A Narrative 4 Story Exchange Experience
On September 30, I had the opportunity to participate in one of Narrative 4's Story Exchange Events. This event took place at Polytechnic School and was a uniquely Poly-focused story exchange with the chance for members of the community to participate and share each other's stories. Narrative 4, the organization that facilitates and runs these story exchanges, is a global organization with the goal of using the power of the story to help students understand how their voices, actions, lives, and stories matter, and that in those they have the power to enact change and revolutionize systems. They are led by educators, but put power in the hands of students to lead these exchanges, similar to the exchange at Poly lead by fellow student Ava L. This exchange centered around the Global Scholar's larger theme of "Empathy into Action" with a specific focus on the idea of new beginnings.
The exchange itself provided us the chance to talk one-on-one with a partner and simply share and then listen to each other's stories. In that time with my partner, I really got to get a deeper understanding of their story and how it created a new beginning in their life. These partner groups also made it very easy for me to share my story of a new beginning as it felt like an easier space to share in. Afterward, I got to partake in my favorite part of the story exchange, partners sharing each other's story with the group. This sort of removed the sense of vulnerability when sharing your own story, and allowed for me to hear what my partner took away as the standout or most meaningful parts of my story. The sharing of your partner's story also gave a sense of humor to the exchange and overall made the group sharing a more positive experience. As someone new to the idea and experience of a story exchange, I really enjoyed the process and format of the exchange and would certainly look to participate in future exchanges, hopefully with people across the nation or globe so I can hear and experience those stories as well.
Sources:
https://narrative4.com/about/
Jackson, we are thrilled that you were able to join this N4 exchange (we know that with practice, you have busy afternoons and early evenings). In addition, what a joy to hear that you valued this time with peers. There is no doubt that hearing another tell your story in quite interesting and moving... and the rest of us in the audience greatly appreciated hearing your 'new beginnings' story- wow, what a cool story (we had no idea). Speaking of hearing others' stories, I couldn't agree with you more about how cool, moving, and enriching it was to have the time and privilege to be further introduced to those with whom we walk the halls and share campus space/activities/mission. Good work!
ReplyDeleteI love that you participated in the story exchange! And I am glad you also found a sense of humor in some of the stories - we empathize through laughter, too! Feel free to join any of free our online story exchanges each week, especially if you look to meet folks from around the world. go to narrative4.com and click on "live events." Sincerely, Lee (Dir. Global Programs for N4)
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