Life Stories Camp

Apply for the camp at bit.ly/life-stories-camp

What if instead of focusing on content, we focused on conversations instead? What if by simply sharing stories, we could inspire others to build their own?

Life Stories is a gathering inspired by the Human Library series, where instead of renting a book, people sign up to listen to other people’s stories. They would listen to the story of a speaker and then the participants would interact and affirm each other’s experiences. Life Stories aims to capture the same feeling, it’s designed to help others reflect on questions they normally don’t ask, reignite their passions, and provide them the space to connect with like-minded individuals. 

Since starting in 2017, we’ve had 18 runs in total, with over 250 attendees. We've covered diverse topics including sustainable fashion, social entrepreneurship, and visual storytelling. The conversations can happen anywhere as long as there are people who are willing to speak up and listen. Last year, we also created a card game, which consists of 63 questions meant to serve as prompts that will encourage users to reflect and connect with each other, even with no formal gathering in place.

What if instead of focusing on content, we focused on conversations instead? What if by simply sharing stories, we could inspire others to build their own?

What is the Life Stories Camp?

We believe stories can be transformative on both ends - for the ones sharing them, and for those who are listening. We are offering a free course on how to facilitate your own Life Stories gathering - whether that happens physically in the future or digitally in our present context. 

The program will consist of four sessions conducted digitally via Zoom with additional worksheets and coaching sessions after. This program will cater to 10 selected participants and we will refer to them as creators. 

Session 1 & 2: September 7 & 8, 10 am - 12 nn
Session 3 & 4: September 14 & 15, 10 am - 12 nn

All training will be virtual with no traveling involved. We just ask our creators to ensure that they have the time, physical space, and stable internet connection to make the most out of the program. 

Who is this program for?

The program will be open to Filipinos, from 18 to 34 years old. They must be
available on all the dates and times we set for the camp. 

We want to welcome as many diverse voices as possible so our selected applicants will come from different backgrounds and regions. We will look into communication skills and ask about project management experience.  In line with Forest Foundation Values, we will choose participants who demonstrate an interest in sustainability. While not required, having past experience in bringing people together through workshops they crafted on their own is a plus.

What happens after the camp?

Each creator will be required to organize at least one free Life Stories digital gathering within three months after the camp. They will be provided with tools to get them started including coaching with a mentor and a copy of the new Life Stories deck. They may choose to collaborate with another co-creator should there be an overlap in the themes they want to pursue and people they want to serve.

Different communities are interested in different things, which gives us a wide selection of topics to potentially tackle. Regardless of what the final content will be, the impact we hope to achieve is to increase the awareness and collective consciousness of issues that concern their community. Second, we want more people to interact with each other despite the barriers currently in place. 

In the future, creators may choose to organize free and paid gatherings as long as they align with the values and guidelines set by the team. Should they require the use of Where To Next’s website for processing fees, a small portion will be allocated for operation costs. All profits go directly to the creators and the causes they champion. 

Regardless of what the final content will be, the impact we hope to achieve is to increase the awareness and collective consciousness of issues that concern their community. Second, we want more people to interact with each other despite the barriers currently in place. 

Apply for the camp at bit.ly/life-stories-camp