The Power of Creativity for Social Change

Last Saturday afternoon at Open Book Coffee, people, some familiar with our past events and some attending for the first time, came together for Imagining a Better World, a workshop designed to explore how creativity can be a tool for social change and collective healing. The smell of roasting beans mingled with fresh baked goods as participants settled in, ready to connect and create.

We started with a blind contour drawing exercise as a warm-up to remove the pressure for perfection and let creativity flow naturally. Drawing a neighbor’s face without looking at the paper led to laughter as everyone revealed their quirky, distorted masterpieces. The exercise created moments of shared joy and vulnerability that brought people closer together and showed how letting go of expectations can help us see the person in front of us.

We then moved into a loving kindness meditation, grounding ourselves in the present moment. Together, we reflected on the pressures of hustle culture and the constant demands of modern life, and we acknowledged how important it is to slow down and connect with each other.

People of different genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds came together, sharing their perspectives and creativity. The room reflected the inclusive communites were actively building, where everyone feels welcome and every voice matters. One participant even shared that they had signed up without knowing the details because they were simply drawn to be part of it. That spontaneous choice highlighted the heart of our mission, creating inclusive spaces where connection, creativity, and empathy grow.

If you want to bring this spirit of community and creativity into your own life, here are a few simple practices to try:

• Dedicate time to a loving kindness meditation to center your intentions and cultivate empathy.

• Try a blind contour drawing of a friend, neighbor, or even a tree, practicing the art of seeing without judgment.

• Use creative practices such as writing, photography, or collage to highlight social issues, personal stories, or community experiences.

• Join or support collaborative projects, from murals to storytelling circles, that bring people together around shared values and social justice goals.

• Learn from the work of diverse artists to see the many ways creativity can spark change and inspire action.

As the workshop came to a close, people exchanged contact information, finished conversations, and some even shared a few hugs. The room carried a sense of hope and connection. Moments like these remind us that building a more just and stronger community starts with showing up, creating together, and imagining what a better world can look like. Creativity, empathy, and open hearts are where change begins.

We invite you to take part in upcoming workshops, events, and new ways to get involved this year, whether online or in communities near you. Your creativity and ideas are an important part of the connections and projects we are building together.

Blind Contour Drawing - Creative Warm-up Activity