| Hello, New Subscribers!
We hope you'll enjoy this monthly update on all things Upstream Arts. We only include highlights here, so be sure to keep tabs on our website to learn more about our multidisciplinary arts programs for people with disabilities at every stage of life, as well as community workshops and events.
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| ICYMI: Our New Logo In case you missed it, we unveiled a brand new logo this month! We've been so thrilled by all the positive feedback and enthusiasm that has been pouring into our office ever since. If you're just catching up on the change and curious how it happened, click here to learn more.
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| Voting Resources
Are you planning to vote? We hope so! The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State offers many useful downloadable resources for MN voters of all abilities, including "Know Your Rights" and "Voter Assistance" fact sheets. For example, did you know that you have the right to have someone help you vote, or have the ballot brought to a vehicle curbside if you can't get in the building easily? Click here to learn more.
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Join the Conversation
Each month in this corner, we share resources related to our ongoing campaign to generate artistic reflection and public conversation about stigma associated with disability. This fall, we've been following the weekly series about disaiblity unfolding in The New York Times. If you're just tuning in, check out the excellent first piece, "Becoming Disabled" by Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, then click here to puruse some of the other articles in the series.
As always, we'd love to know what you think! How does this piece, or others in the series, connect or not to your own experiences? Please share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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Dear Friend, Notice something a little bit different about this email? We've given The Current a refreshed look to go with our brand new logo!
This month, we're excited to share:- A sweet note we recently received from a teacher
- The process that went into creating our new logo
- Valuable resources for Minnesota voters of all abilities
- A series on disability unfolding in The New York Times
- Gratitude and some key giving dates coming up in November and December
We're so glad to be in community with you. Happy Autumn!
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|  | Upstream Arts Teaching Artist Jen Wang leading a movement activity for students at Green Central Elementary School | |
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| "What's Your Secret?"
Every year, we have so many delightful, funny, and moving experiences with participants in our programs - which often become even more profound given context from our partners. For example, we recently received an email from a teacher at Green Central Elementary School, where we're currently running two 12-week programs for students with a range of disabilities. "Our student, Lana*, had a no good, terrible, very bad day," the teacher wrote. "I don't mean that she was bad. I mean that every single thing that heightens her anxiety occurred on this day. It was amazing to see her enter the Upstream Arts class and watch her anxiety-related behaviors immediately disappear. Not after a few minutes or an exercise or two, but immediately, just at the sight of [Upstream Arts Teaching Artists] Greg, Sarah, and Jen. It brought tears to my eyes to see her end the day on such a successful note. She left school feeling happy. What's your secret? We're so fortunate to have this opportunity to work with you."
*Name changed to preserve the privacy of the student.
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|  | Upstream Arts Teaching Artists workshopping curriculum during intensive Annual Staff Training last month | |
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| Gratitude & The Work Ahead
Our deepest thanks to Andrew D. Clark, Rochelle Cox, Eat for Equity (on behalf of Lorissa Gottschalk and Matt O'Brien), Eileen Fisher, Bob Goodfellow, Ryan Hoag, Justin Lansing, Marilyn Mounger, The Graham Smith Team, Gillian Spence, Martin and Kate Thomas, Becky Timm, and two anonymous donors for recent gifts! This fall, there will be some fun opportunities to contribute toward our big fundraising goal of $100,000 by June 30. Will you join us!? Remember, any amount you choose to give - be it $5 or $500 - makes a big impact. Mark your calendar for the following dates:
November 17: Give to the Max! Donate to Upstream Arts at GiveMn.org on this statewide day of giving to "maximize" your contribution. You can even schedule gifts, starting November 1.
November 29: Giving Tuesday! On this national day of giving, which emerged in response to Black Friday, donate to Upstream Arts at Razoo.org, which is waiving platform fees for the occasion. December 31: Last chance for 2016 deductions! Make a gift to Upstream Arts by this date to qualify for a 2016 tax deduction. We're so grateful for your support. Thanks for all that you do!
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