Transformational Storytelling

Diving Deeply - Dancing with Death
2021-03-09 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom

Diving Deeply: The Power of Names
2021-04-06 12:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Fred Mindlin and Maggid Jim Brulé explore personal and traditional stories about the power of names: names that are hidden, proclaimed, and changed. Come prepared to learn about the power of names – including your own! – and how that power is shared through storytelling. Tickets range from $15 – $70; more info and registration at https://transformationalstorytell.simpletix.com/e/65563

Diving Deeply: The Mabinogion
2021-05-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
In this class, we will enter the flourishing forest of the Mabinogion, that Welsh story cycle of transformation, wandering, and repair of the relations between ourselves and the Otherworld. We will encounter a cauldron of re-birth, women who transform themselves into animals, a wandering king, and a horse-goddess who cannot be caught. The classes will be led by Jay Leeming and Maggid Jim Brulé. Come prepared to relate to these beings through our hearts and bodies as well as our minds, learning to find them both in the world and in ourselves and perhaps to catch a glimmer of the wild transformations they offer us.
Jay Leeming is a poet and storyteller who in response to Covid-19 told fifty stories online over ten weeks during the spring of 2020. He enjoys connecting the wild river of poetry to the earth-based stories humans have carried in their voices for the last ten thousand years, bringing these stories alive through the Crane Bag Storytelling podcast. He is the author of Miracle Atlas (Writers and Books, 2011) and Dynamite on a China Plate (Backwaters Press, 2006), and the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Recordings and more information about his work can be found at www.JayLeeming.com.
Maggid Jim Brulé is a transformational storyteller, and the founder of the Transformational Storytelling school, of which this program is a part. Jim also works with organizations and communities to bring the power of storytelling to healing the fractures which so often divide us around race, class, faith tradition, and culture.

Using Stories to Build Connections – and Community
2021-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Please join me as I host Congregation Beit Simchat Torah’s Lunch and Learn on 26 May at noon Eastern. My topic is “Using Stories to Build Connections – and Community”, and you can learn more here: https://cbst.org/content/lunch-learn

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Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) is a vibrant spiritual community and a progressive voice within Judaism. Founded in 1973, CBST attracts and welcomes gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, queer and straight individuals and families who share common values. Passionate, provocative, and deeply Jewish, CBST champions a Judaism that rejoices in diversity, denounces social injustice wherever it exists, and strives for human rights for all people.

Three Wishes - A Concert of Stories
2021-06-13 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
We would like to invite you to join us for a concert of stories with Maja Bumberák and Jim Brulé. At this storytelling event we will share stories and songs from different cultures and religions.

There will also be space to reflect on the stories, to play and connect with each other. We would also like to introduce you to the Multifaith Transformational Storytelling School, which reopens in October 2021. Come, listen to the stories and join us in the explorations.

See our trailer to the event at: https://vimeo.com/548371066

Register at https://tinyurl.com/XformConcert

Admission $0-$15.

Diving Deeply: “We Are All Related”
2021-07-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
In this class, we will begin by sharing an overview of the multitude of Native American cultures that existed before the European colonization. Stories were and still are at the core of our lives. We will work with stories from different traditions, and then look at the “bones” of the stories and their evolution.
The classes will be led by Hears Crow and Maggid Jim Brulé. Come prepared to relate to these beings through our hearts and bodies as well as our minds, learning to find them both in the world and in ourselves and perhaps to catch a glimpse of the deeper journeys they offer us.
You can register and get more information here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/we-are-all-related-four-classes-tickets-71102
The Diving Deeply series invites participants to explore stories rich in metaphor and mystery, seeking meanings below the surface that often elude the listener. Participants will delve deeply into the stories, discovering in their images both surface meanings as well as deeper patterns; we will also consider alternative tellings and pathways, seeking there a key to our relationship with the unseen forces at work both in stories and in our lives.
Hears Crow Nootauau Kaukontuoh, “she hears the crow”, is a woman of the Eastern Woodlands. She lives her life in the tradition of the Nanhigganêuck, the people known today as the Narragansett. She is a Storyteller of Longhouse Tales, told in many different ways including Native Sign Language, call and response, as well as other traditional styles. As a ‘kuhkootomwehteâen’ (one who shares knowledge) with thirty-five plus years of telling in these different styles, she brings forth the culture of the Longhouse People through their stories.
Maggid Jim Brulé is a transformational storyteller, and the founder of the Transformational Storytelling school, of which this program is a part. Jim also works with organizations and communities to bring the power of storytelling to healing the fractures which so often divide us around race, class, faith tradition, and culture.

Welcoming the Other
2021-12-12 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This powerful and highly interactive workshop inspires appreciation of and engagement with the “Other.”
After some foundational instruction – and a story or two! – we dive into a carefully crafted, interactive experience of creating a personalized story about being “the other.” Small group dialogue and sharing are integrated into every step of the workshop.
All that is required is a sheet of paper, a pen or pencil, and an open heart.
Limited reduced price tickets available.
Register here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/welcoming-the-other-tickets-81908

Stories from Jewish Culture
2022-02-06 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join eight accomplished Jewish storytellers from around the world for this free program! This is part of the Chennai Storytelling Festival 2022. Register via email at info@storytellinginstitute.org

Stories of the Baal Shem Tov
2022-02-13 09:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join Maggid Jim Brulé as he recounts some of the stories of this amazing Jewish mystic – the Baal Shem Tov. Controversial in his day, he is now studied and admired by people from many faiths and traditions. Please join us for this free program! This is part of the Chennai Storytelling Festival 2022. Register via email at info@storytellinginstitute.org

Exploring Death and Grief Through Storytelling
2022-02-13 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part of the Chennai Storytelling Festival 2022
Led by Rebecca Lemaire and Jim Brulé
Register via email at info@storytellinginstitute.org

Grief and Loss
2022-03-08 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join us on this six-week program focusing on grief and loss. We will look at stories that explore ways in which we may move between the living and the dead, embrace grief, and transform loss. Participants will engage with the stories through creative writing, meditations, sharing, and exercises, in groups and individually. The final week will provide an opportunity for participants to share their own creations with the group.
The six-week session meets at Noon Eastern US / 6 pm European time for two hours. Adjustments will be made for Daylight Savings Time.
Class size is limited to 15 to ensure the best experience. The fee is $120 USD, with a limited number of reduced spots at $60 USD. Supporters can pay $150 USD to help fund the reduced spots; in gratitude, Rebecca and Jim will schedule a special hour for supporters following the conclusion of the program.
Part of the “Journey into Dying and Living” series, where we explore Dying and Living through storytelling, creative exercises, and meditations.
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Rebecca Lemaire is a versatile Belgian-British storyteller and is currently based in the South of Spain. She has performed and given workshops at international festivals, in a prison, yoga schools, Tibetan monasteries, theatres, and libraries. She tells stories about grief and death to open the conversation and help with healing. She is a Reiki healer and is an active participant in the group ‘Vivir y Morir’ in Spain, in which the taboo about death is overcome through discussions, practical and spiritual preparation, movies, poetry, and stories. In Spain, she gives introductory courses in storytelling skills for teenagers and adults in person and online. She often uses sound (Indian flute, kalimba, voice and frame drum) to give depth to the stories she tells.
www.rebeccalemaire.com www.holisticwellbeinginternational.com
Maggid Jim Brulé is a transformational storyteller, death doula, Reiki healer, and the founder of Transformational Storytelling, of which this series is a part. He also works with organizations and communities to bring the power of storytelling to healing the fractures which so often divide us around race, class, faith tradition, and culture. Jim believes that the right story told in the right way with an open heart can heal wounds and change lives.

Twisted Tales
2022-04-14 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
I’m excited to perform in Better Said Than Done’s #storytellingshow “Twisted Tales: Dual stories interwoven,” on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 8:00pm ET/ 5:00pm PT.

If you miss it live, you can watch the replay.
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum

Proceeds split between storytellers.

https://www.bettersaidthandone.com/2022/03/09/twisted-tales/

Kind Stories in Concert
2022-05-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Kind Stories in Concert
I am excited to be the Emcee for this month’s Kind Stories in Concert, with featured storytellers:

Len Cabral
Lyn Ford
Poonam Joshy

Join the Healing Story Alliance for a monthly gathering to share and explore stories of kindness in its many faces and forms. Through folk tales and personal stories, we will dive deeply into multiple experiences of kindness. What is it? How does it impact us and our relationships to ourselves, to each other, to the world? Come and listen to “kind stories” shared by both professional tellers and community members and see what memories of kindness emerge for you.
Visit here for more information; register for free here.

Dancing with Death
2022-05-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This workshop is led by Rebecca Lemaire and Maggid Jim Brulé and is representative of the ongoing workshops and series they provide online, in which they take the participants on an exploration of death and life through stories and creativity. The objective is to investigate one’s current feelings and inner state, open difficult conversations, and hopefully uncover a space of stillness and peace to hold whatever storms may come. In this workshop, a traditional story will be the seed to spark conversations and personal reflections around facing our own death, the fear of dissolution, and how to leave loved ones behind. Rebecca and Jim are professional storytellers and also draw on their experience as Reiki healers, meditation teachers, sound healers, and death doula (Jim) to create a safe and intimate space to share.

Rebecca Lemaire is an international storyteller and teacher. Her passion is to look into people’s eyes, and travel with them through stories, whether in a prison, a yoga school, a Tibetan monastery in the Himalayas, a theatre, or a library. One aspect of her work is to lead and co-lead workshops in which stories are used as prompts to explore death and dying. She is a Reiki/sound healer and is an active participant in the group ‘Vivir y Morir’ in Spain, in which the taboo about death is overcome through discussions, practical and spiritual preparation, movies, poetry, and stories. Rebecca says, “Storytelling is a form of communication that goes way beyond words; it is a heart-to-heart interaction, which can create spaciousness and healing”. https://www.rebeccalemaire.com/
Maggid Jim Brulé is a transformational storyteller, death doula, Reiki teacher, and interfaith chaplain. He founded the Transformational Storytelling school, in which students learn how to tell stories that spark healing and growth in their audiences, and themselves. Brulé also works with organizations and communities to bring the power of storytelling to healing the fractures which so often divide us around race, class, faith tradition, and culture. Jim says, “The right story, told in the right way at the right moment, can be the vehicle through which healing enters our lives.” https://www.transformationalstorytelling.org/

Welcoming the Other
2022-05-09 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Come participate in the next “Welcoming the Other” training, hosted by Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST).
Prepare for an immersive experience of what it means to be the “Other.” Using storytelling and story crafting techniques, participants will discover in a new way what “Privilege” truly means. Learn how to welcome, and how to create your own personalized plan for action.
Register using this link.
Comments from previous sessions:

A really transforming workshop.
Thought-provoking and moving.
A powerful exercise. Will stay with me for a long time.
This was amazing – thank you so much for this gift.

Discovering Paradise
2022-05-14 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Discovering Paradise:
A New Way to Dive Deeply into Stories
Donation: $5 – $45
This workshop takes a particular method of understanding, questioning, and imagining new paths to stories that are meant to be told orally. In the workshop, Jim presents the model (based on the PaRDeS model of text study), and then works with the participants to apply it to a rich story. This work is done both in full session and in breakout sessions.
Participants leave with the facility of using the model, a deeper understanding of the story, and variations of it that they have crafted that are suitable for retelling.

Part of the INSPIRE! Growing Our Skills Together collection

Stories for Transformation
2022-05-14 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
An hour of transformational stories with yours truly, Jim Brulé.
Donations gratefully received: $1-$5
Sponsored by the Northlands Storytelling Network

Sacred Storytelling
2022-05-15 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Presented by Artists Standing Strong Together
Join me as I Emcee May’s edition of “Sacred Storytelling” – a monthly event that features live storytellers and tributes to other storytellers who have departed this world.
Register and get more info here!

Looking Forward, Looking Back: Death, Dying, and Remembrance
2022-05-21 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
An evening of stories, music, dialogue, and creative workshops on using stories to illuminate the journey of dying and living.
Rebecca Lemaire and I will be co-Emcees for this event, which will include storytellers and others from around the world.
Register and get more information at this link.

Journey into Dying and Living: Facing Our Own Death
2022-05-31 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join us on this six-week program focusing on facing death. We will look at stories that explore ways in which we may begin to face death, particularly our own, with intention and openness. The final week will provide an opportunity for participants to share their own creations with the group.
The series meets Tuesdays 31 May – 5 July at Noon Eastern US / 6 pm European time for two hours.
Class size is limited to 15 to ensure the best experience. The total fee for all six sessions is $150 USD. A limited number of scholarships are available; contact us if you wish to apply. Supporters who pay $200 USD help fund the scholarships; in gratitude, Rebecca and Jim will schedule a special hour for supporters following the conclusion of the program.

Grief and Loss
2022-07-06 14:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Exploring Death and Life through Storytelling:
Grief and Loss
In this first workshop in a series of two, a traditional story will be the seed to spark conversations and personal reflections around grief and how loss may be transformed. We will explore loss and grief whether referring to an individual, a relationship or a lifestyle. The second workshop, focusing on Facing Death takes place on Saturday 9th July at 2.30pm on zoom.
Both workshops are led by Rebecca Lemaire and Maggid Jim Brulé and are representative of the ongoing workshops and series they provide online, in which they take the participants on an exploration of death and life through stories and creativity. The objective is to investigate one’s current feelings and inner state, open difficult conversations, and hopefully uncover a space of stillness and peace to hold whatever storms may come. Rebecca and Jim are professional storytellers and also draw on their experience as Reiki healers, meditation teachers, sound healers and death doula (Jim) to create a safe and intimate space to share.

Dancing with Death
2022-07-09 14:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Exploring Death and Life through Storytelling:
Dancing with Death
In the second workshop in this series, a traditional story will be the seed to spark conversations and personal reflections around facing our own death, the fear of dissolution and how to leave loved ones behind. The first workshop, focusing on Grief and Loss takes place on Wednesday 6th July at 2.30pm on zoom.
Both workshops are led by Rebecca Lemaire and Maggid Jim Brulé and are representative of the ongoing workshops and series they provide online, in which they take the participants on an exploration of death and life through stories and creativity. The objective is to investigate one’s current feelings and inner state, open difficult conversations, and hopefully uncover a space of stillness and peace to hold whatever storms may come. Rebecca and Jim are professional storytellers and also draw on their experience as Reiki healers, meditation teachers, sound healers and death doula (Jim) to create a safe and intimate space to share.

Neuroscience and Storytelling
2022-07-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Discover the intersection of cybernetics, neuroscience, and transformational storytelling.
Learn why storytelling is fundamental to our physical and spiritual lives.
The class will be a mixture of storytelling, presentation, and discussion.

Discovering Transformational Stories
2022-08-18 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Some stories are well-suited to being told as “transformational stories” – stories that invite the audience to meaningfully change. Transformational stories can be the basis for healing rifts – whether within us or between us. However, to be “transformational,” it must be the right story, at the right time, for the right people, and told with an open heart.
In this 90-minute class, we will examine stories to discern what about them may allow them to become transformational. Stories will be provided for review, but students will be expected to provide the “bones” of 1-2 stories they would like to submit to this examination.
This class is co-taught by Jim Brulé and Maja Bumberák. Jim is the founder of Transformational Storytelling, and Maja is a renowned storyteller, singer, and educator based in Budapest, Hungary.
Their biographies can be found here.
A tool for analyzing stories in this manner will be taught and used in the course.
The standard course is $50; participants who register for the complete course ($75) will receive a recording of the class for one month of personal use, as well as the handouts used in the class.

Team Coaching for Storytelling
2022-08-28 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join two accomplished storytellers – Jim Brulé and Maja Bumberák – in this special one-time event. A limited number of participants will have the opportunity to experience a unique model of coaching – team coaching.
We will dive deeply into the ways that oral storytelling affects us as storytellers, and how to be even more effective at oral storytelling.
Jim Brulé is a storyteller, teacher, coach, and organizational consultant whose experience spans several decades. As a maggid, he creates opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation through encounters with stories, whether in performances, classes, or individual guidance. He has delivered programs to storytelling organizations around the world, and classes in digital storytelling at the university level. His training programs in leadership, collaboration, and issues of implicit bias have been well-received by commercial, non-profit, and religious institutions.
Maja Bumberák is a renowned storyteller, singer, and educator based in Budapest, Hungary. She tours the world, sharing stories and songs from Hungarian folklore and other cultures, in Hungarian and English. She also applies and leads story work in various group processes, where self-awareness and the community- and bridge-building role of stories is emphasized. As a scholarship holder of the Hungarian Academy of Arts, she researches the oral tradition of Hungarian storytelling and conducts training in oral storytelling for teachers, student teachers, and other professionals.

NESTfest
2022-09-10 15:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Come hear me tell as part of the “Story Board” performance at this year’s NESTfest!
This is your chance to meet and appreciate the members of the Board, new members of NEST, and all the rest of us “NEST’ers!”

3:30 pm – Board Update
4:30 – New Member Showcase
6:30 – Happy Hour with Games
7:30 – The Story Board Performance
8:30 – Ralph’s Legendary Story Swap

Free to all!

Team Coaching for Storytelling
2022-10-27 11:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join two accomplished storytellers – Jim Brulé and Maja Bumberák – in this special workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to experience a unique model of coaching – team coaching.
We will dive deeply into the ways that oral storytelling affects us as storytellers, and how to be even more effective at oral storytelling.
Class size is limited to six to ensure the best experience possible; stories will be told by 2-3 students, and all will participate in and receive the benefits of team coaching.
Pay what you can – minimum $30.
Jim Brulé is a storyteller, teacher, coach, and end-of-life doula whose experience spans several decades. As a maggid, he creates opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation through encounters with stories, whether in performances, classes, or individual guidance. He has delivered programs to storytelling organizations around the world, and classes in digital storytelling at the university level. His training programs in leadership, collaboration, and issues of implicit bias have been well-received by commercial, non-profit, and religious institutions.
Maja Bumberák is a renowned storyteller, singer, and educator based in Budapest, Hungary. She tours the world, sharing stories and songs from Hungarian folklore and other cultures, in Hungarian and English. She also applies and leads does story work in various group processes, where self-awareness and the community- and bridge-building role of stories is emphasized. As a scholarship holder of the Hungarian Academy of Arts, she researches the oral tradition of Hungarian storytelling and conducts training in oral storytelling for teachers, student teachers, and other professionals.

Death Cafe
2022-11-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Grewen Hall – Room 207, 1419 Salt Springs Rd, Syracuse, NY, 13214, United States
At a Death Café, people come together in a relaxed and safe environment for tea and cookies and to discuss death and making the most of our finite lives.
Death Café honors the principles of open, honest, and respectful conversations that value all of our different perspectives. There is no set agenda or presentation. Volunteer community facilitators help guide the discussion. All are welcome!
Sponsored by Religious Studies at Lemoyne College.
Visitor parking is in Lot C by the Performing Arts Center or Lot AAA, behind the Recreation Center.

The Riches of Darkness
2022-12-07 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
The Riches of Darkness:
A Solstice Journey
A time of year when Darkness grows…
A time of yearning for the light…
A time to slow down, reflect, light a candle, bake squash and chestnuts…
And – like seeds deep in the soil – be nurtured, ready to be renewed…
Join us on a solstice journey, where we seek the riches of darkness
through stories from all over the world, listening, discussions, exercises…
looking outward and inward…
seeking the Divine,
and celebrating the light in every sense.
Join Maja Bumberák and Jim Brulé in this three-session exploration of the pregnant darkness of the Solstice. Using stories, meditations, music, and online and offline exercises, we will discover new paths of yearning and blessing that arise in this powerful time of year.
Classes will be held via Zoom on three Wednesdays (9:30-11:30 EST / 15:30-17:30 CEST): 7, 14, and 21 December – culminating on the Winter Solstice.
The fee for the three classes is $120 USD; limited scholarships are available.

Jim Brulé is a storyteller, teacher, coach, and end-of-life doula whose experience spans several decades. As a maggid, he creates opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation through encounters with stories, whether in performances, classes, or individual guidance. He has delivered programs to storytelling organizations around the world, and classes in digital storytelling at the university level. His training programs in leadership, and collaboration, have been well-received by commercial, non-profit, and religious institutions.
Maja Bumberák is a renowned storyteller, singer, and educator based in Budapest, Hungary. She tours the world, sharing stories and songs from Hungarian folklore and other cultures, in Hungarian and English. She also applies and leads does story work in various group processes, where self-awareness and the community- and bridge-building role of stories is emphasized. As a scholarship holder of the Hungarian Academy of Arts, she researches the oral tradition of Hungarian storytelling and conducts training in oral storytelling for teachers, student teachers, and other professionals.

OARS in the Water: Legacy
2022-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join us as we explore the wide range of tangible and intangible valuables that are gained during the journey of our lives. Valuables that are evidence of our presence and a legacy we can pass on.
Hosted by Heather Forest & Jim Brulé
OARS in the Water is a facilitated Zoom gathering on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month offered by Healing Story Alliance to create a listening space to share the experiences and stories that have emerged through turbulent times. This is not a therapeutic circle but we do hope it will be healing, supportive and inspiring.
Admission is free, although donations are deeply appreciated and help support our programming. Your tax-deductible donation can be made here:
https://square.link/u/d9xbGN2I

About our Hosts for Dec 14th
Maggid Jim Brulé is a storyteller, teacher, coach, and organizational consultant whose experience spans several decades. As a maggid, he creates opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation through encounters with stories, whether in performances, classes, or individual guidance. He also serves as an interfaith chaplain in hospitals, jails, and psychiatric facilities, and is active as a “death doula.”
Jim serves on the boards of Northeast Storytelling and Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST), and has delivered programs to storytelling organizations around the world. He teaches digital storytelling at the university level, and has crafted training programs in leadership, collaboration, and issues of implicit bias for commercial, non-profit, and religious institutions. He holds advanced degrees in counseling psychology and computer science (artificial intelligence), and has published books and articles in several fields. He received s’micha as a maggid from Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum in 2009, and has been operating the Transformational Storytelling program since 2017.
Heather Forest is a modern-day bard and an organic farmer on Long Island, NY. A pioneer in the American Storytelling Renaissance, her repertoire of world tales told in a fusion of poetry, prose, original folk music and the sung and spoken word has been featured in theatres, schools, conferences and major storytelling festivals throughout the United States and abroad. She is an author of seventeen award winning folktale books and storytelling recordings and holds a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. She is a recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award for her performance skills and the 2021 Talking Leaves Award for her contribution to storytelling literature presented by the National Storytelling Network. She is Executive Director of Story Arts, a Long Island, NY based not-for-profit organization dedicated to the art of storytelling and its educational applications as well as the Chair of the Programming Committee for the Healing Story Alliance.
