Make a Difference Day was started by the magazine USA Weekend in 1992 in order to put a spotlight on nonprofit organizations. The informal holiday is held on the fourth Saturday of October, and has caught on with nonprofit organizations across the country, including some close to home.
WonHeart is a local nonprofit organization founded by president and executive director Joelyn Lutz in 2006 in order to address social problems by educating local youth about compassion, empathy, effective conflict resolution, and connection. WonHeart is celebrating Make a Difference Day this year, and true to its message, is coordinating with a number of local organizations to make the event possible.
“Since I started WonHeart, it’s about bringing more connection and empathy, and how do we do that?” Lutz said. “I try to find small, creative ways that enable us to come together.”
The Make a Difference Day event is going to be far from small. Lutz has called in many other nonprofits to contribute in a variety of ways. Altrusa of the Central Coast is providing funds for the proper permitting for the event, Lutz explained. Other groups are providing a variety of artistic output, a potent way to make a difference.
“I think experience is the key, and getting people in touch with their feelings,” Lutz said. “Our event is interactive, so we will get people singing and dancing.”
The event will begin with an opening and introduction by Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino. Lutz directs a small youth choir called the WonHeart Singers, which will begin the performance aspect of the event with positive songs that address issues like conflict resolution and bullying. An entire troupe of young dancers from El Padrecito Ministries’ dance program will perform several styles of dance after the musical performance.
The Poetic Justice Project, a performing arts group made up of formerly incarcerated individuals, will present some live theater, and talk about the impact the arts have had in helping the actors shape their lives. After the performances, an art show created by Boys and Girls Club kids will showcase the wide variety of skill and insight young people can create.
“It needs to start with the children because this is going to be their world one day,” Lutz said. “I’m using the performing arts to get people out to the event, but we want to show there are many ways to make a difference.”
Arts Editor Joe Payne is ready to make a difference, too. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 23-30, 2014.