On November 18, 2009, almost 300 people gathered to hear Meg Wheatley, Tim Merry and Marc Durkee, Iyeoka Okoawo, The Jeff Robinson Trio, Adam Stone and Harlym125 for the second Berkana Institute Rhyming for a Reason, a celebration of the power of the arts to create social change. Held in the spectacular José Mateo's Ballet Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this evening of original poetry and live music was a fun and spirited way to share stories about resilient communities emerging everywhere.

Over $20,000 was raised through ticket sales, sponsorship and a silent auction, benefiting The Berkana Institute, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with a rich diversity of people around the world who strengthen their communities by working with the wisdom and wealth already present in their people, traditions and environment.

Why did we choose an evening of poetry to celebrate our work? The arts are a natural and universal form of expression that awakens within us what it means to be human and to be connected to one another. When we hear a poem, listen to music, dance, write or act, we open up new ways of seeing our communities, and we create new possibilities for community health, economic self-reliance and ecological sustainability.

We invite you to take our experience and make it your own. Create your own Rhyming for a Reason event as a way to connect the arts with your community needs. Please feel free to contact us at rhyming@berkana.org for advice.

You can be the change you want!