Issue 9

"Live as though nobody is watching. Express yourself as though everyone is listening."

A LEADER WHO LISTENED

Today, July 18, marks Nelson Mandela International Day and World Listening Day (WLD).

This week, we seek connections between the two global celebrations and reflect on the legacy of the South African civil rights leader known for his "willingness to listen and learn."

Join us in exploring various forms of listening. From natural soundscapes, to musical melodies, to the voices of our community, it is through the power of listening that we nurture loving kindness.

67 MINUTES OF LISTENING

LET'S TAKE A SOUNDWALK!

In honor of the 67 years Mandela devoted to public service, spend 67 minutes exploring ideas for activities that promote peace, cooperation, and listening.

Sound tells a story. Let your ears guide you on a joyful journey of as you listen, imagine, and explore!

• Focus on listening.

• Close your eyes.

• How does this change what you hear?

• Make a field recording on your phone!

• Listen to World Listening Day recordings.

• How do various sounds make you feel?

I'M ALL EARS!

FREEDOM TO READ

LEADERS & READERS

"The system of apartheid robbed many children of their right to a decent education and of the joy of reading," Mandela once said.

"This joy is one that I have treasured all my life, and it is one I wish for all South Africans."

Explore children's books about Nelson Mandela and the concept of freedom:

Long Walk to Freedom
Abridged by Chris Van Wyk

Nelson Mandela
by Kadir Nelson

Six Crows by Leo Lionni

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales
by Nelson Mandela

Grandad Mandela
by Zindzi, Ziwelene & Zazi Mandela

MORE PAGE-TURNERS!

SONGS OF FREEDOM

PLAYLIST FOR PEACE

It was music that first brought the story of Mandela to the world and led to his release from prison.

"Music and dancing make me at peace with the world," he once said, "and make me at peace with myself."

Listen, explore, and think about the following Playlist for Peace. Sing along, start a dance party, or make your own DIY Dancing Ribbon Wands!

Freedom Now: Tracy Chapman

Ordinary Love: U2 (Mandela Original Soundtrack)

Asimbonanga: Johnny Clegg

All the Pretty Little Horses: Jazzy Ash

Stand Up for You: Alphabet Rockers

ONE: Aaron Nigel Smith

ON YOUR FEET!

SEEKING CONNECTIONS

This week's activities provide opportunities for children to see themselves reflected in the world invites them to explore how they are a part of things that are bigger than they are.

Children learn that they matter when we invite connections between seemingly disparate things, because the door opens towards something no one else has thought of yet.

Learn how you can play a critical role in "pulling the threads of connection towards children so that they can put them in their own hands, give them a tug, and see what happens next."

OPEN NEW DOORS

"The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children."

REMEMBERING ZINDZI

On Mandela Day 2020, we also mourn the loss of the activist's youngest daughter Zindzi Mandela, who died Monday at age 59—just days before her father's birthday.

Zindzi, who served as South Africa's Ambassador to Denmark, was a poet, a heroine, and a "child of the nation." Her legacy will be remembered.

#MANDELADAY2020

All featured quotes by Nelson Mandela.

Portland Children's Museum

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