Upcoming Youth Story Circles

  • All Youth (ages 14-23):
    • If your group would like us to host a Story Circle for them, please contact us here and tell us about your group in the comment box.
    • Currently we are only hosting Story Circles for groups. If you don’t have a group to register with, please contact us here and indicate that you don’t have a group. We will add you to our waitlist and try to get you in ASAP.
  • LGBTQ+ Youth (ages 14-23):
    • Check back for dates soon!

What is a Youth Story Circle?

A Youth Story Circle is a free opportunity for a group of youth to gather together to listen and share thoughts and stories related to a common theme. No preparation is necessary and each participant has the option to share or simply listen to others. Story Circles aren’t about performing. Rather, the purpose is to listen and connect.

 

Story Works offers Youth Story Circles open to all youth (ages 14-23) and Youth Story Circles specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Please see above for upcoming dates for All Youth and LGBTQ+ Story Circles.

 

COVID-19 UPDATE: Beginning in spring 2020, Story Works is hosting Story Circles online through a partnership with the Alaska Humanities Forum.

Facilitators: Story Works alumni (youth), staff, and volunteers, and Alaska Humanities Forum staff.

Time: Youth Story Circles are 1 hour long.

What happens during a Story Circle? During the hour, facilitators introduce structure and agreements, support a safe space, and invite participants to share and reflect. Individual stories are typically about 2 min long and NO advance preparation is needed or expected. There will be time during the Story Circle to prepare –if you do choose to share something.

What if I don’t have Internet or a computer? That’s OK! We can help you participate in the Story Circle anyway –all you need is a phone line. But please do email info@storyworksak.org or call 907-268-8400 if you are an Alaska-based youth and want help accessing devices and/or Internet service.

Are there funds available to support me or my organization/group if I/we host more Story Circles? We are happy to report that Alaska-based Story Circle participants are eligible for a $200 stipend for hosting story circles! Through our partnership with the Alaska Humanities Forum, Story Circle participants can apply for a $200 stipend to defray the costs of hosting and express our gratitude for your time and energy. Both individuals and tax-exempt organizations can apply using this online form. We do ask that groups applying for stipends have story circle participants complete a short survey, which can be previewed here. If you have any questions about the stipends, please reach out to Sarah Richmond at srichmond@akhf.org

 

Youth Story Circle illustration by participant @mel_verse.

If you are an Alaska-based youth between the ages of 15 and 21 and would like to register for any of these story circles, please follow the links above to register.

 

Youth Story Circle participants and one-word takeaways.

 

Story Circle Partners and Supporters

Please...

Before using the online registration system confirm that your application has been approved and make sure you can attend (or have attended) an orientation session prior to your volunteer date. We will have to decline any unapproved registrations. Thanks for your understanding!

It's cool, I've been approved! (if I haven't, I'm just looking.)

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