Storytelling has long been a way to find triumph in the midst of struggle, to find common ground between
people and communities, and to gain new perspectives on our experiences. Storytelling is about connection, empowerment, and healing. Stories are also the foundation of 12 step fellowship for recovery from substance use disorder. South Shore Peer Recovery has worked with two local storytellers to pilot a recovery storytelling workshop – with a most positive response! These small group workshops help people in recovery take those stories out into the world, to find connection and common ground with others outside of the fellowship.
By combining positive recovery messaging with traditional personal storytelling like “The Moth,” we can create an opportunity for the larger community to hear the stories of people who have been affected by substance use disorder, and for the community to better understand the struggles associated with it, thereby reducing stigma.
Storytelling also brings the hope of recovery to an audience who may otherwise never hear that recovery is possible! Even for participants who aren’t ready to share their stories with the world – the process of working
on your story can be personally impactful.
After a pilot run this Fall, South Shore Peer Recovery is pleased to offer additional skill-building workshops in the new year! The January program is a three session, two hour (per session) storytelling workshop series. Participants will learn to tell their stories of recovery using the skills of a storyteller. The workshop will concentrate on taking the participant’s personal memories and helping to shape them into meaningful stories that will connect and appeal to a wide audience.
The workshop is open to anyone who has been personally impacted by addiction.
All ages and communities! An 100% optional performance opportunity will be planned for later in the winter!
Session One - Sunday 1/7/18
, 2:30-4:30pm in the downstairs Community Room
- Participants will get an overview of recovery messaging and how to use it in their stories.
- Participants will choose the stories to tell through a series of prompts and exercises.
- Participants will learn how to construct a compelling first and last sentence. They will learn how to find and develop a compelling story arc, when to use the pause, and when to delete unnecessary story information.
- Participants will have an opportunity to share their developing story twice during first session and receive feedback
Session Two - Sunday 1/21/18
, 2:30-4:30pm in the upstairs Conference Room
- Participants will do a “check in” with the story coaches to discover how their stories are developing.
- Participants and coaches will use individual coaching techniques including story mapping, how to insert dialogue, scene development, sequencing, pacing and tempo to help participants apply these skills to their stories.
- Participants will tell their stories at the end of the session utilizing the feedback from coaches.
Session Three- Sunday 1/28/18
, 2:30-4:30pm in the downstairs Community Room
- Participants will have the opportunity to tell their stories in front of a small audience. They will receive and also offer feedback from coaches and their fellow participants. This coaching session helps participants get performance ready.
