Bringing Powerful Storytelling To Local Communities.
The StoryRise Project, in partnership with Connecting 4 Justice, is a national initiative dedicated to capturing, sharing, and honoring the lived experiences of justice-impacted individuals. Through in-person storytelling spaces, mobile recording units, and strategic partnerships with libraries and community centers, we empower people to rise through narrative—and connect their stories to advocacy and reentry services.
"Where stories rise and systems change."
Preserves community memory, fosters empathy, and brings diverse stories into the public narrative.
Reclaiming one’s story is a powerful step in overcoming stigma and rebuilding life after incarceration.
Stories shape public opinion. Storyrise helps turn real-life experiences into tools for change.
Engaging community through interactive, inclusive events makes storytelling accessible and action-inspiring.
Stories from the Community
At the heart of The Storyrise Project is a belief that every person’s story matters.
Justice-Impacted in America
Want to tell your story on video or audio? Contact us on how you can make an impact in your community.
Justice Impacted
Family Member Impacted
Justice Impacted
Mother was Incarcerated
Son Currently Incarcerated
Make An Impact With Your Story
Why Your Story Matters
Healing and Personal Empowerment
Sharing your story can be a form of emotional release and healing. It helps process trauma, reclaim their voice, and move from shame or silence toward self-worth and empowerment.
Challenging Stigma and Misconceptions
Public perception of people impacted by the justice system is often shaped by fear, stereotypes, or headlines. Your real story brings nuance and humanity, helping to shift attitudes, reduce stigma, and highlight the complexity of justice-involved lives.
Advocating for Policy and System Change
Your story can expose injustices in laws, sentencing, supervision, and prison conditions, putting a human face on statistics—and inspiring legislative reform, funding shifts, or community investments.
Building Community Understanding and Empathy
When neighbors, educators, policymakers, and service providers hear firsthand experiences, it fosters empathy and bridges divides. Storytelling creates shared understanding and helps communities become more inclusive and supportive of reentry and restorative justice.
Creating a Legacy for Others to Learn From
Told stories become part of our cultural memory. Whether shared privately or publicly, they can guide, teach, and inspire others—especially youth, families in crisis, or others facing similar challenges. Storytelling helps preserve lived wisdom for future generations.
StoryRise is in Currently in Oregon
Local storytelling is currently taking place in Astoria, Oregon. View our local events to get started.
