Faculty Development Groups

 As a trained Narrative4 Facilitator, I would like to share the skills and structure I have learned with other faculty at KBCC and personalize it to fit different topics and teaching goals. The skills and facilitation techniques I'll be teaching comes from a nonprofit organization, Narrative4, dedicated to fostering empathy and understanding through the art of storytelling. At its core, the organization believes that sharing personal narratives can bridge divides, promote empathy, and foster positive social change. Through its innovative programs, Narrative4 brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to exchange stories, encouraging them to step into each other's shoes and see the world from different perspectives. Founded by a group of authors and educators, including Colum McCann and Lisa Consiglio, Narrative4 operates globally, engaging communities in storytelling workshops, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives.

 One of the central missions in facilitating story-exchanges is the exploration of identity, empathy, and connection. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and listen actively to the stories of others, fostering a deeper understanding of shared humanity and the power of narrative to transcend cultural, social, and linguistic barriers. Key questions explored in these workshops include: How does storytelling shape our understanding of ourselves and others? What role does empathy play in building inclusive communities? How can sharing personal narratives promote social justice and positive change? Narrative4 provides a range of resources to support its programs, including storytelling guides, curriculum materials, and online platforms for sharing stories. Additionally, faculty members can integrate Narrative4's methodology into their teaching practices, offering students opportunities to develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities. Through its innovative approach to storytelling and education, we hope to empower individuals to become agents of empathy and change in their communities and beyond.

Learning Goals/Outcomes: 

1. Build a culture of inclusivity and connectedness with facilitator-led Story Exchanges
2. Teach deep-listening and intervention skills
3. Identify the essential skills of a successful facilitator
4. Apply the structure of story-exchanges to various classroom topics

More information on Narrative 4: https://narrative4.com/

For more information or to join, please contact Miriam (Miriam.Grill@kbcc.cuny.edu)

Download Building Empathy through Storytelling (Faculty Learning Community) Poster (PDF)

About the facilitators Professor Miriam Grill

Miriam Grill is an international director of stage, screen, and interactive media experiences with a focus on women and global issues. Recent directing credits include Men on Boats (Long Island University), Heirloom (short film), Medea (Lenfest Center for the Arts), War with the Newts (New York Puppetry Festival), etc. She served as a producer on Frankenstein AI at Sundance 2018, and as an acting consultant on Cirque du Soleil founder Franco Dragone's The House of Dancing Waters in Macau. She was Assistant to the Scenic Designer David Korins on many Broadway: Annie, Motown, Sonya Vanya Masha and Spike, Chinglish, etc. She received her MFA in Directing from Columbia University.