Story at #TransformWI Bootcamp

This weekend was #TransformWI Bootcamp, the orientation our freelance consultants from across the state!  We intentionally modeled using a storytelling frame for organizing throughout the agenda by:

• Starting with Story Circle: Suzanne presented on Story Circles and then helped facilitate them with Sara Soka.  This built relationships between our brand new group and delved into why each are interested in prevention.  We also talked about potentially using circling in their outreach.  There were some incredible stories, and many commented that this was a powerful experience (Jen included).
• Asking Presenters to Use Story: We asked presenters to share a story as part of their presentation.  These ranged from a story by Jen Walker about a group of kids crossing a highway to a story by Raisa Koltun about why the real reasons why a kid lands in the hospital.  
• Use Video to Show Real Examples: We used Prevention Speaks to show (not tell) what farm to school and active communities look like.  We used Chilton and Mark Fenton.  Many outreach consultants asked to use these video stories to explain what it looks like to community-based organizations... and they really want one about joint use and smoke-free housing.  :)
• Stories Over Dinner: We spent the time to network and share our stories over an informal (locally-sourced) dinner. This helped us get to another level with each other and was well worth the time.  The next day, outreach staff were still buzzing that the dinner was "so special".

Incorporating storytelling throughout the training (as part of the way we work) was possible and created a much richer experience.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this team continues to embrace story, tells it's own meta story, and empowers the stories of the communities it interfaces with.

(Thanks Hannah for the photos, Suzanne/Sara for your facilitation, Halley for your various arrangements, and everyone who participated in one of the best Friday dance parties to-date!)