As conservation communicators, we face a daunting task: telling compelling stories to encourage actions that will “save the world.” But how often do we make space for developing our craft in order to do these stories justice?

Enter the Storyteller’s Circle. This (free!) bi-monthly, virtual event combines topic-based discussions led by other communications professionals with dedicated time to work on your own storytelling projects in a supportive environment. This event is hosted by the Intermountain West Joint Venture and the Center for Collaborative Conservation to be a space where storytellers and communicators throughout the conservation realm can come together to hone their craft.

Reach out to Emily Downing (emily.downing@iwjv.org) or Nicole Reese (nicole.reese@colostate.edu) for more information. You can also register for these sessions to receive email updates about upcoming workshops and past events.

How does the Storyteller’s Circle work?

Sessions will last for 90 minutes and will be “drop-in”-style; i.e., join whenever and stay for however long you want. A designated facilitator will commit to keeping the Zoom room open for the full 90-minute session. Don’t feel like you need to commit to coming every session, either. Show up as your availability and interest dictates, the next session will be held in May.

Sessions will be broken into 45-minute halves. The first half will feature a speaker, presentation, or facilitated discussion that allows participants to work collaboratively through storytelling challenges. The second half will be a “write-in” where you’ll have space to work on your storytelling projects in a quiet group space. During this time, we ask that you mute yourself and use the chat feature to ask questions, bring a problem to the group’s attention, or hold side conversations.

There will be a hard stop for this workshop at the 90-minute mark. If you want to carry on a topic-specific discussion or side conversation beyond the session, we encourage you to arrange a time outside the workshop to do so.