The Open Circle: Pop-Up Community Storytelling Events
A space to pause, reflect, and reconnect through social prescription storytelling.
What Is The Open Circle?
The Open Circle is StoryBridge’s flagship outreach program—bringing social prescription storytelling into community spaces like libraries, parks, and cultural centres.
These one-time or short series events:
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Use guided storytelling methods and prompts to spark connection
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Create intergenerational and intercultural dialogue
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Offer free, accessible opportunities for storytelling in community settings
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Break down barriers of loneliness, stigma, and exclusion
Purpose
In a time of rising disconnection, many people—especially newcomers, youth, and seniors—experience loneliness and feel invisible or unheard. The Open Circle uses social prescription storytelling to create moments of presence, where stories unfold gently and connection takes root.
Each 90 minute session supports mental well-being by:
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Reducing isolation and strengthening community bonds
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Promoting self-reflection and emotional regulation
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Building intergenerational and intercultural understanding
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Providing free, creative tools for building community connections, resilience, and belonging
Fuel The Story: Our Open Circle Fundraising Campaign
Help us build community, connections, confidence, and belonging through open circle storytelling.
Open Circle events are offered free of cost to community groups. This program is funded through your generous donations and sponsorships support. Your support helps us provide:
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Trained, trauma-informed story facilitators
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All creative materials
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Simple, accessible prompts and group facilitation services
Partner With Us
Are you a business, foundation, or community organization that values creativity, connection, and inclusion? You can sponsor an Open Circle Storytelling event or several events in a series or community. In return, your organization will receive:
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'Presented by' branding and logo placement
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Acknowledgment on our website and social media
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A unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to community, equity, and the arts
Host an Open Circle Event
We bring The Open Circle to life in collaboration with local organizations, individuals, communities, and public venues. We provide:
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Trained, trauma-informed facilitators
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All creative materials
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Simple, accessible prompts and group process
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Setup and teardown support
Open Circle Outreach events are free and can be requested by any formal or informal community group or nonprofit. Each pop-up tailored to be inclusive and to meet the needs of the group. You provide the venue and the participants and we will provide the facilitators and material.
Donations to the StoryBridge's Fuel The Story or other fundraising campaigns are welcome!
Hosting Resources
How to Host an Open Circle (PDF download) - outlines before, during, and after steps for an inclusive and meaningful Open Circle event.