In 1969, when whites and “people of color” weren’t allowed to share a public swimming pool, a quiet revolutionary made a gentle splash for change. On a hot day in the land of make believe, Fred Rogers was cooling his feet in a wading pool when African-American Officer Clemmons stopped by on his rounds. Mister Rogers invited the officer to join him and they cooled their feet together. Pink toes and brown toes side by side in the water. And when they were finished, Fred used his towel to dry his guest’s feet.
Inspired by this act, we are launching a digital talk series called Feet Forward. Six to eight participants of all beliefs, colors, ethnicities, genders who are on opposite sides of a hot-button issue will sit side by side around a spa with their feet in the water and use the principles of nonviolent communication to listen to and acknowledge one another.
We feel that this is a desperately needed step in the direction of cooling tempers in a violently divided nation and hope it will be the beginning of a quest for common ground and a return to civil discourse.
AND WE NEED YOUR HELP.
We intend to tape the pilot/proof-of-concept episode on a Saturday or Sunday morning in August in the Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) area.
We need 2 HD video camera owners/operators and a sound person with a multi-directional shotgun mic to tape the show. We also need a P.A.
The commitment will be for three hours on the shoot day. We’re paying for this out of our own pockets, but we can negotiate a fee, or hopefully offer an exchange of services.
For more info on the show, please visit: http://innerstoryretreats.com/feet-forward/
CREW INQUIRIES, please email me at contact@innerstoryretreats.com
