Creative Generation – Why Change Podcast I’m sure that some of you, blog readers, remember Jeff Poulin. For those of you who don’t remember Jeff or have never met him, Jeff grew up in Maine and graduated from Scarborough...
Creative Generation – Why Change Podcast
I’m sure that some of you, blog readers, remember Jeff Poulin. For those of you who don’t remember Jeff or have never met him, Jeff grew up in Maine and graduated from Scarborough High School in 2008. He was deeply involved in the arts and advocating for arts education. After high school Jeff studied arts management, cultural policy, and education. I met Jeff while I served (for 7 years) at the Maine Department of Education as the Visual and Performing Arts Specialist. During that time and the following 6 years at the Maine Arts Commission, our paths crossed numerous times. The bulk of our work was during the time I served on the Americans for the Arts Arts Education Network. Jeff was serving as the Arts Education Program Director at Americans for the Arts so he shepherded the networks projects and education initiatives.
In 2019 Jeff changed directions and founded Creative Generation. About the organization:
Creative Generation believes youth create change. “We are a values-forward, global collective that collaborates with young creatives and those who cultivate their creativity to take local actions towards global changes in pursuit of a more just world.”
CREATIVE GENERATION MISSION
Creative Generation collaborates with young creatives and those who cultivate their creativity to take local actions towards global changes in pursuit of a more just world.
GOALS
Empowering young creatives and their communities, by providing a hub for stories, resources, and opportunities. Producing new and honoring existing forms of knowledge and ways of knowing, while dismantling systemic barriers to sharing and learning. Expanding definitions of and pathways to leadership, through unique learning communities. Activating people and projects, by redistributing resources of money, time, and expertise.Learn more about Creative Generation at THIS LINK.
Jeff moved back to Maine recently and we’ve had a chance to enjoy each others company right here in our great state as opposed to in another part of the country. It was a delight to catch up on a walk in South Portland along the water.
Part of Jeff’s work with Creative Generation is producing a podcast called Why Change? He invited me to have a conversation that he titled None of Us is as Smart as All Of Us. As many of you know this is a phrase that I often say. It started while I was teaching middle school full-time and collaborating closely with colleagues, it became somewhat of a mantra for us. After the recording I realized that the podcast is a synopsis of my educational pathway.
Three takeaways of Jeff’s from the podcast conversation:
How the arts are naturally integrated into our teaching, learning, and ways of life; Ways to center relationships in cultivating the next generation of leaders and changemakers; and Why committing to creative and education practices can make the difference in our work.If you’re interested, listen to the podcast at THIS LINK.
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