YOUR STORY MATTERS A #SHIFT THE POWER INITATIVE

The Six of us sat in a cozy circle, the atmosphere in the room was filled with positive energy.

We were small in number, but with his presence we were mighty

The rain would hamper a larger turn out, but those who came out to support the launch of our very frist in person initative on Sunday were exceedingly glad they didnt miss it.

Entitled  YOUR STORIES MATTERS , with a play on the word YOUR, its a # Shift The Power project using Story Telling as a way to Amplify the voices of those that feel. Vulnerable, Unheard or just dont know how put into words their experiences positiive or negative.

After reading and studying the draft report on which we worked from the #Shift The Power, story submission project, so much valuable imformation was compacted, it educated me on the direction in which I wanted to pursue this iniatative.

Its for the women that are not aware of the power of Telling Your Stoy or listening to someone share in a safe space, and they are also unaware that a platform exist where they can do so digitally. And without occess to data or no digital experience we can provide a solution as digitall facilitators to bridge that Gap.

This initiative is conducted by the REG team of which Im truly honored to be, s member. I was truly delighted to be choosen to be a part of this project. It is a frist for my newly birthed NGO SETUPTT in Collaboration wirh my Sister and Fellow Country and World Pulse mate Sherna Alexander Benjamin founder of the Center For Transfirmation and Development

We openef in prayer and were oblivious to tge heavy rains pounding outside and flooding low lying areas, while a yellow alert was in place across the Island, th atmosphere inside was so cheerful and warm

I spoke on Storytelling and gave an Overview of this amazing World Pulse Platform and explained how it has helped me to find my purpose and experience growth in my personal development.

Being a three Time featured Storyteller I am so passionate about story telling and now seeing how this can be used as tool in work my NGO is planning to do.

The Minister that graiciously provided her Church as the venue for this inaugural workshop said, that we as women need to be more truthful in our boast of supporting each other as too many times the support isnt there, instead we are territorial and Guarded. And thats why these conversations are so necessary.

We had to adjust the planned schedule as the weather threw off internet connectvity and our Physcologist couldnt connect, she was going to speak on the Emotional and Therapeutic value of sharing ones story. Sherna our main speaker, shared openly and frankly with tnose gathered and you could feel the emotioal connection as each one could identify with some part of the story

So much so that two of the women felt comfortable enough to share, one doing so for the frist time and the rekease she felt was visible.. Another experiencing truama, listened and couldnnt hold but the tears, as we encouraged her this too will pass she too will be able tp put into words, her overcoming this challenge.

At the end after we shared a simple plata of some traditional trini Christmas treats, consumed with light hearts and joyous laughter, they all wrote their take aways in their folders

From the responses Im very happy for the rain that dictated it be kept small, intimate and cosy

We all felt comfortable enough to be open and transparent.

The unanimous agreement was that it was truly appreciated,by thise in attendance, they certainly left having been postively impacted

There is definitely a great need amoung this community in our country for these types of forums., Safe spaces where sessions small numbers are held and storytelling is done as an option for sharing ones experience s, finding support and encouragement to amplify ones voice

I know for sure that this is divinely purposed, I will definitely be formulating a proper workshop plan from this to contiue the follow ups as I see ot as a work that needs to be done in stages

I invite your support, suggestions, collaboration s as I move forward.

YOUR STORY MATTERS

#SHIFT THE POWER

#AMPLIFY VOICE PROJECT