Inspiration Report: Narrative 4 Story Exchange-Library Hosting Event
To continue my focus on the people-centric element of the hyperlinked model, I chose the Power of Stories for this assignment. This report will introduce the Narrative 4 organization, specifically their Story Exchange Program, and how hosting this program could potentially be beneficial to the library user and the community.
Please click the image to view, thank you!
@raeharvey I had not heard of this organization before your inspiration report and I must say that I found it fascinating and inspiring. Working along the same lines as the Human Library organization, this program promotes doing wonderful things to bring people together and challenge biases and stereotypes. I also like that there is the re-telling of someone else’s story and a reflection component to this program. The fact that it is done in schools adds to the importance of this type of engagement early. I do like that it is also adaptable to other organizations that are interesting in hosting this type of program. Did the organization tell you in ballpark fashion how long it would take to set up a program like this with them? You indicated contacting N4 first and then approval, training, marketing and such. I just was curious if it would be fairly quick, or were you looking at closer to 6 months to a year? Either way, I think it brings a refreshing change to storytelling in a way that really engages people.
@beccaslick, thank you for your comment! I had the same thoughts as you while learning about this org and working on my report. I immediately imagined this event easily (at least I think lol) being done in a library. To answer your question pertaining to implementation, the free facilitator training offered by N4 is a 5 step process, which includes 2.5 hours of training, I found this information here if you want to take a look: https://info.narrative4.com/connect-and-learn-more. The Narrative 4 portion of implementation appears to be a non time consuming process…so, the other factor to consider would be collaborating and partnering with the library to host the event, which has its own process. If this event has already gotten the green light, it would just be a matter of marketing and promoting the event…it doesn’t seem like it requires a lot of physical supplies, so hopefully there wouldn’t be any problems getting the needed materials. Thank you for your question! I don’t yet have experience working in the library world, but it’s great to have dialogue like this to prepare me for those real life professional questions I might encounter in the future. Thanks again Becca!
Hi @raeharvey,
Thank you for sharing about Narrative 4. This type story sharing in school must be so impactful for the students. It’s not unusual for students to feel isolated due to their own stories and circumstances. I particularly like how the stories are shared one to one, and are then retold by the listener to the larger group. It must be so affirming to hear someone repeat their story with empathy, so that they know they were truly heard. Also, it is better than just sharing stories directly with the group. Being vulnerable isn’t easy, but it’s less intimidating to do so one on one. This way the stories all get shared, but the students don’t have public speaking anxiety stacked on top of that vulnerability. This seems like a lovely program to consider bringing to a public library setting. Great report!
Hi @jennk, Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the report and learning about Narrative 4. I agree with you in regard to the structure of the program, and the one-on-one aspect. My introverted heart really appreciated this because I think it allows the participant to fully engage in the process with out getting that dreaded social/performance anxiety feeling that comes along with meeting strangers and talking to someone new. I feel that the one-on-one approach allows the participant to be more open and less guarded with sharing there story more willingly and authentically, because it’s less intimidating as you pointed out. And yes! I’m glad you agree that it would be a great program for a public library setting! Thanks again your reply!