Over the past 2 years, we have all navigated significant and sometimes overwhelming crises. As advocates, that has meant responding to the needs of survivors in addition to caring for ourselves, our families, and others who are dear to us. What we’ve come to know as normal has changed. Whether the past 2 or so years has brought us sorrow, fear, joy, new opportunities, grief, overwhelm, new beginnings, or a combination of all of the above…it has brought change to all of us.

When life puts us through challenges, nature can help us make sense of what is happening and guide us through. Nature tells stories of trauma, healing, and regeneration. Learning from nature and using story can help us remember, process, and integrate our experiences.

We can look to the story of mycelium that spreads across the forest floor and underground to create a network. Or to the root system of trees that go deep and wide to communicate to other trees around them how to find resources and avoid threats. These systems depend on the health and needs of the collective so that the whole system can thrive.

We invite you to reconnect with advocates across the state through the practice of storytelling. Much like mycelium, we hope this space will foster connection and restoration through storytelling, art, food, and community. The past 2 and a half years have made many of us feel isolated, but the truth is that we are still very much connected, we just need the space to find that again.