I believe that listening and sharing can undermine prejudice and judgment. I believe that if we embrace the vulnerability it takes to get to know someone, we’ll be less likely to decide who we like based on gender, religion, whether you have children, money, if you’re a good skier or have great hair.
This is why I started Mudrooms, Juneau’s live storytelling event. The program gives a platform to anyone, regardless of talent. As an organizational board we do not have an agenda. We do not cherry pick storytellers. If someone is willing to get on stage and share a personal story for seven minutes to anyone willing to listen, then they are a “good” speaker. Some are funny, some devastating, others crude or foolish. But they are all honest. And because of the honesty, they are all “good.”
I am stepping down from the organizational board this summer. The program remains in good hands. I encourage you to attend an event. Approach someone you saw share a story and make your own one-on-one connection. Encourage a friend to share, or tell a story yourself. The local high schools have created their own version. Please support that effort as well. I believe that in doing so you will indulge in a curiosity of which you may not have been aware, and see the greater significance of individual lives.
Mudrooms’ Season 6 starts on Wednesday, September 14. The theme for the night is Cheechako. You can find more information at mudrooms.org.
— Amanda Compton
