'AN IMPERFECT LETTER'
This letter from us to every child is to take you seriously. Each as you are. Wherever you are. Whatever is going on.
We invite you to view any of the animations of 'An imperfect letter' below.
'An imperfect letter' can be shared and embedded anywhere. Below on this page there are more ideas about how to share 'An imperfect letter'.
About the authors: We are six adults living on unceded first nations lands in four countries (Australia | Aotearoa New Zealand | Canada | Mexico). We have lived different childhoods, and we face different futures, yet we hold a shared value and wish for children. A wish that each child, in any place, of any age, ability, culture or situation, be valued by society, services and systems. Valued for who they are and for what is important to them.
Our thanks: To the children (friends, siblings, cousins) around us in our own childhoods who were safe to talk to or be silent with - we thank you. To the adults around us who took us seriously – we thank you.
The three animations of 'An imperfect letter' have been developed in collaboration with Guy Downes, Reilly Baker and Mitchell Janson.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE MATTER
'Children and young people do not have the same access to power, resources and safety as adults. Children and young people are not merely ‘witnesses’ to family violence and other forms of coercion, exploitation and abuse in their lives. They are directly impacted by the threats and harm used against them and the people and things they care for and care about.
They anticipate, resist and respond to the violence and abuse used against them and against others. For example, many children and young people are effortfully protecting siblings, other adults, including adults they rely on. They may be having to protect themselves from other family members who perpetrate abuse or respond in unhelpful or harmful ways.
Children and young people notice how violence and abuse is talked about and responded to in society, services and systems. Many are silent about or silenced by violence and abuse. They may be having to adjust their friendships and relationships to other children, peers and adults for safety, to avoid further humiliation and harm.
Violence and abuse costs children and young people deeply and they may also hold many other concerns at the same time. Their experiences and what matters to them must be taken seriously.'
[Excerpt: Any Responder Module]
SHARING 'AN IMPERFECT LETTER'
‘An imperfect letter’ is to every child and is something you can freely share forward – we may never know what the letter might mean to one child or many children - now and over time.
We will never fully know or be able to describe in perfect words the creative and resourceful ways children live and be in response to opportunity and loss. In response to adversity, calm, chaos, connection, disconnection, kindness, violence, and more.
We will never fully know or be able to describe in perfect words the creative and resourceful ways children live and be in response to opportunity and loss. In response to adversity, calm, chaos, connection, disconnection, kindness, violence, and more.
If you are reading or sharing this letter
- We invite you to let the letter travel unchanged.
- We invite you to refrain from explaining it.
- We invite you to follow children’s lead in what some or all of it may mean to them.
The imperfect letter may speak quietly to a child.
And the letter may create a way to talk together.
Sharing 'An imperfect letter'
This letter has no limits to where it can travel and be seen. It can be shared in any format or style.
We invite you to creatively share it or respond to it. It must always be free (no cost/fee).
Share or embed one of more of the animations of 'An imperfect letter' at the top of this page.
Use the master image files provided to plan the ways you can share this letter with children.
Use the PDF (black text on white background)
Use the PNG files with your chosen format (black text on translucent background) Side A and Side B
The possibilities for sharing the letter are endless and can evolve... most importantly in ways that directly reveal the letter to children.
Do you have an idea for how you are planning to share the letter to children? Share your ideas here via [[email protected]]
Ideas for sharing 'An imperfect letter'
Insight Exchange shared 'An imperfect letter' rolled up in a black cardboard cylinder at a Creating Conversations session involving adults working across a range of sectors and industries.
These are some of the early ideas emerging from first responses:
Paint 'An Imperfect Letter' on the concrete wall of a children's playground/skate park
Print copies of 'An Imperfect Letter' to share on tables in waiting rooms of services where children come along with parent/s
Frame 'An imperfect letter' to share in residential houses (residential spaces where families can stay while children receive hospital/medical treatment)
Print copies of 'An Imperfect Letter' in care packs given to parents in hospital to take home after birthing
Project 'An imperfect letter' wall of a cubbyhouse structure inside public institutions where there are child-specific areas (eg: museum, library)