Stories that Transform: The Storyteller's Art

June 20-21, 2009
The Hub Halifax, 1673 Barrington St., 2nd floor
Halifax, Nova Scotia

How do we tell our story in a way that penetrates and can be heard? As organizations and communities, how do we renew and transform the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what is possible? As we weave personal and shared narratives, what can we learn about each other?

Please join us for a day and a half of learning and sharing guided by internationally renowned storyteller, writer, teacher and humanitarian Laura Simms.

In this workshop we will

• name the "great story" we are now living in, personally, in our community, and globally
• identify the potential for transformation in each of these stories
• learn how to tell our stories more effectively
• learn from stories of resilience and healing from other parts of the world
• learn how to use the power of story as a force for social change

About the Workshop Host

Laura Simms brings her storytelling expertise to collaborative projects worldwide, exploring social issues, peacemaking, creativity and community dialogue. Bridging ancient oral tradition and performance art, she is a spokesperson for the healing properties and meaning of oral tradition at theaters, festivals, schools, symposiums, corporate events, museums, conferences and special events throughout the world. Laura has written and served as contributing editor for Parabola Magazine since 1996. After 9/11, she spearheaded the publication of Stories to Nourish the Hearts of Children in a Time of Crisis (Holland & Knight), and, in fall of 2003, created A Key to the Heart and Other Afghan Tales (Chocolate Sauce) to benefit children's education in Afghanistan. Her newest book, Becoming The World (Mercy Corps, Inc.), has served thousands of teachers worldwide in addressing issues of tolerance and resilience.  Her most recent adult title, The Robe of Love: Secret Instructions for the Heart (Codhill Press), is a book of traditional love stories published with rave reviews. She has received many awards for her books, tapes and projects.

Laura is presently working with Search for Common Ground, Unicef and Mercy Corps to bring dynamic storytelling into the field in places of crisis and climate change.