Burlington, VT –
Vermont Story Lab will host five storytelling skill-building labs for nonprofit professionals, May-July 2019, in Waterbury, Burlington, North Bennington, and Grand Isle, Vt. Two of the labs are at the introductory level to help attendees find their storytelling voices, while two of the labs are intermediate to help attendees share stories through video and audio. Vermont Story Lab is also hosting a very special two-day retreat at the Grand Isle Lake House, inviting participants to get away from their day-to-day work and immerse themselves in visual storytelling.
Experienced nonprofit leaders from across the state facilitate the labs. The sessions will focus on how effective storytelling can strengthen a nonprofit organization’s ability to effect positive, mission-driven change through marketing, communications, fundraising, media, and outreach efforts. Nonprofit professionals from all fields are invited to participate by registering in advance.
- WATERBURY LAB: Friday, May 31
Stories for Change: A Nuts & Bolts Guide for Nonprofits – This interactive lab will guide participants through the basics of storytelling and focus on the most effective ways to craft and share their organization’s stories.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Holly Brough, Shelburne Farms, and Allison Cleary, St. Michael’s College
Level: Intro
Location: Steele Room, Waterbury Town Offices, Waterbury, VT
Cost: $45
To Register in Advance: https://bit.ly2v0fzNX
- BURLINGTON LAB: Wednesday, June 5
Video: The Best Tool in Your Social Toolbox – Learn the why, how, and best practices for getting your story to your ideal audience through short videos and animations. The facilitators will share examples, best practices, affordable tools, and provide time for hands-on experimentation.
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and Gin Ferrara, RETN
Level: Intermediate
Location: The BTV Media Factory, Burlington, VT
Cost: $45
To Register in Advance: https://bit.ly/2U2Vp09
- NORTH BENNINGTON LAB: Friday, June 7
Story + Telling: Start Your Storytelling Toolkit! – This three-hour hands-on lab walks you through story development focusing on three key skills: identifying story (what story should I tell?), telling story (how do I share my story with others?), and showing story (how do I create and use visual images to tell my story?).
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Ava Kelly, Good Done Well, and Alisa del Tufo, Threshold Collaborative
Level: Intro
Location: The Left Bank, No. Bennington, VT
Cost: $45
To Register in Advance: https://bit.ly/2G3GygM
- BURLINGTON LAB: Monday, July 15
Let’s Talk: An Intro to Audio Storytelling for Nonprofits – Learn the art and tech of audio storytelling for interviews, podcasts, social media, and more.
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Mary Wesley, VT Folklife Center, and Gin Ferrara, RETN
Level: Intermediate
Location: The BTV Media Factory, Burlington, VT
Cost: $45
To Register in Advance: https://bit.ly/2Vv1Mup
- GRAND ISLE RETREAT: Thursday, July 18 – Friday, July 19
The Camera & the Pen: A Two-Day Creative Storytelling Retreat for Nonprofits – Join us for this two-day lab, a rare opportunity to dig deep into the how, what, and why of visual storytelling by focusing on the real-world skills needed for creating beautiful photographs and compelling written storylines.
Time: July 18 at 1:00 p.m. – July 19 at 1:00 p.m.
Facilitators: David Middleton, David Middleton Photography, and Kate Harbaugh, Blue Cross Blue Shield VT
Level: All Levels Welcome
Location: The Grand Isle Lake House, Grand Isle, VT
Cost: $200, which includes dinner on July 18, breakfast and lunch on July 19, overnight accommodations, and instruction
To Register in Advance: https://bit.ly/2G2aHNG
“The Vermont Story Lab challenged me, inspired me, and provided me with a much-needed space to grow my skills as a nonprofit professional,” said Alex Lehning, Executive Director of the Saint Albans Museum. “Sharing stories about making a difference in our communities is at the heart of what we do each and every day. Developing strategies, participating in learning labs, and networking across sectors provided me with unique opportunities for exploring new ways to impact my organization’s mission through storytelling.”
About Vermont Story Lab: Vermont Story Lab, generously supported by the Vermont Community Foundation, the Fountain Fund, and several anonymous donors, began in 2016 to draw together the expertise of many nonprofit professionals throughout Vermont to build a network for storytelling for change. The Story Lab provides training through regional and statewide events, and connects nonprofit professionals for expertise-sharing and cross-mentoring. More information can be found at: vermontstorylab.org.