We are continuing our Partners of Peace interview series with Ms. Dana Clark, founder of Heroic Humans. We love this concept because it highlights the positive. Too often, in this age of social media, we get wrapped up in the negative stuff, and we need to be reminded of all the good in the world. Really, I think the internet should be flooded with positive stories instead. Let’s all start by being our best selves, and being heroic humans. Check out her site here: http://heroichumans.com/index.html
Please tell us a little about yourself, what drew you to start Heroic Humans, and the Heroic Humans mission.
I founded Heroic Humans seven months ago. I love people, I love empowerment, and I love community and I’m working towards creating a social space to inspire, celebrate and empower Heroic members of our communities.
My thinking was: If I want to wake up everyday and be a Heroic Human, how can I get others to wake up and want the same thing? I started with my community. I thought: who will support me? My friends, my family, my co-workers and my fellow students all will, so I’ll start there. It’s absolutely flourished.
Now-a-days with social media, you can broaden your reach and have access to people and places you’d never been able to otherwise. This way, no mater who you are, or where you are, Heroic Humans is a space where you will be welcomed, you will be respected, and you will be not only acknowledged, but also celebrated.
When you acknowledge someone in the simplest ways, even as simple as saying: “Hey, you matter here, and you really make a difference”, it engages people in ways that we’re not used to. We should tell one another about the impact they have on our lives, because really, what do we have to lose?
The mission is to inspire, celebrate and empower Heroic members of all communities, and in doing that, we can all play a part in celebrating the good versus the bad and share authentic stories, people, passions and inspirations. Heroic Humans is a social impact movement that provides a gathering space for inspiration, celebration and empowerment. We seek to foster acceptance and inclusion, among heroic people and groups, in a world wedded to judgmental social norms and constructs. Heroic Humans is a place that refuses to marginalize and exclude people. It is a place where we can thrive as our truest and most powerful selves. We care about authentic connections and the power behind all people and passions.
What is the definition of heroism in today’s world? Why is that so important with everything going on in the world today?
The beauty of Heroic Humans is this: we are all Heroic Humans. It’s all about raw-humanity. The mission is to really get people to celebrate one another. It’s about noticing the good in others, and bringing out kindness and support to those around you and your community. I truly believe that with connection, community and support – anything is possible. Whether you’re a cancer survivor, a great barista, or an up-and-coming entrepreneur, I believe your community should know about you and those around you should encourage and support you. We don’t acknowledge each other enough. So it’s a space I’ve created to be able to do that and to celebrate that.
How can we join together to “inspire, celebrate and empower” each other and others? How do we get all the companies with similar missions to understand that we will make more positive change in this world for the next generation if we work together?
When you acknowledge someone in the simplest ways, even as simple as saying: “Hey, you matter here, and you really make a difference”, it engages people in ways that we’re not used to. We should tell one another about the impact they have on our lives, because really, what do we have to loose?
Working together is magic! The power of support and connection is incredible. When we work together, amazing things happen. My goal is to get people all over the world thinking this way – and acknowledging that we truly can make a difference if we work together.
I think programs like this should be in schools all over the country. What ideas do you have to scale up to get these programs in all schools?
Well, I’d love to host Heroic Humans conferences all over the world with people from every walk of life coming together to inspire others, celebrate others, and no matter your goal or dream, you’re welcome there.
In the meantime, I’ve started to lay the foundation for some workshops in different cities around this area. I have launched a clothing line and it’s also a goal to make myself known to the corporate world and to hopefully attract some corporate/business partnerships.
I’m in the process of bringing on a series of different ambassadors, from all different communities, with the hopes to inspire and reach as many people as possible. I knew I couldn’t do this alone, and decided to enroll some of the people I am personally inspired by, and who stand as influential and courageous members of their communities. It’s so important to me to energize and include people from all walks of life. I recently brought on two LGBTQ+ ambassadors, and an Environmental ambassador.
What advice do you have for teachers, administrators, healthcare practitioners, athletes and especially parents as it relates to raising heroic humans? What about kids, like me, so we can grow up to be heroic humans and have a positive impact on the world?
A term I like to use to convey the messaging and meaning behind Heroic Humans is “Live Heroically”. Follow your passions. Follow that thing that lights you up. And follow your heart in whatever direction it takes you. Live Heroically by living as your authentic self, and by treating others with the same kindness and respect we all deserve. All we need is to be heard, seen and loved, and I think if we remember that – anything is possible.
Thank you Ms. Dana Clark for taking the time to tell us about Heroic Humans. I encourage everyone to be a heroic human today, and let others know that they inspire you with their goodness. It can really make a big difference in the world.
For more information about Wuf Shanti: https://wufshanti.com/2018/05/about-wuf-shanti/