Creativity Manifesto

By Rosa Rosario
Nonprofit Studies Program, Rhode Island College
Providence, Rhode Island

Principles: Not in order of priority, as they are all equally important

• Cultivating an environment of diversity. Though diversity can mean different things, the core idea is, variety. Promoting a space and environment of ideas, thoughts and options that are collected from a variety of people will increase the likelihood of success. Basically, there are more chances and options in We than in I.
• Challenge practices. Challenge “old” ways of executing tasks if they are no longer effective. Over time, circumstances change. Lifestyles and society as a whole experience change and in order to grow we have to be willing to make some changes and possibly change out established techniques. Change is the only constant. Change has to occur on an individual level, as well as community level.
• Investing in the arts. Arts are a means of personal expression, as well as a tool that is scientifically proven to enhance brain activity/function, self-esteem and personal fulfillment. Inevitably, we can make more of an investment to society if we are well-rounded, educated human beings. I see the recent practice of reducing or eliminating these programs in schools as a negative antidote to reducing budgets.
• Invest in building community. It is important to work on building progressive communities, investing in our neighborhoods, in the appearance, in the quality of life, in its residents. This can be done by making funding more accessible and attainable to local businesses, schools and libraries. Also, we can ensure this by building a sense of cohesion and responsibility among community members. This will ultimately lead to igniting a desire to improve your lifestyle and overall quality of life for yourself, your neighbors, and for all.
• Personal responsibility. Responsibility is a factor that I notice many people mention in one form or another. Either we are blaming everyone else for not doing anything, not doing enough, or conforming to the lack of participation (“No one else is doing anything so why should I?" type of mentality). I feel that it is one of our responsibilities as mankind to be available for each other. To help support each other in attaining stability and sanity in life. If we all have a strong sense of self, security, happiness, economic and educational foundation we can value the need for progress as a civilization. It takes a village. This is a lesson that we must all learn to grow and build continually.
• Validation. The need to be valued is a basic need. We all need to feel appreciated for who we are, for our ideas, for what we bring to the world. Everyone has something to offer and if we broaden our scope of what is important and learn how to incorporate others' views, we would increase the likelihood of participation and collaboration on a community, local and event global levels. Opening communication leads to more effective collaborations that will break paradigms that stump development and progress.

Often, it can be difficult to gather ideas that do not mirror others. I believe that the challenge exists in assessing the “real” problem or the inhibitors in the situation and re-shaping our approach. An essential part of successful program development and creating a plan is the assessment piece. If we are to make positive changes, we must seriously and consciously look at the state of society and consider the ineffective changes that have occurred within the past decades whether it is the state of education, economy and fulfillment of its citizens.