Belmont University hosted its second annual Hope Summit Oct. 2-3, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to innovate, build and dream. The two-day event focused on the power of storytelling and how leaders can use this tool for transformation. This year’s summit focus — the power of storytelling — is a continuation of the University’s strategic visioning process for 2030. The event offered the opportunity for the Belmont community experience and lean into Pathway 5 of its Strategic Trajectory: Storytelling That Inspires the World.
The Stories of Hope and Transformation We Need Now
Monday’s plenary session featured alumnus Brad Paisley and his wife, Belmont Board of Trustee member Kimberly Williams-Paisley. When asked how hope plays out in their lives, Williams-Paisley shared a quote from Alain de Botton that says, "The difference between hope and despair is a different way of telling stories from the same facts." “If I can frame the same story in a different way, it can change your entire perspective,” she explained.
Stories anchor us. The Paisleys see this through Brad's music, Kim's book and philanthropy, through their family life and The Store. “If you care about something, there is a story to be told,” Paisley said.
The morning session was followed by a curated luncheon designed to foster connections and drive conversations around impactful stories. Attendees heard inspiring examples of hope and transformation from community arts initiatives to combating gun violence to reimagining philanthropy in healthcare.
The Connecting Agents of Hope Through Stories of Transformation Lunch featured speakers Morgan Wills, MD, MATS, FACP of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Joanna (Beatty) Taft of Harrison Center, David Dillon and Michael Allen of Together Chicago and Corner to Corner's Will Acuff and Shana Berkeley.
Michael Allen, a Baptist pastor, shared his heart-wrenching experience with gun violence, sparking a fire within him to take action. His lesson? Listen first, speak later – a powerful reminder for those seeking to make a lasting impact in the world. David Dillon, a Presbyterian businessman, felt compelled to address Chicago's escalating violence. His journey led him to Michael, and their collaboration has been nothing short of miraculous.
Allen reminded attendees: "Hurt people, hurt people, and healed people, heal people." By listening, learning and providing hope, Together Chicago is changing narratives and healing communities.
Dillon highlighted their journey of unity across cultures, a testament to their partnership's strength. From two people to a team of 60, their growth is a testament to their mission's success.
Following the lunch were three interactive workshops designed to deepen attendees’ understanding and skill in storytelling, provide insight into impacting communities through empathetic intelligence and develop strategy for connection and collaboration.
Through sessions Data-Informed Storytelling that Drives Impact, Practicing Peacemaking to Reweave the Social Fabric and Leading Multi-Sector Collaboration, participants were equipped with the tools needed to tell powerful stories, create thriving communities and build strategic networks.
Monday night concluded with a Night of Hope — a celebration of the efforts, partnerships and collaborations of those across Nashville and beyond who exemplify what it means to be a Champion of Hope – one who personifies hope and illustrates how faith can be a catalyst for action. The Night of Hope Gala provided a space to highlight and recognize individuals and groups for their tremendous work in this area.
During this event, the second annual Rick Byrd Character Award was presented to Al Andrews. The Rick Byrd Character Award recognizes individuals annually in the community who exemplify the leadership and character of Coach Byrd, whose legacy is promoting a winning tradition and selfless culture.
Building Bridges Through Collaboration
Day two of the Hope Summit was a gathering of change-makers, thinkers and leaders committed to shaping a more hopeful world. Featured speakers Al Andrews, founder and executive director of Franklin, Tennessee non-profit Porter’s Call, a non-profit and Stellar and Dove Award-nominated recording artist and speaker Janice Gaines reaffirmed that it is only through nurturing empathy and authentic relationship that we can gain the perspective and understanding we need to be Agents of Hope.
“Vulnerability begets vulnerability — so, the best approach is to be vulnerable ourselves,” Gaines shared when asked how to ‘make hope real’. “The only relief I’ve ever found is someone ahead of me in the process that can share their story and guarantee you that it gets better,” she said. “As we are more vulnerable in a society where vulnerability is often disingenuous, true vulnerability can create hope and connections that tie us together.”
Andrews shared, “I may not know your story, but I know the shape of it. It starts with innocence; tragedy strikes and is usually followed by resolve and revelation — just like in scripture. Hope, is just implanting something that gives someone a forward feeling — so they can move ahead in their story.”
Hope Summit sessions concluded Tuesday afternoon with Hope in Action luncheons featuring panelists who provided tangible examples of turning challenges into opportunities. Panelists discussed topics including Advancing Mental Health in Underserved Communities, Fostering Local Impact Investing Ecosystems, The Power of City Faith Networks and New Models for Cultivating the Arts, which highlighted how art can be deployed to nurture our communities and ways that the church can walk alongside organizations and aid in those efforts.
Moderated by Professor Religion and the Arts Steve Guthrie, panel of beacons Sandra McCracken, David Kim, Winfield Bevins and Joanna Taft shared stories of how art has been instrumental to their redemptive stories as well as how they’ve seen the arts propel flourishing in their own local areas — bringing together individuals who would have otherwise continued in their own silos. The panel also discussed the role that power plays and the importance of breaking down barriers to increase reach and accessibility to those of all walks of life.
“The ways that we do relate are more rich and more beautiful than the ways that we are divided,” said McCracken, a singer-songwriter and Belmont alumna who is doing incredible work as a Creative Fellow for Goldenwood.
A Day to Dream
Wednesday concluded the week’s events with a Day to Dream for the Belmont community to be in community, to create life-long memories of joy and to celebrate.
Dr. Greg Jones introduced “Day to Dream” as part of the inaugural Hope Summit in 2022. As important as it is to spend time planning and working, Dr. Jones emphasized the importance of coming together in joy and renewal. Campus came to life with fall carnival staples — a pumpkin patch, tractor rides, s’mores, campfires and a giant Ferris wheel.
“At Belmont, we are equipping and unleashing agents of hope and all of us— each of you can be just that,” said President Greg Jones. “I pray that this week has encouraged you to look for those stories, experiments and engagements that break through the darkness and shine light in beautiful ways.”