Deborah Tobola
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A Path to Peace
by Deborah Tobola
On her path to peacemaking, Joelyn Lutz has played in an '80s rock band, worked in the post office and coached American Jr. Idol contestants. But it was pain that transformed her passion into a vision—then a program—that empowers children through music.
In 2006, Joelyn says, "Everything I'd attached myself to was gone." She was unemployed with no place to go. Her sister died suddenly of breathing complications. Her younger brother committed suicide. Her seven-year relationship ended. Her dog of 18 years died. She found herself lying on the floor in a fetal position, wanting to die.
In the darkness of those days, seeds of hope and self-discovery were planted. Joelyn recalls seeing an Oprah episode about Challenge Day, an experiential program that teaches children to resist bullying by valuing themselves and others.
Joelyn attended a three-day workshop in Ukiah, led by Challenge Day co-founders Yvonne and Rich Dutra-St. John. She realized that suicide, name-calling, bullying, harassment . . . all happen because people feel isolated, alone or separated. She knew that territory—she bullied herself as a youngster. No child should have to suffer that way, she decided.
She was determined to get Challenge Day into her hometown of Santa Maria. While keeping that goal in mind, she attended more workshops, including those of Soul Shoppe, a sister program of Challenge Day.
In 2009, Joelyn started her non-profit, WonHeart, to help raise money to get these programs to her community. Last year she brought Soul Shoppe to the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club in Santa Maria.
But a curious thing happened along the way. Joelyn took to heart Ghandi's advice to "Be the change you wish to see in the world." She combined what she'd learned in workshops with her love for music to craft participatory workshops for elementary school children.
WonHeart works from the premise that we all want to be loved, seen and heard, and to know that we belong. Through music, Joelyn and musical partner, Patrick Mahan, teach children that kindness is the key — when we are kind to ourselves, we are kind to others.
They offer three workshops: for kindergarteners through second graders, third- through sixth-graders, and parents and teachers. WonHeart has presented at several elementary schools in Santa Maria, as well as the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA. They've worked with teens at the Alternative Detention Center, using the arts to heal. A crucial part of the workshops series is a follow-up within three months of WonHeart's first visit, so that students can talk about what they've learned and experienced on their paths toward peace.
A visible Peace Path, illustrated with footsteps and prompts that start with "I feel," "I hear you," and "I need" can help students employ the lessons WonHeart teaches. Joelyn would like to see workshops and a painted Peace Path on every campus in Santa Maria in the next five years. She envisions expanding into San Luis Obispo County. She can see and hear children who have taken the workshops teaching other children about peace through music—and you can see and hear it too.
Photos: Patrick Mahan and Joelyn Lutz and Children with Peace Path prototype
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Image on Banner by Teri Sohl |
