Who We Are
The StoryBridge Network is a community-driven nonprofit that uses storytelling, expressive arts, and dialogue to strengthen mental well-being, cultural understanding, and social connection.
Founded in 2025, StoryBridge creates inclusive spaces where people can explore their stories, share lived experiences, and build meaningful connections across communities.
Our programs serve newcomers, youth, seniors, and individuals experiencing displacement or isolation—communities whose voices are often missing from mainstream conversations.
Through workshops, storytelling programs, public events, and partnerships, StoryBridge helps transform lived experience into dialogue, learning, and collective action.
Our Mission
To empower individuals and communities through the transformative power of storytelling—creating inclusive spaces where every voice is valued and where belonging, resilience, and social change can grow.
Our Vision
A world where stories bridge divides, reduce isolation, and strengthen community well-being.
Our Core Values
What We Do
StoryBridge brings people together through storytelling programs, community dialogue, and creative expression.
Our work includes:
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Storytelling workshops and training programs
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Storytelling Cafés and community storytelling projects
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Outreach storytelling circles and pop-up events
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Youth storytelling and creative expression programs
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Public storytelling events and conferences
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Consulting and facilitation services for organizations
Many of the stories shared at our public events grow from the programs and circles where participants first develop and explore their narratives.
Our Approach
StoryBridge storytelling and expressive arts programs are grounded in:
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Lived experience as a source of knowledge
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Trauma-aware and ethical storytelling and arts-based practices
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Dialogue and reflective listening
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Creative storytelling frameworks and expressive arts
Our goal is not simply to tell stories, but to create spaces where stories become catalysts for connection, empathy, and community change.
How We Are Funded
StoryBridge operates through a blended sustainability model that includes:
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Fee-for-service training and consulting
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Ticketed storytelling events and conferences
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Retail storytelling initiatives such as The Story From Here book series
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Donations, sponsorships, and grants
This model helps ensure our community programs remain accessible to those who need them most.
Our Structure
The StoryBridge Network is a federally incorporated nonprofit operating in Manitoba. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which provides strategic and financial oversight on behalf of our Class A (Voting) members.
Class A (Voting) members are the core of our community organization, ensuring it remains firmly grounded and guided by community input and leadership. The StoryBridge Board of Directors is responsible to Class A members for the strategic direction, governance, and corporate responsibilities of the not-for-profit organization. Day-to-day operations and program leadership are managed by the Executive Director, with support from volunteers, contractors, and community partners.
Our Board Portfolio Model
StoryBridge uses a portfolio governance model to balance its commitment to organizational activities with its governance responsibilities. In this portfolio model, board members hold key oversight roles in addition to some traditional officer titles, while leading fundraising and event planning on behalf of the organization. Each portfolio reflects the types of leadership perspectives the board values as the organization grows.
Board Chair
Presides over regular and special board meetings; chairs the annual members’ meetings. Oversees Class A members’, board members’, and executive director’s recruitment in compliance with legal and corporate responsibilities.
Treasurer & Director,
Fundraising & Social Enterprise
Manages the corporation’s financial documents, including tax filing, banking and finance, and liaison with auditors, accountants and bookkeepers. Helps the board think strategically about financial sustainability and funding diversity.
Director, Accessibility, Equity & Inclusion
Ensures the organization’s programs and decisions remain inclusive, equitable and accessible. Supports the communication, people & culture, and compliance portfolios by collecting and reporting data and impact. Brings attention to barriers to program participation and makes recommendations.
Vice Chair & Director, Policy & Compliance
performs the duties of the chair in the absence of the chair or in the event of the chairperson’s conflict of interest. Ensures bylaws, policies, and governance practices remain current and effective.
Director, Media & Communications
Oversees the organization’s public messaging and reputation. Helps protect and grow the organization's public presence. Advises the board on reputation risks and opportunities. Supports awareness of programs, services, events, and impact.
Director, People and Culture
Ensures the Executive Director is supported and that governance responsibilities related to Class B members and volunteers are addressed. Watches for overload, burnout, or unclear expectations for ED and Volunteers and ensures that our volunteer ecosystem is legally compliant and mutually beneficial.
Board Secretary & Records Officer
Manages the communication and administration on behalf of the board and Class A members. Maintains accurate records of board decisions and completes annual filing, registration, and reporting.
Director, Programs & Partnerships
Maintains awareness of program impact and community relationships. Supports the communications, fundraising, and compliance portfolios by collecting and reporting data and impact. foreges and maintains relationships with key community partners or supporters
Interested in Board Membership?
Our dedicated volunteer board members are elected by Class A (Voting) members to serve for a period of two years.
Once elected, board members assume a portfortlio and work closely with other members to do the business of the organization.
If you are interested in contributing to the StoryBridge's community leadership or board of directors, we invite you to apply for Class A (Voting) membership or join our board of directors.