Story Circles: Tool for Community dialogue

The Story Circles page on the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture website provides a comprehensive guide on how to conduct story circles. Story circles are small group gatherings where participants sit in a circle and share stories from their own experiences or imagination, focusing on a common theme. Each person is given equal time and attention, with no interruptions or criticisms during the sharing process. The aim is to create a safe space for dialogue, explore commonalities and differences, and surface stories for use in arts projects like theater or murals. The guidelines emphasize the importance of listening, spontaneity, and respecting each participant’s time and story.