Civic engagement doesn’t have to be boring. It can be sexy. SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition is attempting to really get people, ahem, excited about the opportunities for involvement that are unique to Portland.
Verbal storytelling is an incredible medium, but it seems like it’s been forgotten in the sea of new and old media. We lost the art of the soliloquy to the silver and touch screens.
We feel that it is time we spice up civic engagement by going back to the roots – charismatic storytellers getting on a stage and delivering a compelling story to a crowd.
Storytelling allows us to make everyday connections to the people around us. With your story-savvy expertise, SE Uplift will host an inspirational night at the Bagdad Theater, where ‘so-and-so’ (we mean you!) tells humorous and bizarre stories of neighborly interaction. The audience shows up ready to be entertained, they laugh, they cry, maybe they start thinking about their own communities. By the time they walk out of the theater it hits them; “Hmmm, maybe I should get to know my neighbors?”
You can help us by telling YOUR story! Do you have stories of bizarre and humorous neighborly interaction? Have your neighbors ever saved you from a desperate situation? Did you ever have an encounter with your neighbor that left you dreading ever having to face them again? What’s the most epic battle you’ve ever fought against/alongside your neighbors?
SUBMIT YOUR STORY HERE.
No? Not for you? Not a problem. Can you identify that person in your circle? Pass this email on or post to your Facebook page.
Approximately 10 lucky storytellers will share their stories live at the Bagdad Theater on September 17th!!