Inspiration and Sponsors
Background:
The work of this play, its cast, and moderators is a reflection of the fantastic mentors, agencies, and like minded projects that have played a significant role in the way we look at the world. Specifically, the Ripples of Hope project is indebted to the following groups and individuals for giving us the means to dream--and for allowing us the privilege of standing on their shoulders.
The work of this play, its cast, and moderators is a reflection of the fantastic mentors, agencies, and like minded projects that have played a significant role in the way we look at the world. Specifically, the Ripples of Hope project is indebted to the following groups and individuals for giving us the means to dream--and for allowing us the privilege of standing on their shoulders.
Focusing on the role of unsung heroes in shaping history, the Lowell Milken Center of Fort Scott emphasizes the power of teaching to repair the world. It was there as a 2010 Teacher Fellow that Ripples of Hope moderator Drew Beiter was inspired to have a student-produced play that emphasized the role of human rights defenders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
Ripples of Hope is based upon and inspired by the work of Kerry Kennedy's book Speak Truth to Power, and the adapted play by Ariel Dorfman entitled Speak Truth to Power, Voices from Beyond the Dark.
Speak Truth to Power is a project of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, a multi-faceted global initiative that uses the experiences of courageous defenders from around the world to educate students and others about human rights, and urge them to take action. Issues range from slavery and environmental activism to religious self-determination and political participation. Our student adaptation of that play is indebted for the used of Kerry Kennedy's book and Mr. Dorfman's format, and hopes to inspire its audience in a similar way.
Speak Truth to Power is a project of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, a multi-faceted global initiative that uses the experiences of courageous defenders from around the world to educate students and others about human rights, and urge them to take action. Issues range from slavery and environmental activism to religious self-determination and political participation. Our student adaptation of that play is indebted for the used of Kerry Kennedy's book and Mr. Dorfman's format, and hopes to inspire its audience in a similar way.
Our School: Springville-Griffith Institute, Springville, New York
Thank you to everyone who made this production possible, especially to our school board, administrators, secretaries, and custodians. We'd specifically like to thank our principals Vince Vanderlip and Marty Buchnowski, as well as their vice principals, Mike Retzlaff and Kathy Townsend for their continued support and interest.
A special thanks goes out to 8th Grade Teacher Joe Karb and District Technology coordinator Ben Higgins for their interest in Human Rights education, and for their advice and support along the way.
A special thanks goes out to 8th Grade Teacher Joe Karb and District Technology coordinator Ben Higgins for their interest in Human Rights education, and for their advice and support along the way.
Springville Center for the Arts, Springville, New York
Springville Center for the Arts is a community multi-arts center located in Springville, NY. Over the course of a year they program community theatre productions, artist exhibits and receptions, cinema programs, workshops for adults and kids, performances and more. Particular thanks goes to Director Seth Wochensky for understanding the value of the project, and by being so accommodating, helping us use the Center for the performances.
Half the Sky, a book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Half the Sky lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. Almost all the Ripples of Hope cast has read the book, which ended up being where we discovered the incredible stories of defenders Sakena Yacoobi and Mukhtar Mai.