THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIVE STORYTELLING
(True or Imagined)  IN TEACHING PEACEFUL THINKING 
 
An Introduction to a Workshop Series Led By Liberty Goodwin
(Can be a single presentation or the first of several based on Liberty’s work)
 
 

 

WORKSHOP OUTLINE

 

**THE GOAL   To address the overwhelming belief in and use of violence to address problems on our planet, including the categorization of people, lumping them into groups that are then defined as the “Other”, hated, feared or just looked down upon.

 

one world many stories**THE CONCEPT:  Humans develop their ideas and beliefs over time through experience and example.  They observe how things work in the real world, and they also absorb imagined scenarios presented to them in books, movies, TV, etc.  Essentially, they learn through stories that speak to their minds, hearts, hopes and fears.  The result can be positive or negative, depending on the story source and the message conveyed.

 

**WHAT IS “TRANSFORMATIVE STORYTELLING”?  By focusing on stories, true or fictional, that offer a vision of non-violent, loving or peaceful responses and outcomes in a convincing way, we can encourage people to see such behavior as real possibilities for themselves and others.  SEEING IS BELIEVING!

 

**PRINCIPLES OF NON-VIOLENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION

We’ll go over a list of basic ways by which conflict transformation can occur. (From the “Manual for Discussion of Bullying that accompanies “The Rock” video.)

 

**SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW THESE CAN WORK

Liberty will mention just a few of the many stories of successful use of these principles.

 

**TIME TO EXPLORE VARIOUS RESOURCE MATERIALS

The group will have a chance to look through a variety of stories and articles about overcoming “Us vs. Them” or conflict situations.

 

**PARTICIPANTS WILL BRING THEIR QUESTIONS & EXAMPLES TO SHARE

Each person may choose a story and express thoughts, ideas or questions about that situation for responses from the group.  We’ll also invite folks to tell us of stories from their own lives or from other sources.

 

**SUMMING UP & FOLLOW-UP  We’ll discuss how these kinds of stories can be used to increase people’s knowledge and use of peaceful means to address our human differences and conflicts and find common ground, and will offer additional workshops, based on the topics addressed by Liberty in various ways.

 

SEE EXAMPLES OF FOLLOW-UP WORKSHOPS, OTHER SIDE

 

 
 
LIBERTY GOODWIN: Former AVP Trainer, Writer -Producer: "The Rock" bullying video & Manual for Discussion, Author: "The Dream of Dixie's Diner" story, interest group, possible video, 
Workshop Presenter: "Building Bridges Over Bias Through Books", “Curious & Creative Concepts for Change”, “Homesick for Harmony”.  Publisher: "Victories Without Violence" & Safe Passage on City Streets". 
 
CONTACT: Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: friendliberty@quakerworks.net
 

 

 

FOLLOW-UP TRANSFORMATIVE STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS

 

BUILDING BRIDGES OVER BIAS THROUGH BOOKS:  Facilitated discussion of true stories of transforming fear, anger & false ideas between groups and how they can assist in the quest for interfaith, interracial & international harmony.   Resources:   Excerpts from  “A Deadly Misunderstanding: A Congressman’s Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide”, “Victories Without Violence”, “Blood Brothers”, “Not By the Sword”, & the “Bullying Discussion Manual.”

 

“THE DREAM OF DIXIE’S DINER”: Based on Liberty's fantasy story of the transformation of a restaurant owner and her diner, inspired by a true encounter by civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.  Includes role plays and activities on overcoming us vs. them thinking, `such as   AVP"s  "Let's Go Swimming", in which the group is asked to divide up by self-selecting one of three categories: "Plunger", "Wader" or "Tester". They then speak their opinions of the other groups.  (Brings up biases - in our version, participants are required to then think of positive qualities of the "others") and "Dream of Dixie's Diner "Out of the Box" Game of transformational encounters.  Examples:  **Stuck in an Elevator at Midnight, No Cell Phone Service", **Lost in the Woods", ""On a Desert Island", "Locked in a Jail Cell".  Possible Characters:  Gay Dancer & Fundamentalist Preacher, KKK Wife & African American Female College Professor,

 

“THE ROCK”:  Introduction & Character Selection.  Participants choose characters they wish to pretend to be while watching, and to speak as after. Video Showing -“The Rock” (35 minutes). Responses:  Each person, “in character”, gives their reaction to what they have seen. Information Sharing: Leader presents some generalizations about non-violent responses, common characteristics & how they may be successful.  Role Plays:  Participants improvise role plays, based on the video.  Discussion: What might have happened afterwards between Jessica & Clay? What are alternative ways of handling the situations?  What advice might you give to a child, parent or school personnel?

 

*POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS:

 

 

A follow-up session on the transformative storytelling concept, another on Liberty’s “Homesick for Harmony” book, discussing thoughts it brings forth, and the stories it includes.  Also, a look at a wonderful book by a long-time, planet – traveling peace activist.

 

**THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIVE STORYTELLING (True or Imagined)  IN TEACHING PEACEFUL THINKING, Part 2": A possible finale to the workshop series or just a follow-up to the first one.  Continuing to address & counter the overwhelming belief in and use of violence to address problems on our planet, including the categorization of people, lumping them into groups that are then defined as the “Other”, hated, feared or just looked down upon.   We’ll discuss a positive approach, providing all kinds of stories of successful transformation away from "Us vs. Them" to "Us Together", affirming the possibility of such.

 

“HOMESICK FOR HARMONY”:  A discussion based on Liberty's book in process, which includes the workshop and many other examples of stories of positive change, along with an account of Liberty's amazing, unique life experiences.  (The latter include experiences while traveling the country to learn about the psychology of violence)

 

“WAGING PEACE”:  We’ll enjoy excerpts from a wonderful, inspiring book by many-years peace activist David Hartsough, telling about his amazing & encouraging adventures.  We’ll talk about the evidence here and elsewhere showing – Non-Violence is more successful than War!

 

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