owl & panther writing project

 

A cartoon panel showing a black panther and small birds. The panther is saying "Follow this path and you'll find the water you need." A label reads "And the spirit of the Owl and Panther guided them, even through the darkest times."
Photograph of a Hispanic boy smiling as he draws. A young woman looks on, also smiling.
Photo: an African American girl shows her cartoon to a young white woman.
A cartoon panel shows the Owl and the Panther. A label reads: "In Tucson, AZ, the refugees write themselves out of their darkness.


FROM THE OWL & PANTHER WEBSITE:

All of us could use a refuge, a small, safe space that encourages honest reflection, where we can relax and share with one another, where we can grow. Refugees in particular need such a space. Many bear the scars of violent oppression, not only physically but in their hearts and minds, and find themselves disoriented when faced with life in this giant refuge – the United States.

Through creative writing, counseling and community service, Owl and Panther provides a refuge within a refuge. Here, participants – mostly children and young adults – grapple not only with their past experiences but with the challenges of living in a very different world. They also find ways to share their ideas with the community, and to help others.

The group developed from Tucson's Center for Prevention and Resolution of Violence, which treats people struggling with pain, poverty, loss of community, and/or family problems. In 1995, refugee parents asked CPRV to provide special support for their children. At first, activities focused on tutoring and summer school. Participants also met to celebrate different cultures and to learn skills to ease their transition into life in the United States.

In 1998, Owl and Panther became a creative writing group as well. Children, young adults and parents from Central America, Mexico and several African countries, like the owl and panther of Cherokee legend, stay watchful in their own darkness. As they begin to express their feelings through poetry, they discover their strength.

CONTACT:

The Hopi Foundation
Center for the Prevention and Resolution of Violence
The Owl and Panther Project
738 N. 5th Ave., Suite 104
Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone: 520.628.7525
margepell@earthlink.net

Visit the Project's website to purchase
its new book OUT OF THE DARKNESS

Photos above are from a DVD, "Owl & Panther Goes Comic," produced in partnership with The Comic Book Project.

 
   

DONATION INSTRUCTIONS

When making your donation, please be sure to select The Refuge Media Project from the drop-down menu for “Purpose of Your Donation.”

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