Relationship: Creative Writing Class

Josias Aguiar

Creative Writing Class, Scholar

"Just in coming together, as a community, there's been some healing, especially when people feel scared or uncertain."

Krsna Avila

Creative Writing Class, Leadership Council, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Staff

"People can still succeed in their education and careers, despite all the negative policies around us."

Steve Li

Creative Writing Class, High School Engagement, Program Participant

"I made life-long friendships and found a family that will always be there to support me through my personal and professional endeavors."

Mario Lio

Creative Writing Class, Scholar, Staff

"It’s like a wellness center, a place you go to recharge and meet other people like yourself."

Yoshi Mendez

Creative Writing Class, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Scholar

"I became more open and less fearful about life."

Julio Navarrete

Creative Writing Class, Leadership Council, Staff

"It changed my own perspective of myself; I felt a sense of empowerment that I didn't have before."

 

 

“Things I’ll Never Say” is a platform for undocumented young people across the country to create our own immigration narratives by boldly sharing our personal experiences through various forms of creative expression.

Visit: www.thingsillneversay.org

Storytellers Bill of Rights

When sharing or being asked to share my story by Immigrants Rising, I have the right to:

  • Choose when, where, how and if to tell my story based on the request, without any negative impact on my relationship with Immigrants Rising staff or participation in Immigrants Rising programming
  • Ask for training and guidance before and after accepting invitations, referrals, etc.
  • Ask whom the audience is, how the story will be used, and the purpose of having my story told
  • Ask for safety and physical security in an open environment when I speak
  • Answer only questions that I am comfortable with
  • Use discretion in order to protect myself, my loved ones and my personal information
  • Be recognized and identified as I choose
  • Build my own brand and promote myself
  • Ask for editing rights over my story and how I am identified
  • Share any and all aspects of my story
  • Not be expected to represent experiences that are not my own
  • Ask that my story not be shared without my explicit consent
  • Ask for fair compensation
  • Opt out at any time

 

Storytelling Principles of Trust

When Immigrants Rising asks people to share their stories, we promise to:

  • Encourage and promote a wide spectrum of experiences and stories
  • Frame stories from a position of strength not victimization
  • Be transparent about why people are being asked to share their stories as well as any expectations and goals for their story sharing
  • Request prior approval from story sharers before sharing their personal information and stories, and before referring to a third party
  • Provide training in public speaking and/or interviews
  • Assess and share any potential risks or safety concerns in advance
  • Respect story sharers’ right to say no or opt out at any point
  • Provide ample support before, during, and after the story sharing process
  • Encourage opportunities for healing through the story sharing process
  • Provide fair compensation
  • Stay faithful to our Storytellers Bill of Rights

Download the Storytellers Bill of Rights and Principles of Trust here.

We train undocumented young people to reclaim and share personal stories in order to heal, strengthen community bonds, transform hearts and minds, and advance policy legislation.