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Storying the Self

(Re)Claiming our Voices

Linds Roberts

Engage with lived experiences and identities that have often been denied a public voice. Consider the nuanced contexts of race, gender, class, language, ability, and how these impact your position as a leader and creator. You’ll question what it means to reclaim your narrative of yourself and to engage with the strength of vulnerability as a leader and creator. In a creative exercise, you’ll engage with multiple perspectives on a past conflict and use this reflection to practice perspective-taking and listening that can generate creative work and deepen leadership skills for empathy, listening and engaging in multicultural workplaces.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Questioning stories — How Stories Function in Society

This week we'll dive more deeply into aspects of our social identities, how they relate to our access to resources, voice, and choice, and how they shape our stories of ourselves. We'll also take a look at the four types of stories: stock stories, concealed stories, resistance stories, and transformative stories to better understand how stories are used within our cultural contexts.

Critical Witnessing, Vulnerability and Stories

This week we reflect on what it means to receive the stories others share. We'll also practice deep listening and noticing.

Stories Hidden Within Structures and Systems

This week we consider stories of individual experiences within structures and systems that add greater nuance to the stock or dominant narratives we hear. We will consider what is possible when we complicate common stereotypes and consider the ways that power interacts with these stories.

Stories that Move Us Into Questioning, Into Action

This week we consider how honoring the stories in our bodies and the empathy that arises when we deeply hear others' stories and perspectives can move us into action.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a deep dive into the intersection of identity, storytelling, and leadership

Taught by Linds Roberts, an experienced instructor in the field

Suitable for learners interested in social justice, leadership development, and creative expression

Examines the impact of marginalized identities on narratives and leadership styles

May require prior knowledge of social justice or leadership concepts

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Storying the Self: (Re)Claiming our Voices with these activities:

Review Social Justice Concepts

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Review foundational concepts of social justice to enhance comprehension of the course content.

Browse courses on Social Justice

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Read key articles and books on social justice
Summarize key concepts and theories
Create a mind map or concept diagram

Explore Storytelling Techniques

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Engage in guided tutorials to enhance storytelling skills and deepen understanding of narrative perspectives.

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Enroll in online storytelling workshops or follow video tutorials
Practice storytelling techniques, such as writing exercises and role-playing
Seek feedback on storytelling skills

Read 'The Power of Vulnerability' by Brené Brown

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Read Brené Brown's 'The Power of Vulnerability' to explore the concept of embracing vulnerability as a leader and creator.

View Atlas of the Heart on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes and reflect on key concepts
Apply insights to personal experiences and leadership practices

Four other activities

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Craft a Personal Narrative

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Create a personal narrative that explores intersectional identities and their impact on lived experiences, deepening self-awareness and empathy.

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Reflect on personal experiences and identify themes related to identity
Write a draft of the narrative, weaving in personal anecdotes and observations
Seek feedback and revise the narrative, considering perspectives from diverse audiences

Engage in Perspective-Taking Exercise

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Participate in peer sessions to practice perspective-taking and empathy, enhancing leadership and communication skills.

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Join or form a peer group
Present different perspectives on a topic or issue
Actively listen, ask questions, and engage in respectful dialogue

Contribute to Open Source Projects

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Engage in open source projects to hone technical skills, collaborate with diverse teams, and showcase leadership abilities while contributing to the community.

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Identify open source projects related to course topics
Fork, clone, and contribute to the project
Collaborate with other contributors and provide constructive feedback

Mentor Students on Storytelling and Leadership

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Share knowledge and expertise with other students by providing mentorship, fostering their growth in storytelling and leadership skills.

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Identify students who would benefit from mentorship
Offer guidance, support, and feedback on storytelling and leadership development
Create a supportive and encouraging learning environment

Career center

Learners who complete Storying the Self: (Re)Claiming our Voices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate complex social systems, develop coping mechanisms, and access resources. This course would help build a foundation for Social Workers, particularly by helping them to understand the nuanced contexts of race, gender, class, language, and ability, and how these impact access to resources, voice, and choice. The course's focus on critical witnessing and vulnerability would also be valuable for Social Workers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address issues that affect their well-being. This course would be valuable for Community Organizers by providing insights into the power of storytelling to create social change. The course's emphasis on listening and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Community Organizers as they work to build relationships and coalitions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Counselor

Counselors help individuals and families cope with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. This course would be helpful for Counselors by providing insights into the ways that social identities and experiences shape stories of ourselves and others. The course's emphasis on listening and perspective-taking would also be valuable for Counselors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. This course would be helpful for Journalists by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in journalism. The course's emphasis on storytelling and perspective-taking would also be valuable for Journalists as they work to report on the stories of diverse communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusion within an organization. This course would be helpful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers by providing insights into the complex issues of race, gender, and other forms of diversity. The course's emphasis on storytelling and empathy would also be valuable for Diversity and Inclusion Managers as they work to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course would be helpful for Public Health Educators by providing insights into the social determinants of health and the importance of culturally competent care. The course's emphasis on storytelling and empathy would also be valuable for Public Health Educators as they work to engage with communities and promote healthy behaviors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow, both academically and socially. This course would be helpful for Teachers by providing insights into the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. The course's emphasis on storytelling and empathy would also be valuable for Teachers as they work to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee employee relations and develop policies and programs to support employees. This course would be helpful for Human Resources Managers by providing insights into diversity and inclusion, and the importance of creating a workplace culture that values all voices. The course's emphasis on conflict resolution and perspective-taking would also be valuable for Human Resources Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course would be helpful for Nonprofit Managers by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector. The course's emphasis on leadership and storytelling would also be valuable for Nonprofit Managers as they work to lead their organizations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and journalism. This course would be may helpful for Writers by providing insights into the power of storytelling to create change. The course's emphasis on listening and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Writers as they work to develop characters and stories that are authentic and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Editor

Editors review, edit, and revise written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and journalism. This course would be may helpful for Editors by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in editing. The course's emphasis on storytelling and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Editors as they work to ensure that the stories they edit are inclusive and representative of diverse voices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Publisher

Publishers oversee the production and distribution of books, magazines, newspapers, and other written content. This course would be may helpful for Publishers by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in publishing. The course's emphasis on storytelling and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Publishers as they work to publish books that are representative of diverse voices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Publisher

Archivist

Archivists preserve and provide access to historical records. This course would be may helpful for Archivists by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in archival practice. The course's emphasis on storytelling and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Archivists as they work to ensure that the records they preserve are representative of diverse voices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. This course would be may helpful for Librarians by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in library services. The course's emphasis on storytelling and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Librarians as they work to create inclusive and welcoming library spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the collections and exhibitions of museums. This course would be may helpful for Museum Curators by providing insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in museum practice. The course's emphasis on storytelling and perspective-taking would also be helpful for Museum Curators as they work to create exhibitions that are representative of diverse voices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Storying the Self: (Re)Claiming our Voices.

Encounter on the Seine

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Powerful and personal exploration of race in America, and would be particularly helpful for students interested in exploring the intersectionality of race, gender, and class.

Encounter on the Seine: Essays (James Baldwin...

Hardcover

Encounter on the Seine: Essays

Kindle Edition