Will you be a voice of hope…

What if we could share some kindness with our community, the Voices of Hope project aims to bring forward messages of hope, empathy and support from you the community. Artist Alison Beaumont is asking community members to contribute their messages of hope while she captures portraits of each voice. Watch the video below for an overview of Alison’s idea.

Hope is intangible, we create it within ourselves and collectively. It can be an act of kindness, a gesture, a person, a thought. Choosing hope over fear, opens possibilities and positivity increases. In greek mythology Pandora’s box contained (placed by Zeus) sorrow, disease, vice, violence, greed, madness, old age, death—released plaguing humankind forever. Prometheus secretly added hope. When Pandora opened her box releasing Zeus’s woes into the world, hope remained in the box, there to help the people survive. 

More recently in the field of psychology Barbara Fredrickson speaks of “The choice of hope over fear is pivotal for all of us. The more hope we cultivate today, the better equipped we’ll be to survive and thrive in the months and years ahead.. to find the creative solutions that allow us to come through these dark times stronger than ever. So let us be human – let us choose hope and build our better future.” - Why Choose Hope 2009.

In March of 2020, I was struck by the magnitude of what lay before humanity.  We had not yet realized a virus that had begun to sweep our communities, countries and the globe would still be an agenda item for governments, one year on. I had completed a project the year previous “Neighbours” examining the support network provided.  As an immigrant I know the power of belonging and how this has influenced my efficacy and success to transition to a new life in a new country. I began to ponder how could the work I do, support and grow a community of belonging. 

Voices of Hope recognizes the unique voices and perspectives of ordinary folks, while building a movement of hope, a chance to spread positivity in a world that is increasingly segmented and divided.

Visit the gallery page to see more or visit Instagram and Facebook for updates.

In the news…

Alison was interviewed by Eddie Izzard as part of her #MakeHumanityGreatAgain Run for Hope in January 2021. Also explains more about Voices of Hope and her inspiration for the project.

Listen to Alison speaking about the project on CBC Radio Daybreak South (November 25th, 2020) - Click Here

How can I become a voice of hope?

Alison wants to bring together and involve as many people as she can, you can email alisonbeaumont@outlook.com or complete the form on this page.

What can my message be? We want this to be hopeful and ask that you share messages that have to the potential to uplift and provide connection between members of the community,  here are some questions that may help explore what your message might be:

  • What is a positive memory you have since the pandemic started?

  • How have you tried to remain positive during this time? 

  • Have you experienced an act of kindness recently? Explain how that had a positive impact on you.

  • If you could share a message of hope, empathy or support what would that be?

  • How do you think we can still create a sense of community connection in a physically distant reality?

Are you ready to be a voice of hope?

Complete the form below or email alisonbeaumont@outlook.com

Alison Beaumont - Copyright 2021