Narrating Justice: A Journey Through Storytelling

In a world where violence often seems inescapable, finding pathways to transformation and healing is vital. This April, Resonance Network hosted an event that aimed to do just that: delve into radically imagining a world beyond violence — Narrating Justice: A Journey Through Storytelling. As always, in this gathering we came together to leverage the transformative power of storytelling as a powerful tool to center healing and restoration in our collective journey toward redefining well-being, justice, and healing, particularly for justice impacted people.

Led by the esteemed facilitator Michael Woody, this workshop promised a transformative experience. It wasn’t just a space for passive listening; it was an invitation to actively engage in envisioning a better future. By embracing storytelling, participants were encouraged to share their narratives, drawing from personal experiences, collective histories, and even speculative visions of what could be.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling transcends mere communication; it fosters empathy, understanding, and connection. In the context of exploring a world beyond violence, stories become bridges, linking diverse perspectives and lived realities. They allow us to see beyond our own experiences, stepping into the shoes of others and gaining insights often overlooked. This profound exchange enables us to appreciate the richness of human diversity and the common threads that bind us together.

Participants in the workshop examined their ideas about agency, community impact, collective governance, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through sharing and listening to each other’s stories, they began to experience notable shifts in perspective and understanding. For example, some participants who initially viewed agency as an individual pursuit came to appreciate its collective dimension — recognizing that true empowerment often arises from communal efforts and shared decision-making.

We also reflected on community impact, discovering that the stories of resilience and solidarity within their groups could inspire broader social change. They realized that their personal narratives, when shared, could galvanize others to take action and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

In terms of collective governance, participants began to envision new ways of organizing and leading that prioritized inclusivity and mutual respect. They saw how storytelling could democratize voices, ensuring that even the most marginalized members had a platform to express their views and influence decision-making processes.

Moreover, the transformative power of storytelling became evident as participants witnessed its ability to heal and restore. Many shared how narrating their experiences allowed them to process trauma, find closure, and build stronger connections with others who had similar experiences. This healing aspect underscored the importance of creating safe spaces where stories could be told and heard without judgment.

Harnessing Transformative Potential

This workshop was about more than just sharing stories; it was about harnessing their transformative potential. Through collective dialogue and reflection, participants imagined new possibilities — alternative narratives where well-being, justice, and healing take center stage. It wasn’t about escaping reality; it was about reshaping it, molding it into a more just and compassionate form. Participants expressed feeling reenergized, naming Community, Humanity, Possibility, Trust, and many other descriptors that indicated their renewed commitment to the work of worldbuilding.

A Call to Action

At its core, this event was a call to action — a call for individuals to reclaim agency in shaping their communities and collective destinies. By envisioning a future grounded in collective governance, mutual care, and community well-being, participants were invited to become architects of change. It wasn’t an easy task, but it was a necessary one — one that demanded courage, creativity, and collaboration.

Many exciting avenues of partnership emerged during this workshop, showcasing the collaborative spirit and innovative mindset of our community. We are particularly thrilled about an upcoming workshop that will integrate WeGovern principles into the local early education community, empowering teachers and administrators with a profound sense of agency and collective governance.

Equally as exciting is Resonance Network’s new partnership with Jamii Linguists, which will provide bidirectional interpretation in Spanish, French, and Haitian Kreyol. This is a good example of the power of authentic connections and mutual support rooted in trust and a shared vision of equitable communication. Together, Resonance and Jamii Linguists are cultivating a partnership founded on genuine relationships that can drive meaningful change and address the diverse needs of our communities. This powerful testament to mobilizing our collective resources underscores the strong, mutually beneficial impact we can achieve together.

Learn More

If you weren’t able to join us for Narrating Justice, fear not. The conversation is far from over. In July, Resonance is hosting Living Into Collective Governance — WeGovern Clinic Series this July. Your experience and perspective are invaluable to the ongoing dialogue of the Network. Whether you’re a long-time Resonance practitioner, a seasoned activist, a curious bystander, or someone seeking meaningful engagement, your presence is welcomed and encouraged.

Are you ready to be part of a movement toward a more just and compassionate world? We invite you to join us. Register here—and feel free to extend this invitation to anyone who may be interested. We also encourage you to join our mailing list to stay up-to-date with Resonance and our partners in worldbuilding. Together, let’s continue to co-create spaces where ideas flourish, experiences are shared, and visions of a brighter, more just and equitable future take root. We look forward to continuing to build this community with you.