A Listening & Storytelling Project

Rear view of teenage students raising hands in classroom

We know 2 things:

1. When people feel cared for, empowered and well-resourced, they thrive.

2. When folks are thriving, the missions and people they serve thrive

So in systems supporting us across our lifespan…

Imagine what’s possible for us ALL when our helping professionals are thriving!

Collect

1. Collect stories of burnout from helping professionals across industries and roles

2. Learn from ‘Bright Spots’: Organizations who are doing it differently & getting better outcomes

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We are collecting stories from helping professionals to really understand the current burnout & attrition crisis across education, healthcare & social services in the St. Louis metro area. We are using mixed methods including participant submitted 3-5 minute audio, video, and written submissions. As well as, focus groups and some in-depth recorded and transcribed interviews.

We don’t only want to know about the problem, we are also collecting stories from ‘bright spots’, the organizations who are innovating in big and small ways resulting in better outcomes, for both their employees/ providers and those their mission serves. Why reinvent the wheel?! We want to spread the word about new models, processes, culture, and outcomes that are proving to be more effective and efficient so that it’s easier for organizations to evolve and replicate success.

Code

Analyzing data (stories) for emerging themes and patterns to understand what lies underneath the burnout and attrition

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We are examining the collection for themes and patterns that really tell us more about the fundamental and unmet needs of those who care for, guide, teach, heal and nurture us. While we are a social change art project first, we are working to model our collection and coding processes after qualitative research methodology. We want to ensure they are as credible as possible, as we hope this project inspires further academic research.

Create

Work with local artists to tell these stories with a variety of mediums

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In collaboration with local artists, we will share the stories and themes that emerge from our project through various artistic mediums for the public to hear, see, feel and interact with.

Storytelling through art is the great heart and mind opener! It has proven itself in every culture across humanity’s existence, captivating our senses, leading us into emotional resonance, helping us see the world through a completely different lens. We deeply believe nothing fosters connection the way a compelling story and work of art can, and solving this urgent crisis is going to take all of us finding our way back to each other.

Collaborate

Spark public conversation & collaboration about redesigning the architecture of our helping industries

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When talking about Education, Healthcare & Social Services… we are ALL stakeholders! Each of us has a critical role and perspective to share in how these systems are designed to operate & serve us. Through art exhibitions, live events, and community organizing we plan to facilitate moderated discussions about what most needs to change within these systems in our community and ways we can begin to make that happen.