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Our Stories, Online

How can young people make videos that not only reveal the terms of their lives, but that invite others to engage with them, share their own stories, and build from story to relationship? That’s what American University lecturer Amy Hendrick did in her project, Our Stories DC, which was funded by the Center for Social Media under a grant to explore the future of public media from the Ford Foundation.

Hendrick’s site introduces you to Brittney, who describes the challenges that ensued from having a white best friend in elementary school. And to Keagoe, who explains how a group of boys bonded over drawing. And to Luis, whose fundamentalist father threw him out of the house. And more. Each story has been created with Hendrick’s mentorship, and shows thoughtful attention to form and structure.

The site is brand new and waiting for comments. It’s a living experiment. Hendrick has worked with a range of local youth organizations, which will use Our Stories DC in their own programs. Will these short works trigger interest and connection? We’ll find out.