“I think if people shared openly and listened well. . . I sort of think story circles could change the world.”
– Story Circle Participant
Why do it? Story circles model the kind of community we want to be in. Participants listen respectfully, without judgement, and are given that same respect in return. Over the 12 years we’ve been holding story circles we’ve seen these transformative effects of story circles:
Empowerment
Story circles can empower community members to tell their stories in their own voices and words, instilling agency, and inspiring them to seek out people or experiences that support their growth.
Belonging
The process allows for individuals to show up as their authentic selves without judgement, trust that others will listen to their stories, and believe that their experiences are valid and valuable.
Empathy
The structure of the story circle assures individuals that their unique stories will be honored and that everyone’s differing perspectives are valuable. This creates a space where deep listening can take place, inspiring empathy where it may not have existed before.
We need to raise $2000 this week to fund 6 more story circles that will help build a stronger community and further inform our Values Play Project.
In a story circle, participants listen respectfully, without judgement, and are given that same respect in return. Your donation helps to build a model of the kind of community we want to be in.
“Understanding and listening are so important, but becoming more and more contentious and rare.”
-Story Circle Participant
Shared stories illuminate the shared aspirations for a better world that can unify us. Now, more than ever, we want to employ the story circle to bring people together, create space for processing and healing, and create connection. This spring, we are holding 6 more story circles designed to build a stronger and more cohesive community and inform our Values Play Project. A significant amount of work goes into planning and implementing a successful story circle; we take time to build partnerships, set thoughtful agendas, and train our facilitators. We are raising $2000 to fund these story circles for the Values Play Project
“We need to respect and, when necessary, forgive one another.”
-Story Circle participant
