Building Hope Through Community
2025 has been an interesting year. I joined a local social media group to share research; figure out who I wanted to vote for; and to share some evidence to combat misinformation. But I discovered the overall tone of the group was one of animosity – including name-calling. And so, I reduced my involvement.
Supportive private groups exist online of course, but over the past months I’ve found membership in online spaces to be more and more negative. I long for the days of respectful debate, when participants could learn from each other.
Other challenges
The year brought other challenges, too. Some family members continued to struggle with health issues, resulting in lower school attendance, and higher stress levels for everyone.
In the middle of new challenges, however, I found a bright spot – a local group with a sense of community that gives me hope. It’s an organization called the River Clyde Pageant, which I joined as a puppeteer.
“A few staff and many volunteers …put on a production unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
The River Clyde Pageant is a unique outdoor experience in Prince Edward Island (PEI). A few paid staff and many volunteers – from very young to old, and of differing abilities – come together to put on a production unlike anything I’ve ever seen. In free workshops from late May to late July, ensembles practise instrumental music and singing; stilt walking; dance; and puppetry. Writers explore their art and work together to develop the pageant’s main storyline. Volunteers create props and design scenes. And over those weeks, a script comes together.
Joining in as a parent
I had already known a bit about the pageant. One of my kids was part of a dance ensemble a few years ago and sang in the choir for the most recent pageant. Another child chose puppeteering, which counted towards the requirements of a school arts program. On a whim, I signed up for the pageant, too: after all, I’d be driving my children to and from the venue anyway. Taking part would also give me the opportunity to update my child if they had to miss a practice because of a chronic health issue.
Participants gather for the “stumble through” about a week before public performances begin, which is when story pieces are introduced and finalized. Somehow, everything comes together into a spectacular event that people come back to see, year after year. Weekend performances include a late evening meal, when people eat and chat together at picnic tables under a string of lights. Volunteers serve the food made by local chefs and their teams.
Sharing perspectives and overcoming differences
Being a part of the River Clyde Pageant was amazing. The collaborative environment included such highlights as:
- Sessions on relationship building, and an overall tone of support – participants could share perspectives and feel safe doing so. Did everyone agree on everything? Nope. But organizers dealt respectfully with any hurt or conflict so people felt heard, and issues could be worked through. A missed practice was met not with disappointment or condemnation, but with concern. Organizers offered helpful statements such as “Let us know if there is any way that we can support you.”
- Opportunities for children to shine – for one of my kids, singing practice led to a joyful moment when they regained their upper vocal range after Covid. And I watched another child handle a large coyote puppet with ease, as part of a three-member team. What a gift to see that child happily chatting with friends after yet another year of health issues.
- The chance for adults to be playful – as a puppeteer, I enjoyed the chance to engage in free play. I rarely get that opportunity, because of the demands of managing work and parenting.
A positive contrast
The in-person experience of the River Clyde Pageant was a huge contrast to what I experienced in some online social media spaces during 2025. Being part of the Pageant improved my outlook, and that of my children. I learned firsthand why mental health practitioners emphasize the positive health benefits of social connection*.
As I reflect on my time at the Pageant, I head into 2026 with a sense of hope. My greatest wish is that we all receive positive connections – whether it be in person, online, or both. It’s important to listen to and learn from one another; to support and lift each other up; and to build and enjoy a true community.
I also challenge you to try something new, or to resume something you set aside for a while. You never know where you will find hope.
