LISBON CONFERENCE - STORY HEALS

For the past 47 years I have devoted my life to presenting and articulating the power of storytelling to change minds; for inner and outer peace:  to heal and transform individuals and communities; and, to provide joy and inner sanctuary.  Fairytales are usually interpreted and analyzed but in my work worldwide I have learned to focus on the exceptional benefits that occur as a result of profound engagement with imagination, mindfulness and awakening the capacity for reframing one's story and creating the ground for possiblility.   I  combine retellings of profound fairytales and mythic tales with personal narrative.  I use the stories to delight, but also to encourage deep response and revelations of personal storytelling.  

In the increasing climate of violence, climate change, and fear mongering media stories, I feel an urgency to share my work on a more public platform and to collaborate with others investigating and advocating the use of stories to promote nonviolent transformation worldwide. 

The Lisbon Conference,  March 10 - 13th, 2016,  (an International Event  in Sintra, Portugal)  gathers together artists, scholars, activists and healers to collude with intelligence for that purpose.  There is no travel budget or  housing fees, honorarium or per diem that would allow me to attend.  The Conference waives my registration fee. They  have also  made it possible for me to tell stories with deep conversation as well as make a presentation on Fairytales and the Stortyeller: the unique way in which storytellers can train to make an immense difference.  In preparation for presentation, I would like to make copies of my new book THE HEART OF THE GIANT as well as a toolbox of materials for those taking my workshop.  the money would pay for my travel, food, and the preparation of materials that could serve in the Conference and become an storytelling activists's manual and tool box.  I need the funds by February 20  in order to purchase a ticket in advance and put aside two weeks to finish writing the manual and self publish.

This means a great deal to me. I have never asked for funds for myself in all of my years of raising money for projects worldwide.  I feel this is the most essential task at present: to put this work into the world and share with others  working with engaged storytelling to promote peace and well being. 

For those who donate and support the campaign, I will make available:
$500 and over   -  a storytelling event for children in your name in a school in New York City
$300  a two hour coaching session to create your own story
$100   a copy of HEART OF THE GIANT and the toolkit for storytelling to change the world
$50     A copy of the ToolKit
$25    A CD of your choice
$10   immense gratitude