students at McGill University last fall, where she introduced ‘Creativity Moments’ to help build community within the classroom. Kim highlights how artists and leaders have used and depended on the power of creativity to express a point of view, advance a common cause, or combat hatred and exclusion.

At the 2017 Golden Globe Awards, Meryl Streep described her profession as, “An actor’s only job is to enter the lives of people who are different from us, and let you feel what that feels like.” Similarly, novelist Alice Walker once stated, “I want very much for you to feel for whoever I’m talking about, or whatever I’m talking about. Because it is only by empathy being aroused that we change. That is the power of writing.” Kim emphasizes that creativity and art can help bring people together. She notes that the power of artistic expression can help heal our fractured world and foster greater inclusion and connectedness for all.

For more articles by Kim Samuel, please visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/kim-samuel