Family Feeling

Get Inspired: Saya Shamdasani

Family feeling. When we spend time hanging out together, we learn a lot about our family and through family, we learn about ourselves. Today, we invite you to reflect on how your family shapes who you are.

Spending time with our families gives us the space to explore who we are. Check out Saya Shamdasani's story about embracing parts of her identity through a trip to her grandmother's home in India. Saya is a graduate of The Moth Education Program for 9th-12th grade students in NYC.

This video was produced by The Moth, an organization dedicated to promoting the art and craft of storytelling and honoring and celebrating the diversity and commonality of human experience.

Let’s Talk

After watching Saya's video, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family today:

• What inspired you about Saya's story? What did you find relatable?

• What did Saya learn by spending time with her grandmother? How did her trip broaden or change her worldview?

• What makes you feel connected to your roots? How do you learn about your family heritage?

• Bonus! Make a list of your recent favorite activities and discuss with your family. What have you discovered? What new habits would you like to keep going?

Do Something: Family Story Night

Share stories with your family. Host a family story night in your living room. Set a date and theme, so everyone can have time to pick their favorite family story to share. What memory makes you laugh? What moment inspired you? Check out storytelling tips from The Moth below to prepare your performance.

Make it a special event. Turn off the TV, get your performance lighting ready, and set up concessions for your live audience. If your family is ready to share your stories with a larger audience, set up a video call with extended family, so they can enjoy the show and celebrate family memories, too.

Community Connections: Share Our Spare

Chicago family donations. Families across the city are in need of essential items for childcare. Our partner Share Our Spare is dedicated to ensuring every child in Chicago has the the essentials they need to thrive during their first five years of life. From diapers to strollers and everything in between, Share Our Spare will connect your new and gently used extras to families in need.

Click on the link below to see Share Our Spare's list of requested items. Vist their website to schedule a pick-up, or your family can drop off your donations at the Sharehouse on any designated drop-off day.