Story Crossroads: The Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 42
Welcome to a short, more direct weekly newsletter * Week 1: Story of the Month - links with membership * Week 2: Upcoming
Events * Week 3: Cap's Off to You! - people/organization profiles * Week 4: Past & Future News
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Courageous Conversations Ignite Dialogue!
Story Crossroads celebrates its 10th Annual Hybrid Summit & Festival from May 5–8, 2025, with a bold new feature: "Courageous Conversations: A Respectful Story & Dialogue about Race." This 2-hour event, supported by Utah Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, blends performance with guided discussion to explore race, identity, and equity. Yet, these critical conversations are at risk—federal cuts threaten the very funding that makes them possible. Facilitated by Gloria Mensah
(GK Folks Foundation) and Greg Noel (Two Brothas Counseling), Courageous Conversations begins with story-centered learning, followed by a safe space for open dialogue and community reflection. It exemplifies Story Crossroads’ mission to use storytelling as a tool for social growth and kindness—one of many programs available in both in-person and virtual formats. “Storytelling gives us the space to listen and to heal,” said Rachel Hedman, Founding Executive Director of Story Crossroads. “Without public support from groups like Utah Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, these conversations—and the communities they
empower—could be silenced.”
Importance of
Cultural Arts & Learning
Now more than ever, supporting and learning about the cultural arts is vital—especially as federal funding faces cuts and communities must come together to uplift diverse voices through creativity and story. The 10th Annual Story Crossroads Summit &
Festival offers powerful events that celebrate culture, spark dialogue, and deepen our understanding of each other through the art of storytelling. While much is being offered (hybrid, by the way), here are some highlights: Monday, May 5, 2025 – Almost Here!
Join us in Murray for a powerful launch to the 10th Annual Story Crossroads Summit & Festival as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with stories that honor culture and community. Professor Armando Solórzano will guide us through the rich landscape of Mexican storytelling—past, present, and
future—followed by a lively, inclusive circle-style discussion with voices both in-person and online. Then prepare for the emotionally gripping, multimedia storytelling experience Still Running, a commissioned work by Tiffani Dean that weaves poetry, film, and music to illuminate the often-hidden realities of mental illness within families. With a follow-up discussion led by Gloria Mensah of GK Folks Foundation, this evening promises heart, healing, and unforgettable storytelling. Thursday, May 8, 2025 – You’re Invited (and it’s FREE!)
The Story Crossroads excitement continues with two enriching,
no-cost virtual events—perfect for story lovers everywhere! First, explore the "Language of Story: Swahili" with Joy Sitawa Richards from BYU as she unpacks symbolism, linguistics, and cultural meaning—streamed live on our YouTube channel with Q&A. Then, discover how storytelling strengthens classrooms, careers, and homes in "Making Storytelling Work for YOU," a professional development workshop led by educator Karl Behling. Registration gets you easy access and reminders—don't miss this chance to celebrate, learn, and be part of our 10th anniversary magic! |
Submissions are open for Sizzling Splendor until May 15,
2025. Send us your stories, articles, or artwork—theme-related or not! Have a tale about "surviving your art" through mishaps or strange encounters? Or a story tied to Sizzling Splendor? We’d love to see it! Though separate from Story Crossroads, The Story Beast is a free, worldwide publication. Learn more at storybeast.org.
On April 11, 2025, Randel McGee told stories as Hans Christian Andersen complete with paper cutting stories! While we usually have adult audiences, we had several tweens this time who happens to love "The Ugly Duckling" above all the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. You
can explore past streams--like this one--as well as the upcoming house concerts at http://storycrossroads.org/HouseConcerts. On April 19, 2025, Peter Chand's virtual workshop on using the senses for deeper connection with your audiences was inspiring. While many attendees have been in the
art a long time, they shared how much this helped them realize what they had been missing for years. This workshop, along with past ones, is available to order at storycrossroads.org/AllThingsStory.
As for future events, we have at least two every month. You can register for our
hybrid Summit & Festival (May 5-8). We have Sam Payne teaching a virtual workshop (June 7).
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Enjoy this hint of what to expect at our 10th Annual Summit & Festival from May 5-8, 2025 with viewing to June 15. See more videos at our YouTube Channel.
If you or someone you know has a story video that you want us to see, then let us know by emailing info@storycrossroads.org.
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Story Crossroads - 501(c)(3) - To foster creative and compassionate communities through the art of storytelling.
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