Join us at the 1st Annual Common Language Story Slam & Empower 12 Canadian Charities to Share their Stories on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025.

The Common Language Story Slam is an exciting full-day event showcasing 12 short films - known as Digital Stories - that highlight the impactful work of remarkable Canadian charities. Imagine a film festival dedicated to meaningful storytelling and engaging conversations.

Each film will be co-created by volunteer storytellers from the charities, working alongside trained Digital Storytelling facilitators from Common Language. These films will unveil unique journeys of transformation and purpose, connecting audiences with the vital contributions these organizations make to strengthen communities across Canada.

There are 3 sessions, each featuring 4 digital stories! You can choose to watch online, attend a single screening, or join us for the entire Story Slam! Click on each session to see which organizations are sharing their stories!

Check out a Highlight Reel of a Similar Event to see what the Story Slam will look like!

Event Schedule

1st Screening-Morning: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

• 9:30 AM: Doors Open

Digital Stories Featured:

• Facilitator: Carol Mulenga & Mike Lang -- Storyteller: Monte Strong -- Charity: United Voices of HIV Alberta
• Facilitator: Heather Knox -- Storyteller: Antoniette Gravel-Ouellette -- Charity: Moms Stop the Harm
• Facilitator: Jennifer Siran -- Storyteller: Sue Doerksen -- Charity: Safe Families
• Facilitator: Robens Mutatina -- Storyteller: Niwanya Ritah -- Charity: Healthy Child Uganda

Special Guest Discussant: Dr. Carmen Logie, Canada Research Chair in Global Health Equity and Social Justice with Marginalized Populations

2nd Screening- Afternoon: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

• 1:00 PM: Doors Open

Digital Stories Featured :

• Facilitators: Jenni Haggie & Lacey Horta -- Storyteller: Karima Jessani -- Charity: Canadian Cancer Society
• Facilitator: Melody Williamson & Mike Lang -- Storyteller: David Wallace -- Charity: Wellspring Alberta
• Facilitator: Lisa Joworski -- Storyteller: Beth Fitzmaurice -- Charity: McCormick Dementia Services
• Facilitator: Kristy Wolfe -- Storytellers: Dorothy Staniforth & Leana du Plessis -- Charity: Bow Valley Connections Centre

Special Guest Discussant: Allan Rosales, Art Therapist & Community Investment Manager at Calgary Arts Development 

3rd Screening- Evening: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

• 4:00 PM: Doors Open

Digital Stories Featured:

• Facilitator: Krystle Schofield -- Storyteller: Ashley Durance -- Charity: BC Complex Kids
  
• Facilitator: Maureen Leier -- Storyteller: Sig Novak -- Charity: MAID Family Support Society
• Facilitator: Melody Williamson -- Storyteller: Jackie Sillner -- Charity: SIDS Calgary Society
• Facilitator: Mike Lang -- Storyteller: Teri Price -- Charity: Greg’s Wings

Special Guest Discussant: Dr. Rebecca Haines-Saah, Full Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

Discover the Story Behind the Slam: Podcast & Blog Insights

🎤✨ Stories for Good: Our Inaugural Story Slam ✨🎤

We are thrilled to bring the power of storytelling to life with  Common Language Story Slam 2025—a celebration of real voices, real experiences, and the magic that happens when we share our stories.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast: Co-Created Episode 31 – Stories for Good: Our Inaugural Story Slam
🔗 Listen Now

📝 Read the Blog: Discover the inspiration behind the event and what storytelling means for our community.
🔗 Read Here

Join us for an unforgettable experience where stories come alive!