The non-profit organization, part of the ETSU Research Corporation, StoryCollab, focuses on the power of the first-person narrative in media. StoryCollab works with national and local organizations by amplifying voices to connect with communities.

Executive Director and Principal Story Facilitator Allison Myers shared that the inspiration for StoryCollab is helping non-media professionals learn skills to tell their stories. Myers wanted to be connected to ETSU for student and faculty collaboration and involvement. 

StoryCollab works with organizations such as Ballad Health, Syracuse University and the Bureau of Education. Myers shared that the goals of StoryCollab are to create safe spaces for first-person stories to be shared, help people create media related to their narratives and help organizations maximize their impact.  

“It’s really important to help people actively listen to their audiences and their communities to amplify the voices so that they’re not just heard, but amplified,” said Myers.  

ETSU students have been involved in projects such as “Bring Your Brave,” where women from the Tri-Cities with breast cancer or cervical cancer shared their stories. Students were involved in filming and interview process. Myers shared that another group of students are creating sizzle reels and numerous marketing pieces. “They’re getting real world professional experience,” said Myers.  

StoryCollab facilitates digital storytelling workshops that teach participants podcasting, video editing, story mapping and other skills important to media creation. The workshops are offered in person and online. They focus on framing important moments in a participants life story. A large part of the experience is working in groups and sharing.  

Myers describes the experience as therapeutic. “Being heard and being able to talk about something and share it in a group, then create something out of it is pretty transformative for people,” said Myers.  

Looking forward, StoryCollab will be expanding by taking on larger scale projects with student involvement. Myers hopes to use StoryCollab to bring study abroad opportunities to students. “For me in my life, traveling and working in different cultures and communities has been really expansive,” said Myers.  

StoryCollab greatly impacts the organizations and individuals it is involved with. It gives a platform for people to share their experiences in ways that they may have never thought of before. Myers shared that StoryCollab has solidified her understanding of the importance of being present for people. “I think that’s one of the best gifts you can give people, to really listen, to be present to what they have to say.” said Myers.

(Contributed/storycollab.org)