What if every organization had its own Storyteller in Residence?
In many indigenous cultures before the written word, the oral storytellers were the keepers of history. Collecting stories, the storyteller was the human library. The stories contained the tribal wisdom. The storytellers told the stories back to the people when they needed them.
What would a “Storyteller in Residence” do in an organization today?
Perhaps tell the stories of the organization: the stories of origin, the stories of the hardships survived, the stories of good times… Perhaps to tell stories that keep the culture alive, promote the values, and inspire the organization to continue its mission. Perhaps create more story spaces for the members to tell each other their stories, to connect deeply, and form a community. Perhaps to bring in visiting storytellers to give the members new perspectives and new information. Perhaps to tell stories to stimulate empathy and compassion, to connect head and heart, to bring wisdom. Perhaps to teach the art and skill of storytelling to the next generation. Perhaps to visit other organizations and bring back new stories, new ideas, and new wisdom. Perhaps to simply entertain after a long hard day, to bring laughter and joy.
Perhaps to bring new life to an old castle.
Learn how two storytellers brought new life to Crookston Castle in Glasgow, Scotland.