Claiming and Sharing Your Region’s Stories

Holly Larson Lesko

Holles Consulting, Blacksburg VA

They Highjacked Our Project!

•  Resistance is Futile •  Data is Irrelevant •  Stop Greasing the Squeaky Wheel •  Ask for Specifics •  Invite Them to Everything

Sharing Your Story with

Images and Quotes

•  Connect your project to lived experiences •  TAKE PICTURES •  Post your stories

Twitter: Your New Favorite

Data GatheringTool •  Pose a Provocative Question •  Value & Protect Your Hashtags ### •  Retweeting to Build Community •  Opportunity to Engage Beyond the Usual

Suspects •  https://twitter.com/bburgholly

Story Circles at Community Meetings

•  Listening •  Building Trust •  Finding Shared Meaning •  Let’s Practice

Rules and Tools

•  Break into Groups of 5 •  Story Circle Guidance and Rules •  Creating your Hashtag •  Post your Tweet •  Debrief

Tell Your Story!

•  Who are your people? •  What makes you care? •  Why might others care? •  One story at a time – not a report! •  LISTEN for new stories/retelling

STORY CIRCLE GUIDELINES •  Each Story Circle is different according to its purpose •  A story is a personal memory, a dream, a reflection, a moment in time. •  Each storyteller will be given 2 minutes to tell a story. The facilitator will offer

a signal at the 1:00 minute and 30 second marks. •  The facilitator will lead the process and keep time. •  Story circles are as much about listening as about telling. •  The circle honors the authority and expertise of each storyteller. •  Stories are told without interruption. •  Silence is golden and honorable •  Stories told in the circle will stay in the circle. Honoring this guideline helps

assure that the circle is safe. •  People may pass, if they are not yet prepared to tell a story. •  The facilitator will come back around to make sure that those who initially

passed have the opportunity to share a story. •  Cross talk or discussion will follow a full round of story telling. The theme for our practice story circle process: •  Tell about a time when you were especially proud of your work or the work of

your organization/staff.

Example Digital Story

Example Digital Story

Contact Information

Holly Larson Lesko Holles Consulting Blacksburg, VA

hlarsonlesko@gmail.com

540-230-6575 @bburgholly