The Power of Hope

Using Arts-Based Research

for Education and Advocacy

Rev. Dr. Helen Boursier, Ph.D.

ABR + Trauma Theory
Primary References
Participants and Context
Ethical Parameters and the IRB
IRB: Ethically Informed Approach
– UNFILTERED LISTENING. The concerns of
the families are the top priority.
– EMBRACING SOLIDARITY from a pastoral
care perspective with ongoing dedication
to their long-term wellbeing.
– SACREDNESS OF ENCOUNTER between the
refugee and the data collector.
– APPRECIATING THE DIGNITY OF THE
HUMAN PERSON. Portray the narrative in
the subject’s own language and
handwriting. Translated text examples
use their words , translated to English for
viewer accessibility.
– TRUTH-TELLING THROUGH FULL
DISCLOSURE with the positive and
negative aspects of their journey to
asylum: good and bad.
*Thanks to Kimberly Vrudny for graciously sharing her IRB which I adapted.
– OPPOSING STIGMA AND OVERCOMING
STEREOTYPES. Sharing the testimonies of
the families will countering popularly used
derogatory terms which denigrate
refugees and immigrants
– CONSCIOUSNESS RAISING highlights the
feminicide and sociocide which has been
the catalyst behind these refugee families
seeking safe asylum in the U.S.
– EMPOWERMENT AND AMPLIFYING VOICE.
Provide creative ways for mothers to
“speak” and advocate on behalf of their
own experiences.
– MITIGATING PRIVILEGE AND AVOIDING
EXPLOITATION. The participants retain all
the artwork created.
– GENERATE MORAL OUTRAGE. Challenge
and change the systemic issues of power
and control from the political, social,
theological, ethical, and political views.
Art Installation Particulars
The Art Installation
 Power of Hope Press Kit
• Template press release for media.
• Template for invitational flier
• Artist statement for the families
• Artist statement for the installation
• Two digital images for social media use
• Checklist for how to plan an “art
opening”
• Viewer feedback “guest book” form
Powerful Results
Raw Data for ABR
Integrating Art during Research
Before…

During…

After…
ABR: Stretches Researcher (Art) Skills
My Reasons for Leaving
I left Honduras
Running
in fear
from
my husband.
I suffered
much domestic violence.
My children suffered too.
Many times.
The gangs molested my daughter.
Many times.
They did evil things to her.
We have suffered
enough.
I am very sad when I remember
all the suffering
my husband caused.
He beat me.
He mistreated me.
He tried to kill me.
I ask my God
Please help me to forget
All the bad . . . all the evil.
ABR Makes Provides Public Access
• Literary writing • Short stories
• Dramatic recitations • Novels
• Music • Poems
• Dance • Parables
• Performance • Sculpture
• Visual Arts • 3-D art
• Collages • Quilts
• Paintings • Needlework
• Drawings • Performance scripts
• Sculptures • Theatrical performances
• Dances • Musical scores
• Films • Urban Sketching
• Songs • Novels
• Social media • Nonfiction essays
Dedicated and with Gratitude to
Refugee Families Seeking Asylum