What is "Let's Get Personal"?

Learn how Kin Keepers is evolving, find out what our Summer '25 theme is & register now to join our inaugural crew!

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Dear kin and folk¹,

At its core, this series represents the intersection of my love for gathering, reading, writing, and sharing. It's where my background in human services meets my deepest passions, and where my desire to learn about and from others through their stories comes alive.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou

Sometimes we need encouragement, guidance, or permission to unbury and tell that story. I'm here to provide exactly that—to encourage and empower you to share the stories that must not be forgotten, as Isabel Allende says. These are the stories that may be holding us back and keeping us from living a life of personal freedom.

My Journey to This Work

For nearly fourteen years in social services, I encountered people in their homes and office spaces, actively listening to their life stories each month. I was trained in motivational interviewing techniques to better understand my clients and find solutions to their challenges. As a case manager, I advocated for their well-being, ensured access to resources, and served as a consistent, supportive presence they could count on.

The magic happened when I shared my own vulnerabilities. By demonstrating openness, I gave clients permission to do the same. One story led to another—exploring similarities and differences, obstacles and triumphs, lessons and wisdom.

Why "Let's Get Personal"?

After our first Kin Keepers Live Storytelling event, we realized something important: sharing a story once and never reconnecting left us wanting more.

Let's Get Personal creates what was missing—a sacred, intimate space to:

• Go deeper into our personal narratives

• Build comfort with one another (and ourselves)

• Encounter neglected or hidden parts of ourselves

• Prepare to share authentically with the world

The Sacred Work We Do Together

Personal narratives and writing are sacred work involving:

Excavation • Learning • Unpacking • Forgiving • Removing Shame • Embracing Joy

The truths within our narratives have the power to liberate us, both personally and collectively. Writing and self-expression are freedom.

Why Community Matters

We do this work together because:

• We feed off each other's bravery and courage

• Stories bind, transform, and mobilize us

• Shared narratives cultivate empathy and compassion

• We feel less alone and gain perspective

• Like-minded souls understand the journey

What You Need to Know

Our Rhythm:

• 4 intimate writing sessions

• Spread over roughly 8 weeks (skipping holiday weekends)

• Meets during the last 8 weeks of every season

Beyond LGP:

• 2 live storytelling events per year (Fall and Spring)

• Optional opportunity to share your written pieces with a broader audience

• Bridge from an intimate group to larger community

Our Themes

Each cohort explores different themes that guide our storytelling journey. These themes evolve with every group, ensuring fresh perspectives and new discoveries.

Summer ‘25 Theme: Geography of Joy

In Geography of Joy, we excavate and celebrate the landscapes of our becoming—those sacred spaces where joy took root and identity flourished. Over four sessions, we'll move beyond trauma narratives to map the places, moments, and communities that nurtured our authentic selves, exploring how individual moments of delight are deeply connected to our communities' cultural richness and resilience. We'll weave together personal joy-maps with the celebratory histories of our neighborhoods: block parties that built solidarity, corner stores that became community anchors, and parks where difference dissolved into play.

Themes are carefully selected to meet each cohort where they are, creating space for the stories that need to emerge.

1. hat tip to the sis, Aja Monet