As I look through my previous posts, they full of “Wow”s and “Great Group”s. The truth is, every school we talk to, every school that gives us some of their time to talk about this amazing project, each of these schools are right forACTion: Ecuador. It amazes me each and every time, but I guess it shouldn’t. This is an exciting project, and the more we talk to people, the more excited WE get about this opportunity!!
What’s most exciting is that all these emerging artists are going to have an opportunity to take part in this. We’re going to get a chance to work with such outstanding students and new artists from all around the country. It makes me want to keep working hard and finding new ways to keep these prices down so that more and more artists can have this opportunity.
Jesse and I started this company as actors who wanted to make a difference. We wanted to teach our skills to people who might not have access to these kinds of ideas. To tell stories that weren’t being told, weren’t being heard, and build bridges between our home and other communities all over the world.
We had a very noble beginning, but what we’ve gained as artists and as human beings over the last few years has been unmeasurable! I had no idea the impact we would have and the effect it would have on me. By meeting with these people in somewhat disenfranchised communities, we’ve grown so much. We now have such an understanding of the impact this type of work has on the world.
That’s why we’re organizing ACTion:Ecuador! I learned so much while I was in college, much from my classes, but more from meeting my teachers and fellow students, traveling, working, and experiencing. This is the time to take these risks. I’ve learned more about myself and who I am as an artist, a human, and who I want to be in these last few years– now we want to share that feeling and knowledge with students and new artists everywhere we can!
We hope that you can find the time to get involved with this or another project like it. Not only will you meet a huge network of artists who share your interests, but you might also have a life changing experience that will change the way you see yourself and the possibilities of your impact in the world.
I also want to thank everyone who has supported us and our work over the years. To all of our sponsors, you’re support has been outstanding, but I also want to thank people who have done other things to support DAT. People who’ve put us up when we’ve come to talk with students, or travel with our show. People who buy us dinner when we’re in town, or donate products like toothbrushes for us to bring to communities who otherwise wouldn’t have them. This is what keeps our costs down. This is how our projects can cost so very little.
Lastly, there’s one group that always get left out during the thanks and I want to take the time now to thank them. To all the people who say, “wow, this is cool, how did you think of this, I want to go, this is amazing”. Those are the people who keep US going, pushing, striving to find another way to get more people involved, to share more of this experience with others. They are our cheerleaders and we can’t thank them enough.
Now go to the website, look at ACTion: Ecuador and what we’ve done previously inEcuador and in Zimbabwe. Learn about how you can get involved and throw a partyand make a tax deductible donation. Support our supporters, write comments, cheer us on, sponsor a student or a staff member, come and meet with us somewhere on thecollege tour, tell us your ideas. And, finally, enjoy our THANK YOU page.
Keep up with the Podcast, our college tour segment is called “Notes from the Road” and is updated every time we talk with a school.
Any questions about ACTion: Ecuador, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to talk about the trip and answer questions from artists, parents, and teachers.