I was very pleased with this program
because I was able to see even the shyest
students come out of their shell to
participate in telling stories.

Lawren Smith

Program Coordinator, Langston Centre

Langston is acutely aware of story
and its impact.

Adam Dickson

Supervisor, Langston Centre

The Storytelling Program was by far
our students’ favorite series in
the after-school program.

Lawren Smith

Program Coordinator, Langston Centre

I was very pleased with
this program because I was
able to see even the shyest
students come out of
their shell to participate
in telling stories.

Lawren Smith

Program Coordinator,
Langston Centre

Langston is acutely
aware of story and
its impact.

Adam Dickson

Supervisor, Langston Centre

The Storytelling Program
was by far our students’
favorite series in the
after school program.

Lawren Smith

Program Coordinator,
Langston Centre

Stories for Change

Stories for Change is the International Storytelling Center’s youth-empowerment initiative. Powered by dynamic educational workshops, our programs pair community partners with working storytellers to support, mentor, and motivate young people. ISC’s arts-based curriculum targets underserved kids to teach leadership skills, break down cultural barriers, and build vibrant, inclusive communities.

In 2022–23, Stories for Change was generously funded by the Youth Endowment of East Tennessee Foundation, a public charity and community foundation that supports philanthropic objectives across the region.

During that time, ISC worked closely with Langston Centre of Johnson City, Tennessee, to add storytelling-based components to two of Langstons’ existing programs: a summer camp and its after-school enrichment sessions. By targeting at-risk youth with workshops that develop self-confidence, refine public speaking skills, and cultivate cultural awareness, ISC nurtures the next generation of community leaders.

 

Our Partner – The Langston Centre

Langston Centre is a multicultural community center with a rich history. The center is located on the grounds of the historic Langston High School, Johnson City’s school for African American students from 1893 to 1965. In the wake of desegregation, the site was reimagined as an inclusive community hub that cultivates innovation, creativity, and academic excellence—“repurposed for a greater good,” according to center supervisor Adam Dickson. Langston Centre reopened with a new purpose in 2019 after a successful grassroots revitalization effort. With its celebration of diversity and focus on student life, Langston was a natural partner for ISC and Stories for Change.

The relationship between the Langston Centre and the International Storytelling Center is practical as well as pivotal.  As educational organizations, it makes sense to use our platforms to inform, enlighten, and further the art form. Our partnership helps to affirm individual identity and build community.

Adam Dickson

Supervisor, Langston Centre

East Tennessee Foundation

This year’s Stories for Change was funded by the Youth Endowment of East Tennessee Foundation (ETF). Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and serving 25 East Tennessee counties, ETF is uniquely positioned to facilitate philanthropy across the region, providing multiple options to support current and future needs. Their grant was provided through ETF’s Youth Leadership fund.

Projects

In June 2022, ISC partnered with Langston Centre of Johnson City, Tennessee, to produce a series of multicultural storytelling workshops with storyteller Carolina Quiroga.
ISC partnered with Langston Centre of Johnson City, Tennessee, to create an after-school enrichment program for at-risk youth.

Project Learnings and Tips

Find community partners.

Who will your program serve? From at-risk youth to people in eldercare facilities, most populations are likely already working with other organizations and volunteers in your community. Instead of reinventing the wheel, you can fold your expertise into an existing program to enrich and expand what it already offers. ISC’s partnership with the Langston Centre did exactly that, boosting the cultural education of Langston’s students and building new community ties in the process. The students’ established relationship with Langston made it easier and more comfortable for them to try something new.

Keep your eyes open for crossover opportunities.

Multitasking within reason is a great programmatic strategy. It’s possible that you can leverage existing resources to meet new needs. For example, our after-school institute used storytellers from ISC’s Teller-in-Residence program, which brings a new resident storyteller to Jonesborough each week. Six tellers were able to fold the program into their weekly duties without straining their schedules. When you think smart (and make sure that no one is overworked), you can accomplish a lot with less.

Start planning early.

If you’re working with children in the public school system, it’s important to consult its academic calendar, which should be available long in advance. ISC and Langston inadvertently scheduled its first after-school session on the kids’ very first day back to school after summer break—not ideal! Make a note of holidays, half days, and longer breaks that might affect the schedule. And don’t forget to make sure that key staff and stakeholders won’t be on vacation on key dates.

Be flexible and adapt fast.

Our after-school program was originally designed as a curriculum that would build skills that cumulated over time. Once the sessions started, it instantly became clear that attendance would not be consistent for most kids. Our storytellers were able to quickly pivot to a self-contained format where students could dip in and out of the program as needed. If you center the needs of the population you serve, adjustments should be easy to make on the fly.

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