THE GEOSTORIES INITIATIVE: HARNESSING THE POWER OF STORYTELLING TO FOSTER RESILIENCE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY IN AN EARTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

As Earth scientists, the impact of our research largely depends on how well we tell the story of our science. Stories, however, have utility far beyond manuscripts and presentations. By activating our imaginations, stories not only engage the tellers in personal meaning-making processes but also provide opportunities for the listeners to bridge the differences between their experiences and those of the narrator. To harness the power of these processes to foster community, belonging, and resilience, I developed the geoSTORIES (STOrytelling for Resilience and Inclusion in Earth Sciences) Initiative in the University of Oregon Department of Earth Sciences. Open to all members of the department, the geoSTORIES Initiative consisted of a series of weekly seminars and stand-alone events designed to 1) help participants make meaning of their own experiences, 2) foster authentic interpersonal connection between diverse individuals, and 3) develop personal resilience. Each meeting employed personal storytelling and active listening in small and large groups with activities drawn from narrative, art, and drama therapy. Reported impacts of geoSTORIES included increased sense of belonging, the development of more inter-rank relationships in the department, and a better sense of scientist identity. The geoSTORIES Initiative illustrates the utility of storytelling as a tool for building community and boosting resilience in the Earth sciences.