At Drawn from Valor, every project we make contains the powerful message that you are not alone. It's a message of hope and connection. In today's world, we know it's a message that's even more important, especially in a time where socially distancing is the new normal. We stand for hope and against hate. We stand for connecting and collaborating. It's why we've made "Connecting," this month's focus at DfV.
Last month, we gave you a sneak peek of our updated website and we're pleased to announce it's live! You can find all new resources and updates to our projects there - including new activity pages, blog posts, and resources.
This month, we spoke with Digital Art Director Taryn Cozzy about what drew her to DfV, and you'll learn more in her answers below.
And, we asked one of our SMEs about finding ways to help your kids connect, even as some kids begin to return to school. They shared with us that although social time is a key outlet for kids, it may continue to look different for a while. They recommend having virtual playdates or even old-fashioned phone calls with friends.
We continue to create new pathways to connection at DfV, like this newsletter and some of our upcoming projects. We're so thankful we get to connect with you!
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH: DIGITAL ART DIRECTOR, TARYN COZZY
1.) How did you get involved with DfV? I started as a volunteer after being recommended by my good friend Alex, our producer and my fellow artist. 2.) What has been your favorite moment with DfV? Collectively geeking out over text as we saw the live unveiling of our "Connecting Hearts" animation front and center in the It’s a Small World exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum. I also really miss the weekly virtual water cooler chats we held when our team was much larger, before we had to reorganize due to the impacts of COVID-19. We had so much fun talking about art, animation processes, and more! 3.) What has been your most unique moment with DfV? Drawing with the environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay on Instagram Live was tricky technology-wise; ultimately a ton of fun; and something I hadn't done before! I don’t consider myself a teacher, but I think breaking down my drawing process to help members of Heal the Bay, while potentially helping others watching from their phones, was the closest I’ll get to a classroom setting. 4.) What part of our mission do you most connect with? “We tell stories." I’ve always loved a good story. Building a relationship with characters and making connections with them has always stuck with me as a kid and as an adult. I feel it’s one of the best ways to help others learn or recognize something in themselves. 5.) What is a fun fact about you? I often listen to movie soundtracks or music without lyrics, so I can think up my own stories to go along with the emotions they inspire in me. My go-to soundtracks are: Hook, Sherlock Holmes, Chocolat, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Amélie.
THE TOPIC IS...
CONNECTION
We are up to stuff! And we are taking an informal survey through our pal, Syd the Cell Phone. Give us a #DFVconnects to tell us your favorite way to connect online; there’s a gazillion billion ways. Are you a Facetimer? Texter? Gamer? Streamer? What’s your fave? Stay tuned on our socials for a message from Syd, as well as one below.
Please donate to support our work that keeps connections going.
As always, if you need to know someone is on the other end of the line, our door is open. You can connect with us at hello [at] drawnfromvalor.org.
Stay safe and be well. We'll be thinking of you until we connect again! 💜
Ever Warmly,
Team DfV
P.S. If you need more of an immediate connection, you're not alone:
CRISIS Textline: Text "Home" to 741741.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-823-TALK (800-273-8255). Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-823-TALK (800-273-8255) Press 1 or Text 838255