Things aren’t always what they seem. The world is complex and always changing. So look close and get curious about why something is the way it is (or isn’t). Perhaps you’ll start to see something familiar in a whole new way.

This month, we feature three resources about the need for moving beyond performative gestures toward meaningful shifts to address social problems and inequities.

Language is the main way we communicate.

The words and phrases we use, whether intentional or subconscious, have enormous power to shape how we make sense of our world. This month, we’re sharing three perspectives on how language gives us meaning.

People bring their own values and beliefs to any encounter they have. To connect and resonate with people, it’s important to take into account their distinctive ways of making sense of the world.

This month, we’re sharing three examples of ways to meet people where they are.

Most of the time, if you have a question or a problem, you can guarantee that someone else does too. When we’re lucky, we find that someone out in the universe has taken the time to compile or describe the solution or the answers.

This month, we’re sharing some tips, tricks, and lists we found recently that are helping us out in work and in life!

With bad news a constant refrain in the world, it’s easy to allow negativity and worry to seep into our consciousness and overlook the joy all around us. So, this month, we’re sharing ways we’ve felt uplifted and inspired by our colleagues in the museum industry. We hope it brings you joy as we close out 2022 and prepare for a new year!

When do you feel seen?

What a difference it makes when we feel seen for who we are, when we feel like someone is looking out for us and our needs, or when something we encounter resonates in a deeply personal way. This month, we invite you to take a moment to think about the ways that museums do or do not “see” you.

It’s an unusually busy fall at Kera Collective. With postponed projects restarting and intersecting with newer ones already in full swing, it’s been tough to find a moment to just…breathe. Gratitude and connection are helping us through these frenzied times. We’re thankful for the amazing opportunities that have come our way and know we’re likely not the only ones experiencing some overwhelm as the seasons change. So, deep breaths everyone—we’re in this together! 

We love to ask questions. Questions help us find clarity, push us to reconsider our assumptions, and open up the possibility for something new to emerge. This month all of our coffee break picks start with a question.  Coincidence? We think not.

With summer comes travel and adventure. Take a breather with us and see what we have been reading and doing!

Hi everyone! We are grateful to have you here. This kicks off our first-ever "coffee break" newsletter, where we'll share with you what our staff is reading and pondering each month, with a few "surprise & delights" along the way. Thank you for joining us! Grab your favorite mug, and dive on in.