Get 'em thinking while they're young

After reading the interview with Dave Eggers in the most recent issue of 'Stop Smiling', I conducted a general google-lit review of the 826National project. These are writing centers that have been set up, by Eggers and others in several cities, which are targeted at high school children and younger.

The centers maintain a "low profile" image, always in in a very cute-chic way. In San Francisco (the flagship center), for example, the storefront at 826 Valencia appears to be a Pirate Supply Store. And they actually sell pirate supplies, like eyepatches and fake parrots. Why anyone would enter a pirate supply store is questionable, and that's the idea. Definitely something kids dig.

In Chicago -- I found this hilarious -- they keep the over-stimulated, consumerist populace away by running an operation called The Boring Store. This one sells spy supplies. Again, they actually do sell things here, and all proceeds go to the center.

But aside from the great vibe, the centers are doing some really cool stuff. I looked at the workshop schedule this fall (all of which are offered for free to young students), and started getting really excited about the project. In particular, high school students are challenged to write a story as a group in a workshop called "A Picture is Worth 1,802,773 Words (Give or Take): Image-Driven Fiction Writing". I love this. Here, adults are fostering a supportive atmosphere for creative thinking as well as collaboration. The students have to explore the power of the collective imagination... something I think we could all learn and benefit from in the larger world.

This is my thing, this is it. Because ultimately, how are things going to improve in this world without creative thinking? How will we discover the best solution unless we are willing to discuss those crazy ideas, listen to other suggestions, improve on what's already out there, and formulate our society together?

I want to encourage any readers of this blog to participate in the development of creative imagination and positive self-image through the arts. Get involved with a project like 826, if that's what suits you. Or make music with friends, or take a kid to a dance performance, or volunteer at the local inventors' fair... anything. If we make it possible for each other to imagine things in unique ways and we support this cause, we can create a just world for everyone.