One of the absolute privileges of being part of Dumbo Feather is having the opportunity to get to know the extraordinary people we feature on our pages. The voices that have the power to reach around the world and challenge the reader to think, act or see things differently. They span disciplines, from poets and artists to economists and activists, but they are motivated by the same thing; to make the world a happier, more empathetic, more inclusive and loving society. They become a valued and cherished part of our family.

We asked six of these wonderful humans one simple question – what does Dumbo Feather mean to you?

Arne Rubenstein – expert on Rites of Passage and adolescent development.

The whole experience with Dumbo Feather was actually completely different from what I am used to. First of all, the interview was about an hour and a half, really comprehensive and free flowing. Then a photographer came to our property in Byron Bay and she generally worked to capture the spirit of who we are and what we do, so far all very unusual and highly refreshing.

The actual article was the best I have ever seen in terms of genuinely representing our work and it combined perfectly with the pictures.

But that was just the beginning. It is a number of years since the Edition 43 was printed but I have continued to receive emails from people all over Australia and around the world. Every Rite of Passage Leadership Training or Camp we do, there are always people attending who have come because they read Dumbo Feather, it is quite extraordinary.

And then to top it off, as a result of doing this article I have made a whole group of friends not only in the Dumbo Feather office but in the broader Small Giants, I always feel welcome there and am continually being invited to launch parties and events they are hosting. It really has been a wonderful and ongoing experience.

Parker Palmer – author of On the Brink of Everything, The Courage to Teach, and Let Your Life Speak.

I love Dumbo Feather! How can you not love a mag named after an elephant who thought he could fly because he had a magic feather—only to lose the feather and discover that the magic was in him all along? Every issue is packed with ideas and inspirations that help us lumbering humans understand that we, too, can fly. Every issue evokes that magical mix of gravitas and levitas we need to do the heavy lifting of social change while sustaining our spirits for the long haul. And every issue is beautifully produced with graphics that help bring the words to life. Dumbo Feather consistently encourages and uplifts me, even on my most elephantine days.

Lori Lakin Hutcherson – screenwriter from Los Angeles, and the founder and editor-in-chief of Good Black News.

Everything I love about Dumbo Feather lies within its name. Inspiration, hope, lightness, joy, realization of potential, the importance of difference, as well as celebration of those who do wondrous things even when not the main attraction of the “circus.”

In issue upon issue, this unique “Mook” takes its deliciously sweet time exploring important themes that drive our human existence, all while expanding and connecting a global community of thought and heart leaders. I am deeply honoured to be part of Dumbo Feather’s pantheon, as every time I engage – as subject, essayist or interviewer or reader – I learn and grow and am made the better for it.

Pádraig Ó Tuama – poet and theologian.

Dumbo feather is like bringing the best kind of conversation with you. In photography, art, interviews, poetry, podcasts and essays, Dumbo Feather always invites me into conversations with extraordinary thinking and extraordinary art. I love the photography, the generous, slow space of the layout, the depth of community engagement, and the way that it’s a voice from Melbourne to the wide world.

Maya Newell – award winning documentary maker and director of Gayby Baby and In My Blood It Runs.

Dumbo Feather is the home of writings, thought-bubbles and provocations that nudge us to think beyond the status quo. I enjoy reading and contributing to the mag as the words and vision push us to reject complacency, open our hearts to new ways of seeing and suggest that just after reading comes action.

Tim Silverwood – award-winning environmentalist and co-founder of the not-for-profit organisation ‘Take 3 for the Sea’.

As the summer season approaches, I’m imagining lazy days at home with friends and family floating between long lunches and lively conversations. I’m envisaging settling into a hammock for some quiet time to read inspirational stories of people who are creating the change we all should want to see in this world. Needless to say, Dumbo Feather is a guaranteed go-to for inspiration stories for a slow and rejuvenating summer.