June updates
Monthly updates about upcoming activities and opportunities to get involved with making, connecting and learning as part of Make/Shift. Written by Lizzie Bourke, Creative Community Builder.
Happy June!
We have a quite a few dates in the diary this month that might be of interest and an update from last month’s Story Day, so here goes…
Story Day
Thank you to all who allowed their stories to be shared and to those who were able to come along to listen, learn and share in the ‘story telling for evaluation’ method on the day.
You can listen to some of the stories from the Movers & Shakers Community Fund here Tales from Movers, Shakers and Community Makers
Story Telling For Evaluation
The “Story Telling for Evaluation” session was facilitated gently by Chris Hayes from Live Projects.
Storytelling is a qualitative evaluation approach inspired by the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique. It involves collecting stories from people about their experiences, and then bringing people together to discuss the stories and what we can learn from them. You can download the slides from the day here
Chris shared some really useful resources for anyone interested in learning more:
Webinar: Most Significant Change - YouTube
Intro to Storytelling Evaluation Method | Old Fire Station, Oxford
Feedback from the day included:
an acknowledgement of joy felt from the simple act of making time to share our stories and be really listened to
the space this allowed for ‘processing out loud’ and unearthing new realisations or strengthening existing ideas
the desire to weave this practice through more of the work that we do, including informal peer to peer story sharing at future meet-ups and trying out the Story Telling Evaluation method as part of a small pilot this year.
That brings us nicely on to or Jun events….
Co-Working Days - Weds 10th June - 10-5pm @ Amber Mill
This Wednesday we have our monthly shared working day at Amber Mill in Oakerthorpe, drop in from 10am-5pm “Mill Days” - Co-Working at Amber Mill.
Join us to work independently, collaboratively, creatively, or take some time to read, craft, share food or enjoy a local stroll (in the rain 🌧️).
For anyone curious they’ll be the opportunity to keep the conversations and connections going following on from the Imagination and Story training days that happened in April and May.
Last month the ‘What if..’ statements that were generated during the Imagination day were lovingly sorted into themed groups ready to spark further chats and actions.
Do any particular categories draw you in?
From 2-4pm this month we will host a chat about the potential of trying out the Story Telling Evaluation method as part of a small pilot this year. Pop-in for an hour or stay all day. Everyone welcome.
Monthly Meet-up - 17th June 5-8pm @ Grow Outside Community Garden
Next Wednesday we have the first of our outdoor Summer Meet-Ups. A chance to explore a local outdoor community venue, chat to like-minded people, share ideas and have a cuppa.
For our June meet-up we will have the opportunity to spend some time in the beautiful surrounds of Grow Outside CIC
Meet-Up @ Grow Outside Wednesday, June 17 • 5 PM - 8 PM.
This is the first of three Summer Evening Sessions, where will be taking advantage of the longer evenings to host our meet ups outdoors in local community venues, and hopefully have a chat with the local legends behind each venue.
From 5-6:30pm there will be time to just enjoy being in the space. Have a wander or take a seat and soak up the vibes. For those who are interested in trying some partnered story sharing there will be space to have a go. Bring a picnic tea, a sketch pad, a book to read, or just have a natter.
From 6:30-8pm we’ll have more of a group check-in and chat, for peers to share ideas, ask questions, and offer support in relation to local community project work and creative imaginings.
Although these meet-ups were created to support and connect individuals who have received Movers and Shakers Community Funding, they are open to anyone who is working in a similar way to create positive change in their neighbourhoods across Amber Valley. There is an open invitation to share ideas, exchange tips, or offer and receive support. We look forward to seeing you there.
Summer Sharing Supper - Tues 23rd June @ Amber Mill
On Tuesday 23rd June we are hosting our Summer Sharing Supper, Tuesday, June 23 • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Amber Mill in Oakerthorpe.
Sharing Suppers are a chance to come together with people from across Amber Valley and beyond to share and learn. Come along to hear from people working to nurture the conditions, relationships and capacities for long term, community powered creativity where they live. Then dive into conversations with your neighbours about what might be possible here.
Summer Theme: Following The Magic: The ups, downs and positive confusions of working alongside communities without a set plan.
We we’ll be joined by Tina Redford, former Director of LeftCoast Blackpool to share more about the story of “Wash Your Words” a Community owned Library and Laundry Room that has taken over an empty shop space. Testing community ownership model and exploring how we can share facilities as neighbours for both environmental and economic benefit. Find out more about the project here Wash Your Words: Langdale Library & Laundry Room - LeftCoast.
Keep in touch
As always please do get in touch if you have any questions or feedback, or just want to say hi!
And we are happy to help arrange transport options if this makes events more accessible to you, and do let us know of any other accessibility needs or dietary requirements.
We are looking forward to continuing lots of great conversations and growing ideas together over the summer months.
Lizzie