Oars in the Water- Healing Storytelling Alliance (HSA) Deepens Relationships Virtually in the time of Covid

In early April 2020, one month into the reality of the Covid Pandemic, leaders of the Healing Storytelling Alliance (HSA) held a conference call. HSA is a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the National Storytelling Alliance (NSN) and includes about 200 storytellers. The eleven of us, a bit shaken and stirred, and feeling a bit isolated by Covid and sheltering in place, were connecting to review what we might do to bring solace and some understanding to folks as they encountered the virus or its effect.

We took a quick inventory of HSA’s assets: a membership, a rich and informative web-site (www.healingstory.org); an active list-serve and positive experience in teleconferences and presentations. We also noted our liabilities; limited finances, stretched volunteer leadership and the future unknown impact of the virus. Fortunately, enthusiasm and simplicity were the distillate of the conversation; enthusiasm to meet and share our own needs for connection using story; and an approach that wasn’t too intricate.

Fortunately, one of our members, Lani Petersen is proficient in Zoom technology in her other profession and offered her expertise and Zoom account. Someone remarked,” Why don’t we try to just deepen our relationship with the storytelling community by sharing stories? Let’s build a more supportive community through HSA!” The conversation continued on our need to focus on how to learn and share what folks are doing to cope and what practices make us thrive? How can we use healing stories to remind us of our strengths, our courage and our resilience through difficult times? We were able to avoid the energy drag of trying to deal with our fears, and isolation, although they were present.

I recall one other meaningful quote “The audience brings a gift of their own. Bearing witness to another’s stories is an act of compassion.” This helped put the focus on the participants, and listening, not only sharing stories.

It was a deep and vibrant conversation. Fortunately, simplicity was an ever-present rhythm and someone finally remarked, “Why don’t we just get folks together? Help them find some stability and routine? Help them keep their oars in the water and making progress.”

Well the latter remark, got traction and became the theme for the series- “Oars in the Water”. The theme has been augmented over the series to focus on particular topics, for example “Finding Ground” (stability) and Racism (after the George Floyd killing). A few other key elements for our Zoom production were established:

Gatherings would be weekly to create an accessible, routine presence given the social turbulence.
Gatherings would be facilitated by Co-hosts from those present and others recruited; with a welcome, some form of “pause”; reflection point and/or keynote story and closing.
Gatherings would be 90 minutes’ with the balance of time not taken by facilitators limited to 5 minutes for each person sharing.
Gatherings would be “safe space” and not recorded.
Participation would be free, and would be open to all, not limited to HSA members.

Between early April and July 2020, HSA worked to fulfill our Aim to connect weekly with other storytellers and to bear witness to experience and stories of vulnerability and resilience during the disruption of Covid, and the tragedy and pain of recurrent racism.

Oars in the Water has attracted between 25 and 70 participants each week. Facilitator/hosts rotate and set a “flavor” within evolving themes, establishing the flow and timbre of our time together. The gathering is not a therapeutic circle, although it has become a healing, supportive, informative, and at times inspiring place to be.

Of interest is that what was developed as a safe space for storytelling has grown to include an equal amount of active listening and reflection by participants on the parallel of a story to their own situation, or current events. The opportunity to share reflections has strengthened the community.

Feedback and input are welcome. Opportunities for co-hosting or other involvement with HSA are also available. Those interested can also join HSA via our website (www.healingstory.org) for $25 if already a member of NSN, or $35 without. For more information about how to become involved in building a healing storytelling community contact Mike Seliger (Telliger@gmail.com) or Joe Doolittle (aldenjoe@nycap.rr.com )

Alden (Joe) Doolittle Alden (Joe) Doolittle is an award-winning storyteller and producer, based in upstate New York. He has been a member of the Healing Storytelling Alliance for over 10 years. His interest in healing stories, stems from a 30+year career in health care administration, and a 20-year experience as a volunteer chaplain at the Albany (NY) Medical Center. He can be reached here. (518) 588-2801 For information about his story activities, check out this website.www.StoryCircleatProctors.org

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