Storytelling
Storytelling with Purpose
At the StoryRise Project, storytelling is more than just a creative act — it’s a form of community preservation, resistance, and healing. We create intentional spaces where people impacted by the criminal legal system can share their lived experiences, on their own terms, and in their own voice.
Whether through audio, video, or live events, our work is rooted in the belief that stories carry power — power to educate, connect, and shift public understanding.
Why Storytelling
Matters
Whether it’s a single story or a collective chorus, StoryRise helps stories rise to the surface—and into the heart of our communities.
How We Tell Stories
At the core of StoryRise is a hands-on, mobile approach to capturing real stories from justice-impacted individuals and their families. Our process is trauma-informed, relationship-based, and rooted in community care.
We bring storytelling opportunities into the community using mobile recording setups in libraries, reentry centers, and public venues. Equipped with professional audio and video gear, we create welcoming spaces where people can speak freely—no awkward interviews, no pressure. These small mobile units allow us to meet people where they are, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Each interview is a guided conversation—not an interrogation. We prioritize consent, safety, and emotional readiness, and work closely with participants to shape how their story is told.
In addition to private interviews, we host community-based events where people can gather, witness, and share including open-mic storytelling events.
Every recorded story is carefully archived—with participant consent—for potential use in documentary film or podcast projects.
How You Can Participate
Everyone has a story—and yours matters. Whether you’ve experienced incarceration firsthand, supported a loved one through the system, or work in reentry, your voice belongs here.
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Attend a Local StoryRise Event We regularly host in-person storytelling events, pop-ups, and recording booths in libraries, reentry centers, and community venues across Oregon and beyond. These are trauma-informed spaces where you can speak your truth in a supportive environment.
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Schedule a Remote Interview Not near a local event? No problem. We offer one-on-one interviews via Zoom or phone. You’ll be guided through the process by a trained StoryRise interviewer who will help you feel safe and heard. All remote sessions can be video, audio-only, or transcribed—your choice.
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Record Audio at Your Own Pace Prefer to reflect privately? We can send you a list of guided questions and tips for recording your story using your smartphone or computer. Send it back to us when you’re ready. We’ll take care of the editing and make sure your voice is honored.
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Choose How Your Story is Shared After your story is recorded, you can choose to share it publicly on our website, at community events, or in future film and media projects. If you prefer, you can remain anonymous, use a pseudonym, or request that your story be used for internal purposes only, such as research or education.
Ready to Share? Let’s Begin.
If you’re feeling called to share your story—or even just curious—we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a full recorded interview, a short reflection, or something in between, we’ll support you every step of the way.
