On January 27, Singapore’s non-profit rockstars and local change-makers came together for Fuze Night, a unique bi-monthly event for the social sector to network, enjoy speakers and live music, and enhance their professional know-how. Artistry Café generously hosted the evening and was soon packed solid by the high event turnout.
The night’s theme was 'Storytelling for Social Good', with talks by two speakers well-versed in this area, Rebecca Lim, the Head of Our Better World, and Crystal Goh, the Founder of Diamonds on the Street.
Crystal began the night by sharing her personal journey as singer who lost her voice due to a rare neurological condition. Still unable to sing, Crystal wrote a song on the power of hope, and eventually her voice returned. She went on to start the non-profit Diamonds on the Street to empower at-risk youth to express themselves creatively and to turn their personal reflections into art.
“By writing our stories we shape how we think about ourselves. We are vulnerable when we share honestly, yet from this vulnerability comes room to form authentic connections with others.”
Storytelling is all the more crucial for young people who lack parental support or who have been a part of the juvenile justice system.
'So many young people have thought of themselves as bad kids, or not smart, or just the type who will never amount to anything… Yet as they tell their stories they realize they have the power to become exactly who they want to be,' said Crystal. Diamonds on the Street continues to empower young people with all performances and album sales going to support the organisation’s mission.
Audience members were excited to hear Crystal’s first public performance of her new single 'Banksia Ornata', about a rare flower that grow stronger after being burnt by fire. This topic deeply resonates with Crystal because of her own work empowering at-risk youth.
“Bloom for those who love you twice
Let them see beneath your spikes
Fall in love with your growth
Aren’t you glad you’re alive?”
Crystal’s speech and performance was followed by the rousing voice and piano of Michelle SgP, a local jazz and soul musician. Michelle shared how she had trained in social work, and how she now worked to create action and inspiration through her music. She performed her original song ‘Dreams’.
“Dreams, inspire worlds for change
Dreams, lead us to better places
Your dreams, they only stay inside your head if you keep them buried”
Next was speaker Rebecca Lim, Head of Our Better World, an initiative of the Singapore International foundation. Rebecca was an ideal speaker to wrap up the night, given her work promoting the power of stories and digital media for good.
“People think that stories are shaped by people.
In fact, it’s the other way around.”
An eternal optimist, Rebecca combines her eye for opportunities with her love for people as Head of Our Better World, the digital storytelling initiative of the Singapore International Foundation. At Our Better World, Rebecca leverages the power of stories of people doing good in Asia and digital media to inspire a global community to contribute in meaningful ways.
Rebecca’s presentation began with the story of Jaya, one small girl in Malaysia helped by a volunteer who was inspired by a story to teach her English. Young Jaya ended up also teaching English to the rest of her family creating new possibilities all from the power of one simple story.
The rest of Rebecca’s presentation focused on practical tips for non-profits to share their stories for good.
“What makes a good story?
When you convey the compelling truth at the foundation of your cause, it draws people in.”
‘Don’t overpower your audience with too much information,’ cautioned Rebecca. ‘Our causes are complex but our stories shouldn’t be!’ She instead encouraged audience members to tell stories that are big on inspiration, small on information and have a simple call-to-action.
Rebecca also encouraged audience members to give their cause 'heart and legs' by knowing their audience, objectives, and creating content that people naturally want to share. For those looking to master the art of storytelling, Our Better World provides a cheat sheet that can be accessed by simply emailing storyteller@ourbetterworld.org.
Fuze Nights typically take place on the last Wednesday of every other month at Artistry. Sign up for Be An Idea updates and never miss an event.
