How to Plan A Community Storytelling Night

Community storytelling nights bring neighbors of all ages together to share personal stories, folklore, and local history.

Why this recipe matters

Sharing stories can build empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Community storytelling nights provide a space for people to share stories, fostering connections and celebrating the diversity within a community. It’s a chance to learn, laugh, and be inspired.

Ingredients

• A cozy, accessible venue with seating (library, café, community center)
• A theme or prompt for each storytelling night (e.g., “Journeys,” “Growing Up,” “Overcoming Challenges”)
• A microphone or simple sound system (optional, depending on venue)
• Sign-up sheets for storytellers and attendees
• Refreshments

Recipe

Select a theme and secure a venue.

• Choose a theme that resonates with your community. Themes like “Firsts,” “Family,” or “Traditions” can spark interest. Hint: The venue itself may help to inspire your theme!
• Find and secure a venue that’s welcoming and accessible. Your local library, cafe, or school auditorium are all possibilities. You may even find a local shop that's willing to host the event after business hours.

Recruit storytellers.

• Spread the word and invite community members to sign up as storytellers. People may be apprehensive, so consider reminding potential storytellers that this is a low-stakes community event meant to spark connection, not stage fright!
• Encourage first-timers by sharing tips or providing a basic storytelling structure.
• If there is a time limit (or other instructions or limiting factors), be sure to include that information when you recruit participants.

Promote the event.

• Use social media, local newsletters, and posters to let people know about the event. Mention the theme and emphasize that all are welcome to listen or share.
• If you're open to it, include a note on the invitation that "walk-in story tellers" are welcome and encouraged!

Create a cozy setup.

• Arrange the space and seating to be inviting and inclusive.
• Add soft lighting, cushions, or decorations to create a warm atmosphere.

Host your big night!

• Begin your event by explaining the theme and structure to audience members. You may then offer a quick story or anecdote to set the tone and ease any nerves.
• You can also remind people that there will be some time saved at the end of the event for any last-minute storytellers that want to jump on stage.
• Now it's time to invite storytellers to the stage!

Encourage feedback and connections.

• After each story, don't rush to introduce the following storyteller. Instead, allow a brief pause as an opportunity for audience reflection and reaction.
• Encourage attendees to approach storytellers afterward to share their thoughts or gratitude.

Nutritional information

How this recipe has nurtured a community

We haven't tried this one yet, but we'd love to hear from you if you did! Did you host a community storytelling event? How did your event create community connections? What was the theme? What surprised and delighted you most about the event? Please let us know in the comments how community storytelling nights have nurtured your community!

Finishing touch

Create a community story archive where people can submit written versions of their stories. This could become a physical book or a digital collection that grows over time!