Stories for Good: Our Inaugural Story Slam
The power of storytelling has long been recognized as a method of sharing experiences, fostering connection, and inciting change. In the digital age, this ancient art form has taken on new dimensions, with digital storytelling rising as a unique medium. The upcoming Common Language Story Slam, set to take place on March 2, 2025 in Calgary, serves as a platform to showcase this innovative approach to storytelling through the lens of charity and interpersonal connection.
At the core of the Common Language Story Slam is the belief that personal narratives can illuminate shared human experiences, allowing for reflection, understanding, and empathy. The event promises to feature twelve compelling stories, with each storyteller and DST facilitator affiliated with a charity close to their heart. This adds layers of meaning to the narratives, as audience members will not only witness stories of personal significance but also learn about the diverse organizations making impactful contributions to society.
This initiative was born out of conversations at the annual Common Language Retreat, where facilitators expressed an interest in creating a festival that emphasized storytelling and community engagement. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as supporters rallied together to make the vision a reality; a testament to the interconnected nature of storytelling in the digital age.
One of the standout features of the Story Slam will be its online accessibility, allowing participants from around the world to engage with the event regardless of their geographical location. The live streaming aspect ensures that conversations surrounding the stories extend beyond the theatre, creating a digital dialogue that mirrors the ongoing discussions typically sparked at in-person screenings. This hybrid format captures the essence of the initiative—a melding of traditional storytelling techniques with contemporary technology to foster connection and inclusivity.
Funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $16,000, the Story Slam represents the collaborative effort of facilitators, sponsors, and community members.
Each screening promises to be packed with impactful stories that address essential topics and themes. Each of the screenings highlight various charitable causes. The intention is to deepen audience engagement by not only sharing personal narratives but also illuminating the vital work being done by these organizations.
1st Screening-Morning: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (MST)
Digital Stories Featured :
Facilitator: Robens Mutatina - Charity: Healthy Child Uganda
Facilitator: Heather Knox - Charity: Moms Stop the Harm
Facilitator: Jennifer Siran - Charity: Safe Families Canada
Facilitator: Carol Mulenga - Charity: United Voices of HIV Alberta
2nd Screening- Afternoon: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (MST)
Digital Stories Featured :
Facilitator: Kristy Wolfe - Charity: Bow Valley Connections Centre
Facilitator: Melody Williamson & Mike Lang - Charity: Wellspring Alberta
Facilitators: Jenni Haggie and Lacey Horta - Charity: Canadian Cancer Society
Facilitator: Lisa Joworski - Charity: McCormick Dementia Services
3rd Screening- Evening: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM (MST)
Digital Stories Featured:
Facilitator: Maureen Leier - Charity: MAID Family Support Society
Facilitator: Mike Lang - Charity: Greg’s Wings
Facilitator: Melody Williamson - Charity: SIDS Calgary Society
Facilitator: Krystle Schofield - Charity: BC Complex Kids
Check out a Highlight Reel of a similar event to see what the Story Slam will look like!
As participants navigate between the screenings, there will be dedicated time to share meals, foster friendships, and engage in informal discussions. This time between sessions will promote community building, reinforcing the idea that storytelling is not merely a solitary act but rather one that thrives on shared experiences and collective wisdom.
Moreover, the collaborative ethos of the Story Slam extends to the facilitators themselves, many of whom have participated in previous episodes of the Co-Created podcast discussing their journey in digital storytelling. Each facilitator brings a unique perspective, reflecting their advocacy on behalf of the charities they represent. This endeavor aims to not only showcase the storyteller’s personal stories but also to inspire and generate dialogue around their causes.
Episode 31 Key Messages
Launching on March 2 in Calgary, the Story Slam features twelve impactful stories
Funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting community support
Charitable organizations associated with each story, connecting personal narratives to social impact
Hybrid format includes live streaming, expanding accessibility
Conversations after stories foster community dialogue and connection
Inclusive approach emphasizes shared experiences and collective wisdom
Opportunity for storytellers to advocate for causes important to them
Story Slam aims to inspire attendees through transformative storytelling experiences
Tying a robust narrative to a charity allows the organizations to benefit from the storytelling process, reaching wider audiences and garnering support for their missions. This duality—the power of personal narratives to evoke response and the potential for those stories to fuel charitable initiatives—surfaces as central themes throughout the Story Slam.
In conclusion, the Common Language Story Slam harnesses the transformative power of storytelling to generate hope, connection, and advocacy. Whether experienced in person or online, attendees will walk away with new insights, enhanced empathy, and a greater understanding of the myriad experiences that shape our lives. Each story told will resonate with its own unique flavour but will collectively underscore the importance of embracing our narratives. The event promises to be a celebration not only of stories but of the human spirit itself.
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
