The Story Ambassadors Program is a competitive 6 month program that trains individuals to use storytelling to impact and transform their communities. During the program, Ambassadors get group instruction as well as one-on-one training to support them in how to lead storytelling workshops and how to set up and execute storytelling projects in their communities. They then work with our staff to create programs, conduct workshops, and execute their events and projects. Each Ambassador is paired with a mentor who supports them.
*You may be anywhere in the world to participate– all training is and mentoring is virtual. The competitive program is of no cost to those who are selected to participate. Check out our 2023 cohort below!
Story Ambassadors 2023 Cohort!
William Tran
Story Ambassador 2023
Jasjeet Dhanota
Story Ambassador 2023
Lily Be
Story Ambassador 2023
Jennifer Wadlin Moylan
Story Ambassador 2023
Laura Ramirez
Story Ambassador 2023
Vered de Vries
Story Ambassador 2023
Lorelei Miguel-Rossow
Story Ambassador 2023
Bob Vines
Story Ambassador 2023
Akusua Akoto
Story Ambassador 2023
Vita Doria
Story Ambassador 2023
We accept applications in the Spring of each year for the program. Be on the look out for next year’s deadline and apply! You can read info below about this past year’s program details as you plan for a future application!
Story Ambassadors Program 2023
Ambassador initial training sessions for 2023: May 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 6 PM – 8:30 PM PT (note the time zone!)
All training is virtual, held via Zoom. After the initial training, Ambassadors will have monthly group “check-in” meetings so that they can continue to grow as leaders as well as one-on-one meetings to support them in setting up workshops in the community. Workshops can be virtual or in-person depending on the comfort and suitability of each Ambassador and the community they are working in.
Who should apply?
-If you love storytelling and believe it can make an impact on the lives of those around you, apply.
-If your own life has been impacted by storytelling, apply.
-If you want to be trained to use storytelling to foster cross-dialogue and deep connection among people, apply.
–If you want skills in facilitating compassionate and safe spaces, apply.
-If you want to create storytelling and story-listening spaces in your community, absolutely apply.
Eligibility requirements for the program:
- Completion of Oral Storytelling 101 and attendance at 2 of our events*.
- Ability to attend all of the initial training sessions: May 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 6 PM – 8:30 PM PT. Training and meetings will be virtual via Zoom.
- Commitment of 6 months to the program (May 1 to November 30). This entails attending the initial training as well as monthly check-in sessions and one-on-one meetings, as well as a commitment to lead OR work as a support staff at two workshops or events during 2023. Approximate time commitment for the 2022 year: 20-40 hours total (depending on number of workshops/events you help to lead or staff).
- Desire to impact your community through personal true storytelling.
*Events include any of Capital Storytelling’s Story Labs, Open Mics, or Large Main Events (virtual or in person).
Preferred but not required:
- Completion of Oral Storytelling 201
- Have been a speaker/storyteller at one of our events (Open Mic, Main Event, Story Lab)
If you want to apply to the program but do not meet some of the requirements, please contact us at capitalstorytelling@gmail.com.
To apply to the program, click the link below. Deadline to apply is March 15 @ 11:59 PM PT. Accepted Ambassadors will be notified by April 1. If you have questions, please email capitalstorytelling@gmail.com.
What our former Story Ambassadors say about their experience…
“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 Lisa 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.”
-Meghna Bhat, Story Ambassador 2022
“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!”
-Bernetta “Penny” Parson, Story Ambassador 2022
“My life has forever been changed/expanded for the better”
-Jean Green, Story Ambassador 2022
“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!“
-Bianca Butler, Story Ambassador 2022
“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.“
-Abby Rotstein, Story Ambassador 2022