December 2025
E-Newsletter

1

Dear Friends,

During this season, I find myself reflecting on how your support nurtures courage, curiosity, and wonder in students here in the United States and around the world. I am deeply grateful.

At Creative Connections, students embark on inspiring journeys as they learn to navigate the world as Global Citizens through creativity, empathy, and understanding.

Because of you, they connect across continents through art, storytelling, and meaningful dialogue, building bridges of light that shine far beyond this season

With heartfelt gratitude,

Alan Steckler, Founder & President

P.S. Learn about our Annual Appeal

2

Inside the Ethics Lab

Global Voices: Ethics Lab is our newest virtual exchange program that empowers high school students to explore ethical decision-making, empathy, and global citizenship through the creative lens of educational theater.

Using collaborative theater and storytelling between partner classes in the US and abroad, this program inspires students to explore the ethical crossroads of daily life; personal relationships, social justice, and the future shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

Designed to deepen communication skills, develop moral courage, and encourage meaningful action, Global Voices: Ethics Lab transforms classrooms into global communities of thoughtful, compassionate change-makers.

For any questions, contact Tim Steckler, Program Manager, tsteckler@creativeconnections.org

3

Student Artists That Inspire

Global Voices Art Show

Please enjoy this video excerpt from our recent exhibit My Story, Our Lives, where two students, one from Ukraine and one from the US, share their artwork and the meaningful stories that inspired it.

The full video, featuring 12 Global Voices-ArtLink students, can be viewed on our website, or in person at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport, CT, where 50 original art pieces are also on display.

Celebrating Student Artists

Congratulations to all Global Voices-ArtLink students,
who received Certificates of Recognition for their work in this exhibit.

We hope you stop by and enjoy this extraordinary show!

This exhibit runs from October 30th through April 24, 2026.

 
Bridgeport, CT and Ukraine student artists holding
Certificates of Recognition

4

The World's Creative Classroom

Global Voices-ArtLink Program

Current participating educators are widely praising our updated and newly revised curriculum on our easy-to-use Notion platform.

This program is a unique opportunity for students to connect with peers from around the world through art and live videoconferencing, sharing their stories and voices while having the chance to build cross-cultural relationships and cultivate empathy, fostering global citizenship.

With Cycle 1 successfully underway, we are now accepting application for Cycle 2, starting in January 2026. There are only 18 spots remaining.

If you’re ready to bring the world into your classroom, please apply on our website today!

Need-based financial support is available.

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We're Featured!

We’re honored to have our Global Voices-ArtLink program highlighted in the 32th edition of Latincolors Magazine!

We are grateful for the opportunity to share about our work in Latin America with our local communities.

Look for our article, “Building Global Bridges Through Latin American Art” online at latincolorsmagazine.com.

Enjoy this excerpt: “One of our strongest and most enduring partnerships has been with Guatemala, where we began working over 20 years ago with what was then called RainForest ArtLink. Since then, more than dozens of Guatemalan schools and hundreds of students have participated, exchanging artwork and ideas with their U.S. peers and offering powerful insights into the traditions, challenges, and beauty of Guatemalan life and culture.”

6

Lend A Hand

We are happy to announce we are now offering high school internships!

Our enriching volunteer program is for individuals and students passionate about education, global cultures, and the arts.

We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help with art exhibits, workshops, outreach, behind-the-scenes support, and more. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or more, your creativity and energy can make a real impact!

Please contact Polly Loughran, ploughran@creativeconnections.org.

For more information, click the button below.

7

Donate

Please consider donating today to help us inspire, connect, and empower students through our mission of inspiring global understanding.

Your end-of-year support makes a difference.

Thank you!

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