Arthur Brooks and the Power of Stories
Written by Megan Carson
Melissa Dalton-Bradford, co-founder of Their Story Is Our Story, had the opportunity while traveling through Utah last week to attend a reception and a lecture with Arthur Brooks, a prolific writer, remarkable public speaker, president of American Enterprise Institute, and a leading voice for caring for the vulnerable and needy.
It is a gift to connect with people like Arthur Brooks, to learn from the research and work that he is doing, and to share with him the important story-telling work we are doing.
Mr. Brooks recently shared a powerful and fascinating podcast on the power of stories. As you listen to this podcast, you'll understand the reason for why this group of unpaid volunteers dedicates so many hours to trying to make these refugees' stories heard.
The work of storytelling is the key to this crisis. Stories, told with the right balance, simply and truthfully, will change hearts. That is exactly what we aim to do.
Do yourself a favor and listen to Arthur Brooks' podcast "Tell Me a Story."
Summary: "The smartest person in the room doesn’t always win the debate — the best storyteller does. This episode explores the power of storytelling and how we can use stories to more effectively persuade, inspire, and unify others. We hear from sociologist Kathy Edin, neuroeconomist Paul Zak and Grant Gordon of the International Rescue Committee."
Connecting with Afghan Youth through Art
Slam the Islamophobia
The Emerald Project is a Utah-based organization that carefully designs dialogues to engage with non-Muslims to make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims. As many of our refugee friends belong to the Muslim faith, we applaud opportunities that foster understanding and were pleased to support The Emerald Project’s 3rd annual “Slam the Islamophobia” event on February 15th.
Invisible Barriers and Battles: The Mental Health Impact on Refugees
Refugees often risk their lives crossing deserts, jungles, and oceans all in the search for shelter, freedom, or happiness. Yet, even once they’ve reached physical safety, mental mountains emerge that make daily life an uphill climb. At the November 2022 conference for the Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (USOPHE), presenters Shurooq Al Jewari and Sasha Sloan discussed mental health and inclusion, focusing on immigrants and refugees.