Best Of: Shining Light
At Shining Light, we believe we each have the potential to shine wherever we are. Through connecting with each other, being creative, and learning together, we can maintain or even brighten that light in ourselves and in our community, despite the circumstances that threaten to dim it. And the more lights we have around us, the brighter our collective light can shine, changing the whole environment of the prison.
More than a single program, Shining Light is a community focused on the potential for growth. It is a circle of people with shared values who engage in constructive information, activities, and relationships that contribute to individual and community improvement among the incarcerated.
Course Description:
Creations of a Caged Bird Volume 1 & 2:
This course features original videos that were written by incarcerated artists and produced by professionals on the outside. These teams collaborated to bring a message of hope to thousands of incarcerated men and women who have since viewed these videos. Shining Light asked the artists to be inspired by the following prompts: “Dear Covid-19”, “Hope in Hardship” and “What I Wish You Knew”
The Loop:
Is a bi-monthly publication that features contributions from the readers themselves, as well as alumni and staff of Shining Light. With a range of activities, creative prompts, and uplifting messages, this newsletter is intended to keep learners focused and inspired, and offer a chance to connect with others in the community. Each issue includes multiple opportunities to contribute towards the following issue.
The Playwriting and Spoken Word Lab:
In addition to learning about how playwriting, each video will include one mindset tool called a “Creative Code”. These techniques can give the learners strategies to decrease stress and focus on goals!
In the Spoken Word Lab, learners develop a broad understanding of different styles of spoken word and poetry and will be ready to begin writing poetry with a clear prompt.
Learn Your Strengths:
As a result of years of research, the list of 24 character strengths resonates with people from all backgrounds and belief systems. Throughout this series, learners discover what their own strengths are, how to use them, and how they can intentionally develop them.
Check out the attached for more details on Shining Light!