To encourage inclusion
To discourage stereotyping
To explore and appreciate our common humanity
in schools
the workplace
community centers
nonprofit corporations
STORIES AND INCLUSION
Stereotypes are not easily broken, and talking about them directly may appeal to the intellect but does not reach the heart. When people of diverse backgrounds sit in a circle and share stories on similar themes, they not only listen intently but they begin to connect. The boundaries disappear in the presence of personal stories. At one time or another, we have all encountered obstacles, faced dilemmas, and dealt with difficult personalities, just as we have discovered moments of helpful intervention, love, and transformative experiences. Yet our experiences, though they may share commonalities, are never the same as someone else’s, and in telling our stories we laugh, cry, and are horrified and joyful together for just a few moments. In those moments, we connect. The stereotypes disappear as the stories take over. In this way the Community Storytelling Project offers a major step towards inclusion.
Stereotypes are not easily broken, and talking about them directly may appeal to the intellect but does not reach the heart. When people of diverse backgrounds sit in a circle and share stories on similar themes, they not only listen intently but they begin to connect. The boundaries disappear in the presence of personal stories. At one time or another, we have all encountered obstacles, faced dilemmas, and dealt with difficult personalities, just as we have discovered moments of helpful intervention, love, and transformative experiences. Yet our experiences, though they may share commonalities, are never the same as someone else’s, and in telling our stories we laugh, cry, and are horrified and joyful together for just a few moments. In those moments, we connect. The stereotypes disappear as the stories take over. In this way the Community Storytelling Project offers a major step towards inclusion.
