Hello January! The international theme for January is کورسو (KOORSOO).
This was chosen by our Tehran chapter in Iran and illustrated by Hoda Ramy, and presented by Adobe.
کورسو or Koorsoo (pronounced Koor·Soo) is a Farsi word meaning “a glimmer of hope.”
Each month, a different CreativeMornings chapter chooses a theme for our talks given in cities around the world. This year, many of our monthly themes will be in that chapter’s local language.
Our hope is that this will give each theme a richer meaning and foster deeper connections to other communities and cultures.
Our Tehran chapter had this to say about the significance of this month's theme:
"In our darkest hours, when everything seems to have dimmed, sometimes a light remains—not bright, not certain, but real. That is Koorsoo. A faint glimmer of hope that dares to survive. Koorsoo is not about triumph or clarity; it is about the fragile yet unwavering light that keeps us going. A glance, a memory, a word. Small things that prevent collapse. It represents the quiet resilience of those who continue in spite of the weight, who believe without guarantee. In a world that often normalizes despair, Koorsoo is a rebellion; soft, but profound. It reminds us, even the smallest spark matters.”
As a new year begins, ask yourself, “what is giving me hope right now?”
It’s up to each of us to keep that little light shining. Protect it and hold it dear. But be careful not to smother it. Share your koorsoo with the people around you. Because the world needs all the hope it can get.
Our Kitsap, Poulsbo chapter will continue to host our speakers every second Friday of the month.
Local speaker Patrick Wright (they/them) is a communications strategist, creative producer, and community builder. Currently serving as a Student Recruitment Specialist with Western Washington University on the Peninsulas. They hold a Master’s degree in Communication Management and bring over 20 years of experience in strategic communication, storytelling, and public engagement.
Patrick is also the creator of Satonya, a drag and performance persona that serves as an extension of their communication practice by using humor, spectacle, and storytelling to create spaces for connection, reflection, and collective joy.
For Patrick, creativity is not separate from strategy; it’s how meaning becomes memorable.
