VALUING SELF & VALUING OTHERS: Resisting Polarization

Everyone has a story and being heard meets a human need for connection.  The simple act of telling your story, and being listened to with depth and attention, can change everything.

In light of the current immigration crisis and lapse of empathy on a national level, we feel called to respond. This year’s Compassionate Storytelling will focus on honoring our own identities and valuing the identities of those we might call ‘other’. Together we are learning to build bridges in our families, congregations and in our community at large.

This 1-day workshop will guide us in honoring our own identities and also value the identities of those we might call ‘other’.  The workshop is intended for people to discover the power of facilitated storytelling, present a simple process of story creation and sharing, and demonstrate a path to deepen connections with family, friends and community.

PROGRAM

Opening / Introductions

Welcomes, purpose, and structure of the workshop.

Transformational Storytelling – Fundamentals

A review of the fundamentals of how stories transform us when told with the proper intent and skill. Includes theoretic underpinnings and practical guidance.

Story Crafting 1 – “This is me”

A hands-on experience in eliciting and crafting short stories from small groups.

Story Crafting 2 – “This is them”

A hands-on experience in crafting a story to encounter the Other.

Story Crafting 3 – “This is us”

A hands-on experience co-creating a future story (vision) in community for families, congregations and the community at large.

Planning Next Steps / Shared Gratitudes / Closing