Introducing Dorielle Ard

Here at HOPE we aim to achieve outreach on a multitude of levels; with the goal of meeting each individual in their preferred method of social change. So… we proudly introduce one of our Young Adult Leaders: Dorielle Ard and our Program’s amazing new Storytelling Branch!

Hello All! My name is Dorielle Ard, I’m super excited to be a part of the Young Adult Leadership Program & this blog will be an amazing fresh start. I was born and raised in Oakland, and I am a product of Oakland Unified School District. I am a Psychology enthusiast interested in maintaining transformative spaces for youth & adults, especially in urban environments. My artist name is Doritellastory aka Prof.ėT (Professor Extraterrestrial.)

My role with HOPE is to do exactly that: capture the stories of the HOPE Collaborative. With every post I hope to paint a picture of outreach, wellness, encouragement, evolution, and positive perspective as we seek to change the world with the work we do in the Bay Area. ​

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Why do I want to portray HOPE in a positive light?
From the first time I met the co-director, Elizabeth, I knew that the HOPE Collaborative was serious about wanting to make an impact: clean air and clean food. (Not to mention clean city planning and youth engagement.) We all need to live, breathe, and eat ethically. So I appreciate that HOPE is trying to take a holistic approach to community engagement: mind and body. 
I knew that my eye for storytelling would be helpful because when you’re doing the work you often don’t have time to record, document, or talk about everything. This idea of ‘positive journalism’ stuck out to me as I meditated on the question: “why work with HOPE?” it seemed the better question was: why not? With so much fake news, drama, disasters, war, and pain, it would be a lovely change of tone to write about people doing the right thing(s) for the right reasons. 

What can you expect from the blog?
I can’t share everything! (Who doesn’t love a little suspense?) But one of my favorite posts will be: community highlights. HOPE partners with many people in the community that deliver hope from their small businesses, kitchens, workshops, community gardens, planning teams, etc. I want those individuals and groups to have a place where they can show their loved ones that HOPE sees them, recognizes their value, and loves their efforts. Stay tuned for some magical shout outs!

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