After wrapping up our first experience together during StoriesAct we agreed, that all of the
expectations we could have for the project were fulfilled. We met amazing people and
we felt comfortable enough with them to be able to learn new things in an environment of safety and
understanding. We discovered something new about the storytelling craft and how to apply it to our daily mission.
Szczepan: As I would consider myself a storyteller before the project the most interesting aspect for me was applying storytelling tools to youth work. We rather tend to think of storytelling as an individual act. What I loved about the project it was a collective experience from the beginning. On top of that as it was a queer project it provided a safer space for all of the participants. I tend to struggle in group work to find the right balance between taking up space and ensuring everyone gets to have their input. Thanks to the amazing atmosphere of the project I feel like I achieved a milestone in this particular skill. The most significant aspect of the project was the experience of nearly constantly sharing time and space with a group of like-minded and accepting individuals.
As a person from neurodivergent spectrum who suffers from social anxiety, and is in general used to being considered a “weirdo” by other people, the vision of spending a week continually surrounded by others, most of whom I have never met before, definitely sent tremors of apprehension coursing through my veins. At first, I was constantly tempted to hide within the solace of familiar isolation. However, the loving and welcoming essence of the community has gently coaxed me out of my shell. Surrounded by individuals unapologetically embracing their identities, my fears have gradually yielded to the warmth of acceptance, and the healing balm of genuine connection. Before I knew it, the fear and trepidation I felt in the beginning seemed merely like a vague distant memory, and I was able to genuinely enjoy the presence of the rest of the community, unencumbered by shackles of judgment and self-doubt. Overall, I consider the whole thing as a healing, maybe even therapeutic, experience. It has shown me I am capable of belonging, and that my voice, too, deserves to be heard.
Tosia: I cannot stress enough how important meeting those people was to our personal learning process. We met so many like-minded people who were able to bring a fresh perspective on the ideas of relationships, representation and activism. Like-minded, though so different in terms of actions we are undertaking to achieve common goal. Activists, artists, storytellers, teachers, educators, project creators, psychologists, social workers.
All of us gathered in one place, in an atmosphere of understanding, willing to share and feeling safe enough to “teach” and “learn”. Besides that, all of us sharing our personal stories which made this experience more whole and important. For the people who were sharing as well as for the receivers. Doing that with the tools of storytelling made this experience so natural. Without fear of judgement or shame which is so present in our daily life.
We are ready to continue our actions both on a professional as well as personal level. We wait for the next opportunities to meet each other!
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