gathering in person for cannabis harm reduction digital stories With Youth

What Does Degrassi High Have to Do with digital storytelling?

An in-person digital storytelling workshop with young adults about cannabis use and harm reduction educational tools. As I learned from Researcher, Digital Storytelling Facilitator and former Degrassi High actress Dr. Rebecca Haines-Saah, in true Degrassi style, this project was about youth helping youth.

The Digital Storytelling for Cannabis Harm Reduction Workshop with the University of Calgary brought together nine youth from across Canada to craft digital stories from personal experience over a weekend with trained facilitators and peer support. The team included two peer-supports from Get Sensible, University of Calgary Researcher Dr. Rebecca Haines-Saah, Common Language Digital Storytelling (CLDST) Founder Dr. Mike Lang and myself, a CLDST Level 2 Facilitator. The result, 9 digital stories and a mini documentary to be used as harm reduction education tools.

“Weightless, Stories Of Cannabis Harm Reduction” Mini Documentary

Follow Dana through the process of creating their digital story, as we go behind the scenes of our workshop weekend in Calgary in this mini documentary.

Setting The stage

I have co-created many digital stories virtually, and as I sat on the plane, what I didn’t know is how it would feel to be in the room together. To be able to share a casual chat over breakfast and coffee, to see the side-conversations and the excitement as the storytellers leaned over each other’s computers to share what they’d created. Sitting in the story circle on the first evening of our three-day workshop hosted in a modern hotel, I saw that being together in person created a new kind of foundation. It communicated a value for both the storytellers and their stories, you matter and your story matters.

I have co-created many digital stories virtually, and as I sat on the plane, what I didn’t know is how it would feel to be in the room together. To be able to share a casual chat over breakfast and coffee, to see the side-conversations and the excitement as the storytellers leaned over each other’s computers to share what they’d created. Sitting in the story circle on the first evening of our three-day workshop hosted in a modern hotel, I saw that being together in person created a new kind of foundation. It communicated a value for both the storytellers and their stories, you matter and your story matters.

As a designer, I don’t need to be convinced of the value that providing diverse physical spaces gives to the collaborative flow and a sense of belonging. We spent most of our time in a big open room with floor to ceiling windows, flanked by a casual lounge area, and a smaller private meeting room. There was easy access to good coffee, food and a long quiet walk outside if needed. Creating digital stories is an emotional process, and being in person with the freedom to flex into different spaces helped to decrease some of the natural anxiety that comes with being vulnerable. Offering choice also supported various learning and processing needs for the group.

you are not alone in your experience

As a facilitator, supporting storyteller wellbeing, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment is key to a successful workshop and co-creation experience. Being in person allowed for a smooth real-time response to storyteller needs, more efficient troubleshooting with technology, and fostered an important and natural bond between the group. It communicated the impactful message; you are not alone in your experience.

Creating closure

On Sunday afternoon, we wrapped up the workshop with a screening of the nine digital stories, each crafted with an artist statement to introduce the harm reduction strategies aligned with the lived experience. It was a true moment of vulnerability for the young adults to not only to be affirmed in their lived experience, but also to share their art. A short film that they had created using a voiceover, personal and stock images, and music of their choosing. For most, this was their first time working with video editing software.

For certain demographics, being in-person matters. It provides a space that emphasizes the value of a personal experience, fosters trust, builds connection and establishes respect.  All resulting in impactful digital stories that storytellers are proud to share.

Watch The Stories

Visit the Cannabis Harm Reduction Project Website for the complete list of stories https://cannabisharmreduction.ca/

Learn More

Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Haines-Saah’s Research https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=bH8QcHYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Learn more about Dr. Mike Lang’s Research https://www.mikelangstories.com/researcher

Contact Krystle to learn more about Digital Storytelling Facilitation for your organization.