Good stories do more than entertain – they reveal what binds us together. The One Community Project (OCP) wants to hear YOUR story.
Stories help us get our arms around what connects us. From this common ground, we can begin to build a vision for the future rooted in the values that define us. We’ve discovered that if enough people come together, we can create an entirely new kind of story from the collective experiences of people trying to make good things happen in our community.
This month, OCP is launching “Stories that Root Us,” a multimedia storytelling contest, to do just that. The contest is open to all ages and artistic medium. English and Spanish submissions are encouraged. Some prompts to kick-start your creativity:
“What roots you in this community? What are the things that connect you to this place?”
“When did you know Leadville or Lake County was home? And if it hasn’t yet, what are you looking for?”
Tell your story however you please! Written prose and poems, videos, audio recordings, photography, art, and other forms of creative expression are encouraged. Just stick to the below parameters:
- Audio & video submissions: About 5 minutes, 7 minute maximum (MP3, MP4, WAV, or other common formats)
- Written prose & poems: Up to 1,000 words (~5 minutes when read aloud)
- Photography & art: Must include a short recorded or written explanation (2-3 minutes if read aloud)
Submissions are due by April 18. To submit, visit: https://bit.ly/LC-Stories
The YAK is BACK: Live Storytelling Event
The excitement culminates in a live storytelling event at FREIGHT on Friday, April 25th from 6-8 PM. This revival of the beloved YAK tradition brings our community together to celebrate our shared connections through storytelling.
Event highlights:
- Free admission for all
- Featured storytellers selected from online submissions
- Opportunity for audience members to share brief stories during our speed round
- Community voting for favorite stories
- Exciting prizes from local businesses
- Cash bar available
How to Participate
- Submit your story online by April 18th to be considered for the live event
- Join us at FREIGHT on April 25th (320 E 9th Street) from 6-8 PM
- Listen, connect, and vote for your favorite stories
Through this contest and event, we hope to uncover the invisible threads that bind our community together and create a foundation for our collective vision of the future – a future shaped by all who call Leadville and Lake County home.
Have questions? Contact Rachel at rachel@communitybuilders.org.
We can’t wait to hear your story!
The One Community Project team