CONNECTING KIDS ACROSS CLASSROOMS, COMMUNITIES, AND TIME.
Once Upon Our Time Capsule transforms the traditional time capsule into a powerful tool for youth connection and reflection. We unite students across classrooms and communities to create collective time capsules, preserving today's voices for tomorrow. By reflecting on, documenting, and sharing stories for the time capsule, participants build their sense of identity and belonging - vital to both personal and community well-being.
How it works
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Every June, we launch a new annual Youth Time Capsule (our digital platform for youth stories) and a supporting arts-infused curriculum to engage youth in reflection and dialog.
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In schools, after school programs, homeless shelters, and more, youth contribute artifacts into the platform capturing their meaningful moments, experiences, and perspectives, and explore submissions from peers.
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At the end of the school year in May, the annual Youth Time Capsule is closed for 10 years. With each new Youth Time Capsule, we are working toward building the largest digital record of youth stories.
impact WE SEEK TO MAKE
By reimagining the time capsule for today's youth, we invite them to explore their past, understand the present, and dream about the future. Our time capsule is digital, providing an updated take on an old tradition. Supported by a dynamic curriculum which can be deployed in a variety of settings, we encourage kids to share their unique stories with each other and the world.
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Through the process of contributing to the Youth Time Capsule, youth reflect on their personal growth and achievements, their values, and their communities. They articulate their experiences, perspectives, and dreams through writing, art, and digital media. Along the way, they build their sense of self-worth.
Research consistently shows that individuals with higher levels of self-worth are more resilient to stress, less likely to develop mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and more likely to engage in healthy behaviors.
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Social belonging is a universal need. Research shows that when children feel socially connected to and accepted by others, they experience better physical and mental well-being and they even perform better in school. Once Upon Our Time Capsule fosters a sense of belonging by valuing diversity, encouraging connection, and empowering youth to be their authentic selves within the community.
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Once Upon Our Time Capsule promotes empathy by providing a needed platform for sharing, listening, and learning from diverse - and personal - stories and experiences. Ultimately, this fosters a greater sense of understanding and compassion among participants, and builds stronger communities.
OUR Partners
We work partner with schools, after school programs, and government agencies to bring our programming to youth in a variety of settings. Reach out to us at hello@ourtimecapsule.org with ways you want to partner.
WHAT Teachers ARE SAYING
thanks to our supporters