Lesson 1: Story Circles – Finding Stories Worth Telling
A story circle is a guided conversation (or self-reflection) that helps you discover meaningful stories. In Week 2, your goal is to choose one story you can tell safely and respectfully, using the tools you have.
Great stories do not have to be big. They can be small moments that reveal a bigger truth: courage, fairness, belonging, justice, hope, or change.
Story Circle ground rules
If you are doing this in a group or pod, use these rules:
- Respect: listen fully, no laughing at someone’s story.
- Confidentiality: what is shared in the circle stays in the circle (unless the storyteller gives permission).
- Choice: you can pass on any question.
- No harm: avoid stories that put you or others in danger.
- Consent: never share someone’s name, face, or private details without permission.
Story prompts (choose 2-3)
Use these prompts to generate story ideas:
- A time I felt unseen or misunderstood…
- A problem in my community that I want to change…
- A person who inspires me and why…
- A moment I learned something the hard way…
- A place in my community that tells a story…
- A small act of courage I witnessed…
- Something people assume about me that is not the full truth…
- A change I want to see in my school/community in the next 5 years…
Quick filter: Is this story safe to tell?
Before choosing, ask:
- Could this story put me or someone else at risk?
- Do I need permission from someone to tell this?
- Can I tell it without names/faces/locations if needed?
- Is my message respectful and fair?
- What is the positive purpose of telling this story?