Creativity and Community in Anaheim, CA

As the newest member of Team Imagination, I have been spending time trying to not only meet as many of our creative Chapter Leaders and partners as possible, but also visit their schools/meeting sites and attend events. On October 7, 2016 I had the privilege of attending my first live Cardboard Challenge event — this one taking place at Roosevelt Elementary School in Anaheim California — what a great afternoon!

When I arrived, what stood out to me immediately was the fact that the whole school and a large number of community members and parents were participating — and that the energy was contagious. Cardboard versions of Whack a Mole, R2-D2, a colorful Totem Pole, a unicorn ring toss, foosball tables, and other colorful creations were in abundance, all with proud elementary school kids enthusiastically and expertly explaining their creations to me. Many of the school’s students are also English Learners, and met the challenge of detailing their work in English without missing a beat — then turning to family to do the same in Spanish. As a lifelong educator, I have to say that the experience was pure heaven.

I joined the Imagination Foundation because I believe in the power of creativity –to open doors, to make change, to positively impact kids’ ability and desire to imagine — and create! — better for their future and ours. Events like these evidence so much of what is possible when we believe in the power of kids’ ideas and then help work to support them. I felt so much creative energy that day at Roosevelt, and am so glad to have been invited to be part of their Cardboard Challenge. Many thanks to the Roosevelt community and especially to Gina Whitcomb — Bravo!

On to the next adventure . . .