Here are some specific things that Suncoast Storytellers does to encourage collaboration and brainstorming to address community challenges, based on our mission statement:

Workshops and Trainings:

• Storytelling for Social Change: Offer workshops that teach storytelling techniques specifically focused on addressing community challenges. Participants will learn how to craft narratives that raise awareness, build empathy, and inspire action.
• Collaborative Storytelling: Hold workshops on collaborative storytelling techniques, where participants co-create stories that explore different perspectives on a community issue. This can foster understanding and generate creative solutions.
• Facilitation and Dialogue Skills: Provide training on facilitation and dialogue skills to equip storytellers to lead productive discussions around the themes emerging from their stories.

Community Engagement Initiatives:

• StorySlams with a Purpose: Organize story slams around specific community challenges. This would allow residents to share their experiences and perspectives, sparking dialogue and brainstorming solutions.
• Truth-Telling Circles: Facilitate truth-telling circles where community members can share stories about their experiences with a particular issue. This can help build empathy and understanding across divides.
• Public Narrative Projects: Initiate projects that collect and share stories from diverse community members about a specific challenge. These projects could take the form of podcasts, exhibitions, or online platforms.

Collaboration with other Organizations:

• Partner with local non-profits, government agencies, and businesses to address specific community challenges through storytelling.
• Organize storytelling events at community centers, schools, and other public spaces to engage a wider audience and encourage participation.
• Train educators and community leaders in storytelling techniques to empower them to use storytelling as a tool for problem-solving and community building.

By implementing these initiatives, Suncoast Storytellers can create a space where community members can come together, share their stories, and work collaboratively to address the challenges facing their community. This collaborative storytelling process can lead to innovative solutions and a stronger sense of community connection.