A few years ago, I did a benefit concert for a local elementary school, and wanted to write a new song for the finale. I asked the principal for an idea, and she immediately said, “We really need to teach children about the importance of community. Can you write a song about that?”
We all want to feel like we belong to something. Whether our community means our neighborhood, apartment building, school, or city, feeling like we belong somewhere—like we’re a valued member of a group—is vital for our sense of purpose.
Children need community too. And as the world seems to be moving at an ever-faster pace, it’s critical to teach our kids how important it is to invest time in being caring, compassionate members of their communities, whatever that means to them—it will serve them throughout their lives.
So what about the song? It became the basis for a collaborative community art project, and everyone in the neighborhood was invited to create a character. Emmy-winning filmmaker Maciek Albrecht of MaGiKWorld animated the creations, and produced this video, that premiered at the Southside Film Festival!
Here’s “Community!”
“I’ll carry you, you carry me, cause that is how it’s supposed to be/
You carry me, I’ll carry you, cause you need me and I need you too/
I’ll carry you, you carry me, cause we are all one community”
Cheers,
Kira
PS - An incredible, and super fun, way to build community is to SING together. Way back in the day, chanting and singing were the foundation of community gatherings. I’m bringing it back, baby—local friends, please join us on Feb 9 for Pop-Up Choir!