Train and Activate Inspired Leaders in Nepal

Colquitt, Georgia, USA, was the site of the Creative Community Building Conference, held for the 7th year, with participants from various communities in USA as well as representatiaves from Nepal.  Colquitt is the home of Swamp Gravy, Georgia's Folk Life Play, which is an important part of the Social Artistry approach in building creative communities.  The conference featured two exciting tracks:  Empowerment Through the Art of Storytelling and The Art of Social Change.  The conference was January 31-February 3, 2013.  The conference was preceded by a 3-day Introduction to Social Artistry Leadership, and the conference was followed by a 5-day Social Artistry Trainer's Training.

Akim Shrestha and Anita Shrestha, two Social Artistry trainers from the Nepali leadership team in Kathmandu were able to participate in the events.  They returned to Nepal to share with their team the processes and knowledge they gained from the events.  Akim is one of the first first social artists in Nepal and brings Social Artistry into her work as well as significant contributions she makes in her volunteer social change activities.  Anita's focus is bringing the power of Social Artistry to leadership in the political arena, both local and national.  

Social artists in the USA continue to support the work in Nepal with monthly contributions.  The Nepali leadership team of 8 social artists (overseen by Tatwa Timsina) are in charge of leading the Social Artistry work in Nepal.  This includes local and regional introductions to Social Artistry, community development projects to address training of youth, agricultural initiatives for food sustainability, education, reduction in infant mortality and other related endeavors. 

Links:

• http://www.jeanhoustonfoundation.org