Is it Time to Venture Forth?

As you probably know, I recently traveled to Kennesaw State

University in Georgia to attend the National Storytelling Network’s

2025 Conference. It was only my second and the one far away

from my backyard. I thought you might want to read about some

of what I learned.

In all ways I felt both fortunate to be there and so humbled

because I would not have attended had it not been for the WVSG

nominating me for a prestigious award, the Oracle Award for

Service and Leadership in our state. Only part of the reason for

attending was due to an evening of award presentations and

concert opportunities for those of us who were receiving the

award. I also went to be a student, an ambassador, and a teller.

Who among us doesn’t love the opportunity to share stories?

Just a few of the benefits from attending a national conference

such as this one or the annual festival held in Jonesborough, TN,

is that you get a road trip. Whether by air, train or car, you find

yourself leaving behind the routine that defines our days at home,

and you see a new part of the country. One of the most exciting

aspects is the opportunity to talk with national (and yes,

international tellers—this trip it was Elizabeth Ellis, Ed Stivender,

Adam Booth, and Connie Reagan-Blake, to name a few) and

spend time renewing old friendships and meeting those who are

going to be new friends. Pehaps the greatest benefit was the

opportunity to hear what others are doing with the craft of telling.

Such creativity! And of course I wanted to see how seasoned

tellers were supporting the youth of their area. I was not

disappointed!

But the cost is prohibitive, you say. Consider ways to change that:

Carshare. Two or three can travel cheaper than one. Consider a

roommate: rooms should be cheaper than staying alone. Bring

at least some of your meals. Most locations have microwaves,

often coffee pots, refrigerators and more. You can save, save,

save if you plan ahead. Event planners also desperately need

volunteers to help with clean up, set up and more. You can get a

nice discount if you VOLUNTEER!

So, yes, I do encourage you to venture out of your own back yard.

Start a conference money jar and treat yourself to an experience

that can only make you a better teller than before you go. Just ask

me. Jo Ann Dadisman