The Soapbox Newsletter: Hello Again,
It's been a minute, The Story Sessions returns, and community importance & joy 💫
Hello Again,
Last week, I popped round to a friend's place for coffee. She had a friend visiting who also works in community spaces, and it wasn’t long before we were all swapping stories about why community matters to us and why we love it so much. My friend and I couldn’t help but wax lyrical about Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, and also Get Together: How to Build a Community with Your People by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh, and Kai Elmer Sotto. I think if you’re in the community space, or want to be, these two books make for really great reads.
And of course, an hour or so of talking about what community meant to us, and what we wanted it to be like in our worlds, had me missing The Story Sessions.
If you came to our Queer Joy celebration event in June you’ll know that I sadly wasn’t hosting. I had Covid, and it was awful. Thankfully, and happily, my ace friend Naomi stepped in at the 11th hour to host what sounded like an excellent event that I am still gutted I missed out on.
For everyone who shared a story, either planned or on a whim, I’m so grateful for you. Getting up and sharing parts of ourselves is nerve-racking at best, and it’s also the best thing you can do. Storytelling is one of the oldest ways we connect as humans. Stories have the power to make us laugh, cry, reflect, and feel less alone. Through sharing and listening, we make sense of our world and it’s absolutely the reason people keep coming back.
A huge thank you to Naomi, who hosts community events and has a great newsletter which you can find here.
So that means it’s been 6 months since I last hosted my favourite event, which feels mad. And therefore, about damn time for another. Happily, our next event is taking place on September 12th from 6pm at Tribe Porty. The theme for this month is What is Normal?
If you’ve been to The Story Sessions in the past you’ll know that I usually pick themes based on things that are coming up in my life, and normal couldn’t be more true of my thoughts right now. What is normal? Is there actually such a thing as normal? How much does the concept of normal damage who we are.
As ever, I’m looking for people who would like to share a story with the theme normal. The theme is yours to do with as you wish, to take as inspiration or as a starting point. The rule is that stories shared must be true and must be your story. The way you tell it, and how, is up to you. If you’re interested in being a storyteller you can email me soapboxforcreatives@gmail.com with any questions, curiosities, and ideas you have and if you want to tell a story then also add a vague idea of what you’d like to share.
Tickets
If you fancy coming along to The Story Sessions and being an audience member, there is no obligation to share a story, please grab your tickets via Eventbrite.
I believe everyone should have access to this event, so there is a mix of free tickets and pay-what-you-can donation tickets (suggested donation: £5).
Our Community
To Be Read is a UK-based social enterprise providing affordable, accessible editorial support to underrepresented voices in the UK publishing industry. We are currently looking for freelance creative professionals – such as writers, editors and proofreaders – to work with us to provide support to unpublished authors and/or work directly with publishers and agents. To learn more, you can follow us on instagram @toberead_official and find resources at our website and via our linktree
Polymorphics has a number of upcoming craft workshops, from Terrazzo Tray resin workshops to making Hoop Earrings with Charms, and so much more! For all the information you need, and to get your tickets follow this link
Join Detour for a social bike ride and yoga class at Fern Bothy on Saturday 30th of August for some post Fringe relaxation. Taking place from 10am, the event aims to bring people together to be active, mindful, and connected to the outdoors. If you’re interested in grabbing a ticket, or looking for more information check out this link
Ground to Let Go are bringing an autumn workshop series, designed to deepen sensory awareness in your practice, and allow you to explore your unique way of moving. Designed for anyone who is curious about deepening somatic awareness in your yoga practice. Taking place on September 21st from 2pm, get your tickets here
The Colony of Artists Art Festival is back in September! Taking place over the 20th and 21st, it's going to be a weekend to remember. This year marks 20 years of creativity, community, and COA magic in the Abbeyhill Colonies! Check out their instagram for more info
Have you checked out the IKEA Magical Patterns Exhibition at Dovecot Studios? It’s happening until Jan 17th so you (and I) still have a bit of time to check it out!
FREEnge Palestine Festival is back! Taking place near the Pavilion in the Meadows, Edinburgh, this Sunday 17th of August between 1pm and 6pm. It’s an afternoon of community and Palestine solidarity! There will be live music and information about local campaigns to get involved in. Check out their instagram post for more info
Inspiration for you
Thank you for reading!
If you’d like to stay up to date with more events and opportunities, do consider following Soapbox on Instagram!
If you have something you would like to share with the community please feel free to email soapboxforcreatives@gmail.com!
I hope to see you at the next Story Sessions if you’re local, and in the meantime please feel free to share The Soapbox Newsletter if you enjoyed it.
Until next time,
Ellie ✨
Got my ticket 🧡 And thank you for all these fantastic links!