At its core, our model is incredibly simple:
1. Introduce the principles of art to help people examine their own experiences
2. Provide spaces of compassionate respect for people to share their art
3. Build a community based on authentic exchange
4. Feel less lonely
Over the past decade, thousands of people have found these tools through our workshops and have sworn that that these programs have helped them return to themselves after trauma.
Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to suicidality, obesity, and substance misuse among other illnesses. Feeling socially isolated can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. For the 18 million veterans in the United States already at increased risk of post traumatic stress and social isolation, this has been an especially trying time. For healthcare workers, who put themselves at risk every day, both physically and emotionally, the exhaustion can be more overwhelming than ever.
We want to reach more people, and in order to do that we need your help. An anonymous donor has offered us to match all contributions up to $10,000. If you’re able, donate today to double your contribution. And help us spread the word about the power of telling your story. Use the hashtag #UnitedAgainstSilence and tag our social media channels.
On Veterans Day, we heard poetry from veterans across the country–from Virginia to California–who have participated in CBAW programs. Afterward, we had a wonderful conversation with the audience. It was an incredible, heart-filling time. For a few hours, we were together. You can watch the entire performance below.
Seema Reza is a poet and essayist and the author of two books: A Constellation of Half-Lives and When the World Breaks Open. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Writing and Community Building from Goddard College. In 2010 Seema began working with service members, veterans, and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and has since developed a unique multi-hospital arts program that encourages the use of the arts as a tool for narration, self-care and socialization. In 2015, the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore awarded Seema the Col John Gioia Patriot Award for her work with service members in military hospitals. Seema is a 2019 George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar.