A Statement on Current Global Events
Dear friends,
Humanity is at an important and critical point in its timeline. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the global Black Lives Matter movement, and continuing political divisions have all served to expose the deep wounds of racism, poverty, healthcare disparity, and other social ills. It can seem at times that there is no hope, or that these issues are far too big for us to tackle.
In this time, we must remember that Story can give us the tools we need to meet these—and other crises—head on. Storytelling offers a potent and vital tool for social engagement. Stories serve as powerful cultural devices, helping us grapple with complex and difficult experiences in equitable and accessible ways. Storytelling is a truly democratic art available to all regardless of circumstance. Sharing our stories is vital: stories lead to understanding; understanding leads to connection; and connection leads to peace.
I invite you to join the movement of storytelling—sharing stories to build understanding, empathy, and connection, and continuing the fight for a better, fairer, more equitable world.
Sincerely,
Kiran Singh Sirah
Humanity is at an important and critical point in its timeline. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the global Black Lives Matter movement, and continuing political divisions have all served to expose the deep wounds of racism, poverty, healthcare disparity, and other social ills. It can seem at times that there is no hope, or that these issues are far too big for us to tackle.
In this time, we must remember that Story can give us the tools we need to meet these—and other crises—head on. Storytelling offers a potent and vital tool for social engagement. Stories serve as powerful cultural devices, helping us grapple with complex and difficult experiences in equitable and accessible ways. Storytelling is a truly democratic art available to all regardless of circumstance. Sharing our stories is vital: stories lead to understanding; understanding leads to connection; and connection leads to peace.
I invite you to join the movement of storytelling—sharing stories to build understanding, empathy, and connection, and continuing the fight for a better, fairer, more equitable world.
Sincerely,
Kiran Singh Sirah
What's the shortest distance between two people?
A story. -Pat Speight, Irish Storyteller
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Storytelling is as old as humanity. From the first time our ancestors looked up at the night sky and began to wonder and dream, people have been telling stories.
We still tell stories. Research shows they're the best way to communicate ideas. They link our past to our present and shape our future. Our stories are inherently unique yet strikingly similar, offering a way to connect with one another beyond facts and figures, reaching the realm of emotion and intellect. For nearly 50 years, the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee—where Kiran has been President since 2013—has been on the forefront of the storytelling movement. This is a renaissance and revolution that not only enriches lives; it can change the world. And fortunately, we're all storytellers. If you have a passion for changing the world and believe in the power of human connectivity, then let's work together. Get in touch, and let's craft your story. |
Storytelling not only enriches lives; it can change the world.” -KSS |
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Kiran’s work building community and cross-cultural constructive ties among people through their most cherished and meaningful cultural assets is much needed in our globalized societies, in search of a creative, peaceful future. I applaud him for his talent, devotion, innovation, and energy in service of his cause–the cause of all of us.”
-D. Sheehy, Director Emeritus, Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage
Get In Touch
Ready to make story part of your organization's culture? Want Kiran to speak at your next event?
Reach out for more information and we'll see how we can work together.
Reach out for more information and we'll see how we can work together.