“Our Stories” with the NAACP

The community, Wordcrafters, and the NAACP are happy to present a new community storytelling program, “Our Stories.” Over the course of a year, we’ll explore topics by theme marked by an ancient proverb.

Once a month, the NAACP and friends will gather at Wordcrafters’ Studio IN PERSON for two hours to enjoy food, connection, and stories. In the final month of each season, we will invite a special guest to share a story. StoryHelix will be present to give participants the opportunity to have their stories recorded, should they desire. This season’s schedule follows:

PROGRAM FLOW

1. Opening with food and drink (15 minutes)
2. Open Circle and explain the sacred talking item
3. First, pass: Share each other’s names, pronouns, and what brings them to circle
4. Moderator reminds participants of the proverb and puts the object at the altar for anyone to take
5. Willing participants share a story, then passes the sacred item to the next participant. No one is required to share.
6. Moderator debriefs the session with a story about the proverb 
7. Final acknowledgment of all the stories told and a couple of closing thoughts. (30 minutes)

Agreements:

1. This is an intergenerational space where we recognize the stories that people have to share regardless of their age.
2. There is no ideal for how to tell a story, however, refrain from sharing harmful stories, i.e. racist, sexist, ableist, xenophobic, cruel, etc. 
3. Share trigger warnings to prevent exposing someone with past trauma, to something that might insight a physical and/or mental reaction
   1. I.e. Death, Sexual violence/ rape, Food and drink/ eating disorders, Paedophilia, Violence/murder, Police brutality, Sex/masturbation, Self-harm, Suicide, Homophobia, transphobia, sexism (any kind of discrimination), Talk of dysphoria, body image and appearance, etc. 
4. No interrupting 
5. Be tolerant and kind; set any cultural biases and judgments aside 
6. Listen deeply and with an open heart; quiet down a willful mind or logical mind. Don’t think of what you want to share as someone else is talking. Speak from your heart during your turn.
7. Share your condolences or empathize with people at the end
8. At the 8-minute mark, we will sound something. 
9. Share any feedback or suggestions in person, via email, or via our suggestion box 

All ages are welcome, including children, but should you need a childcare stipend, the NAACP has some vouchers available. Fill out the registration form, and someone will be in touch.