Story Ambassadors Program

Storytelling in my life has been a journey. I have always known that I want to do it; I have always wanted to do it. But, I didn’t have the structures to be able to tell my story from a perspective that didn’t intellectualize it, try to explain it, or overly romanticize it. Part of being in this program is learning that there are other ways that you can story-tell.

The other part is gaining that community in the cohort. Knowing that there are people who are out there who are struggling the same as you. Finding jobs around this work is not easy. You have to create your own brand, your own craft, your own style in order to make it. I feel like I got to see all of those parts though this program.

Being a Story Ambassador really impacted me in a lot of different ways. First off – it helped me become a better storyteller. I am used to hosting events and curating events (in Wyoming)… What I was looking for was tools to help the storytellers at my events and be a good storytelling mentor, and I was able to get a lot of great advice – not only from the staff at Capital Storytelling, but from the other Ambassadors and the mentors that we were set up with. It has really improved the storytelling events that we hold around Wyoming.

I really enjoyed my time in the Story Ambassador Program…I realize that everyone has as a story to share because everyone has lived experiences that they have gone through. I think that the Story Ambassador Program created a space where people have the opportunity to reflect, process, and, if they want to, share their lived experiences. I think that sometimes, just having the space is all that’s needed.

The thing that I gained most was being able to figure out how to meet people where they are at.., how to create a person-centered learning space by reading the energy and pacing of the room…This has given me another avenue to expand on my facilitation skills.

Even though we were all in different cities, I appreciated that it was still a safe space…When it came to the cohort, it was a small group of people where we were leading and listening with our hearts, not with our egos. My experience was grand. I definitely would recommend it.

We met in our cohorts, we did all the trainings, and then we could actually practice what we learned. It really is a complete program – where you learn how to do something, you present it, you have an audience, and you have a debrief afterwards. It helped me get out of my shell – to do something completely different. It was an awesome experience.The group in and of itself is very welcoming and kind. I feel like I have a place here.

Being a Story Ambassador was a wonderful experience. I learned several ways to teach storytelling, which has helped me as an educator and as a storyteller myself. The best part of the program, however, was the community we built. It was so great to learn more about my fellow ambassadors and to watch [us] grow.

The Story Ambassador (SA) program is perfect for anyone wanting to expand their storytelling experience. At its core, the SA program empowers creativity and leadership through strong peer support, which I witnessed as my fellow storytellers led incredible community projects, often surprising themselves in their new roles. Similarly, I created a story structure course I couldn’t have imagined before the program, receiving support and feedback each step of the way. For anyone interested in the SA program, go in with an open mind and a love of storytelling and you will be amazed where you end up!

The Story Ambassadors Program was truly a transformative and meaningful experience! I not only gained a supportive, diverse, and inclusive community of fellow storytellers but also self confidence in my passion for storytelling and facilitating workshops. I know storytelling is my gift that I want to share with the world!

My life has forever been changed/expanded for the better.

Participating in the Story Ambassadors Program was one of the most beautiful learning experiences of 2022. As a first-generation immigrant away from home, being in this cohort made me feel seen and visible, and I got to learn so much from each of my storytelling peers and mentors. It was very affirming to have a diverse group of storytellers across all demographics who found unique ways to bring the gift of storytelling to our respective communities. Even though I solely facilitated my workshops with immigrant communities, there was always an ongoing sense of solidarity, blooming friendships, compassionate accountability, and collective care. I never felt alone or unprepared for my workshops or stories. Thanks to [the leaders] and this amazing cohort, I have become a more patient, compassionate, and better storyteller, listener, and human being. I loved every moment and look forward to advancing my storytelling journey. I highly encourage anyone interested in storytelling to tap into their curiosity, those “aha!” moments and stories, and invite them to learn more about the Story Ambassadors Program.

Being a Story Ambassador has really empowered me. The Story Ambassadors program was a great scaffolded process because I didn’t have to jump into the deep end right away. Through 1:1 mentorship and monthly meetings with my cohort, I felt ready to step out on my own when the time came. I think that is the beauty of doing things gradually. There is enough time to really grow and develop skills in a way that is natural and not forced.