Storytelling

Homes Not Borders Storytelling Initiative

The art of storytelling is as old as spoken language but its popularity as a form of spoken word performance is only a couple of decades old. Made popular by programs such as The Moth, Radiolab, and Story District, stories are true, autobiographical retellings of events of a person’s life recounted live in spoken form in 10 minutes or fewer. We believe that, when a person can tell the events of their lives with confidence, authenticity, humor, and depth, the very act of telling their story helps heal traumas faced, amplifies voices to our greater community, and enriches all of us by helping us better understand the refugee friends and neighbors who live among us. 

Created and run by former refugees, the Homes Not Borders storytelling initiative believes that people with forced migration stories should define their own lives, in their own words. This is how we do it:

Weekend Workshop Run by The Moth

HNB runs a yearly free, weekend-long storytelling workshop for people who identify as refugees and forced migrants in the Washington, DC area. The workshop is run by The Moth, the nation’s largest storytelling nonprofit, and takes place over a full Saturday and Sunday (typically in late August or early September).

Over two immersive days, participants learn how to craft and tell a powerful, five-minute true story. The weekend concludes with a supportive mini-show on Sunday evening, where each storyteller shares their work in front of a welcoming audience.

Importantly, storytellers do not have to tell the story of how they came to the United States. Storytellers also do not have to be recent immigrants. We believe that refugee and forced migration stories do not begin and end upon arrival to the United States. We encourage each participant to choose a story that feels meaningful and authentic to them — something that reflects who they are, what they value, or what has shaped them. 

From Workshop to Stage

After the workshop, professional coaches from Story District, Washington, DC’s oldest storytelling nonprofit, work individually with participants to prepare for our annual October showcase.

At this live event, storytellers take the stage in front of an audience of more than 200 community members. Each performer is paid $200 for their participation. Videos of past shows are on HNB’s YouTube channel.

Beyond the Show

After the annual performance, storytellers have the opportunity to join the HNB Speaker’s Bureau. Members are invited to share their stories at schools, churches, synagogues, and civic organizations throughout the region.

Speaker’s Bureau participants are typically paid between $100-300 per appearance (with an average of $150 per appearance), creating ongoing opportunities for leadership, visibility, and income.

For Potential Storytellers

Professional storytelling training

You’ll receive training in true, personal storytelling modeled on the approach of The Moth, the nation’s leading storytelling organization. Over

the course of the workshop, you’ll learn how to shape your lived experience into a compelling five-minute narrative.

Public speaking and communication skills

You’ll develop skills that are valuable in many settings—job interviews, community leadership, advocacy, and public presentations. Learning how to organize and share your story will help you feel confident speaking in front of any audience.

Paid speaking opportunities

You may be invited to share your story at schools, houses of worship, and community events. These engagements give you a chance to earn income while educating audiences about your experiences.

A platform for your voice and leadership

You’ll be recognized as an educator and community leader. Your story helps shape how audiences understand migration, resilience, and belonging.

Connection and community

You’ll join a group of participants from different backgrounds who share the experience of building a new life in the United States. Many storytellers form lasting friendships and a strong sense of support.

Personal empowerment

Crafting and sharing your story is a powerful way to reflect on your journey and claim ownership of it. Many participants find the process meaningful and affirming, turning difficult experiences into stories of strength and resilience.

Through the Storytelling Initiative, Homes Not Borders supports you not just as a speaker, but as a skilled communicator, leader, and valued voice in your community. If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this FORM or email amy@homesnotborders.org

For Organizations Wanting to Host a Storyteller

• For schools, an HNB storyteller brings learning to life. Students gain a deeper understanding of global events, migration, and cultural diversity through apersonal narrative rather than a textbook. Storytelling visits can complement coursework in social studies, civics, global studies, and English, while encouraging empathy, curiosity, and thoughtful discussion. Students often leave with a more nuanced understanding of what refugees experience and the many ways they contribute to their communities.

• For houses of worship and other civic groups, storytelling offers a meaningful way to live out values of welcome, compassion, and community. Hearing a refugee’s story can deepen understanding of displacement and resettlement, inspire reflection, and strengthen an organization’s commitment to hospitality and service. Many organizations find that these events spark conversations about how they can more actively support newcomers in their area.

If you are interested in participating in the next storytelling workshop, or in supporting this initiative, we would love to hear from you. Fill out this FORM to schedule a time to talk or email our Artistic Director, Amy Hoang Wrona, at amy@homesnotborders.org