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Disastershock Patchwork Globe

The Story of the Disastershock Patchwork Globe 

RMATHEW  INTERMODAL ARTIST 2023.webp
_Patchwork Globe”; 12x12; Mixed Media; Artist_ Bridget Steed.webp
BRIDGET STEED

The Disastershock Global Response Team is an international humanitarian relief organization dedicated to providing coping resources and support to children and families affected by disaster-related stress. We are an all-volunteer organization with members from 27 different countries who come together with a common goal to help the most vulnerable and in need.

One of the most notable symbols of our community is the Disastershock Patchwork Globe, created by artist and Arts & Recovery Team Leader Bridget Steed, MA, LMHC. This image of the globe is an incredibly poignant representation of the heart of our organization. The globe takes the form of a patchwork quilt, which is a type of needlework that sews two or more pieces of cloth together to create a larger mosaic. This 3-dimensional design was created using paper, fabric, and oil pastel. Each patchwork piece of the quilt represents the diverse contributions made by our community of researchers, sociologists, psychotherapists, artists, and educators to the integrated effort of Disastershock.

The patchwork quilt of the Disastershock Globe also represents the power of integrated efforts. Disaster relief requires the collaborative efforts of many professionals and activists to provide comprehensive psychological first aid. It is only through the coordinated efforts of all involved that we can provide the support and resources that those in need so desperately require.

Our virtual quilt is a testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our community. It comprises expert interviews, active research, and psychological first aid materials in multiple languages, and it is the work of a global village. Our community members come from all over the world, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, and perspectives that help us provide the most effective and comprehensive support possible.

Lastly, the patchwork globe is set against a starry night backdrop, symbolizing "the void". The void is a fertile space in which anything can be created. Within the void lies the transcendent hope of unseen possibilities in trauma recovery and healing. The starry night represents the vastness of the universe and the infinite potential for growth, healing, and renewal. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and with the right support and resources, we can overcome even the most difficult challenges.

The Disastershock Global Response Team is an incredible organization driven by a shared commitment to support those most in need. Our community comprises dedicated volunteers from all over the world who come together to provide comprehensive psychological first aid to those affected by disaster-related stress. Our patchwork globe is a symbol of our community's diverse contributions and the power of integrated efforts.

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