Living Stories Collective

Human stories, shared live.

What if you could borrow a person instead of a book? LSC hosts 30-minute chats with individuals from diverse walks of life. These real, honest, and empathetic conversations give you first-hand experiences of marginalized voices. Get ready to challenge assumptions and break stereotypes through the power of dialogues.

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Participants gather closely around a table during a Living Stories session.
A small-group dialogue unfolding at a Living Stories Collective event.

01 / JOIN OUR EVENT

Upcoming sessions

Browse upcoming events and RSVP

02 / AT EVENT

How It Works

Our process builds connection and empathy through personal storytelling.

Our process builds connection and empathy through personal storytelling.

Living Book profiles pinned to a blue display board at an event.

STEP 1

Borrow a Living Story

Choose from our collective of real people who volunteer to share their lived experiences - a refugee, a former addict, someone who has experienced homelessness, a person living with disabilities, and more.

STEP 2

Have a Conversation

Engage in a 30-minute open dialogue in a safe, respectful environment where respectful questions are encouraged.

Participants seated around a table during a Living Stories Collective conversation circle.
A Living Book conversation underway at a community event.
Two participants engaged in an intimate Living Book conversation.
A speaker talks with participants seated in a circle during a reflection session.

STEP 3

Question Your Perspective

Return with new insights, changed opinions, and a deeper understanding of experiences different from yours.

03 / FEEDBACK

What people carry forward

Evidence from listener feedback after Living Stories sessions.

93%

Rated 4 or 5

of participants rated the experience 4 or 5

Perspective shift

significant + somewhat

  • significant
  • somewhat

WHAT PEOPLE OPENED UP ABOUT

Current issues, addiction, mental health, gender, LGBTQ+, culture, and everyday social prejudice.

"One such experience I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Participants repeatedly described this about their experience.

"Every story we heard changed our perception of society."

Empathy toward others became the biggest takeaway.

04 / GET INVOLVED

Three ways to reach us

Whether you want to share, host, or connect.

01

Apply to be a Living Book

Share your unique story and help others understand diverse perspectives and experiences.

Open application form ↗

03

Connect

SOCIAL

Instagram

For collaboration, media, or volunteering, send us a note and we'll reach out quickly.

@livingstoriesco ↗

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Event calendar

See open sessions and registration links on the live calendar.

View sessions Open ↗