Braveheart: a mighty cause

braveheart is born

Braveheart was born of a desire to bring the catharsis of experience in artistic creation to those in need of inspiration and a supported reflective experience. Arts increase inner dialogue in a constructive way, providing a scenario in which the process can be contained through healthy action, while producing an outward product with which to connect with others. Gabor Maté so aptly stated that, “Connection is the antidote to addiction.” I believe it is also a pathway out of the revolving door of incarceration.

When I was performing my solo show, A Brave Sliver of Light, at the CoHo Theatre last summer, it was my goal to connect with audiences. In spite of the differences in our life stories, there were common themes that audiences related to, and the process of sharing this was cathartic. People who can connect to their communities through the commonality of the human experience are more likely to feel engaged, loved, cared for, and have something powerful to offer as a healthy member of society. Conversely, people who simply survive during incarceration or drug/alcohol treatment are more likely to return to prison or addiction.

Prison reform doesn’t just appear in the form of legislation, which most often moves at a snail’s pace while people languish in painful circumstances; it starts in providing opportunities to touch the hearts and minds of those incarcerated NOW. Additionally, healing from addiction and trauma is a long tough journey, and without heartfelt connection from our communities, often those who could get well — don’t. People in treatment centers have likely spent long periods in painful circumstances. The time they spend in treatment is ripe with opportunity to connect with them and help them find their own inner font of inspiration. For those of us who have loved ones who struggle with addiction, when they finally hit bottom and reach out for help, we want them to have inspired care; not just a routine to survive.

In the 80’s, I was in a particularly dark time in my life, and spent a little time incarcerated in the San Bruno county jail. I had suffered really painful situations in the streets of San Francisco prior to that, and didn’t have a vision of what a positive, happy future could look like. During that time, a woman came into the jail to teach yoga, and I availed myself of her classes. It was in those classes that I was reminded of my humanity, and got the first actual sensations of what inner peace and community support felt like. There’s been a lot of water under the bridge since then, but I have always remembered her because she gave me a visceral sense of hope that I had completely forgotten. That’s what theatre and arts can do for people who have lost all hope, and this is what Braveheart Collective brings to those looking for something deeper in their lived experience, whether they are incarcerated, in treatment, or they are simply living in underserved communities.

it takes a village

Here’s what we know: We can’t shoulder this alone — we need your engagement. I’ve never been a “selly” person, but fundraising is a key aspect of running a nonprofit. I recently read that nonprofits that survive solely on grants don’t thrive, and often go under. Relevance in the communities we serve is critical for us to thrive and that means we need you. We are thrilled that, as we develop the foundations of Braveheart we are getting a healthy amount of interest in volunteer opportunities! Equally important in this stage of our development as a 501(c)(3) organization are financial donations.

We’ve set a modest goal of getting 250 monthly $20 donations to support our operating expenses, but any and all donations are most welcome! We’d love to get a few donations of $1000 or more, as well as corporate matches or estate commitments to our cause in order to really build out our outreach and enable us to reach more remote communities in central and eastern Oregon. We even have opportunities to share our model with other communities across the country, and already have a contact in the Chicago area who plans to come out in September to work with us for a few months to see the power arts play in healing. Exciting stuff! So if you are moved by our cause and wish to contribute, PLEASE DO! Together we can reduce the suffering of people caught in the cycle of addiction and incarceration, and strengthen our communities overall.