Hi Friends, 

This month's newsletter includes a number of upcoming virtual events for you to check out, as well as a digital storytelling case study.  

But before we jump into these I wanted to share a little about the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Annual Meeting I attended in December. 

I was the parent perspective at the conference and it gave me a new appreciation for the work being done by cardiac surgeons, intensivists, and their nursing and administrative colleagues. There are so many people who are working every day to improve care for cardiac kids and their families, but it was also a very clear reminder of the difference in priorities between say a cardiac surgeon and a mom. 

The conference really got me thinking about communicating to different audiences. Here's what I took away after a rocky start... 

7 ways to communicate clearly:

• ask for what you need 
• be honest and open
  
• focus on what's important for that audience
• explain with a story
• leave space for questions
• have a clear and consistent message and share that message over and over and over and...
• include a link to find out more for those who choose to
  

I ended up talking a lot about Western Canadian Children's Heart Network and their new website where, through consultation with families, they created a resource section that is exactly what families actually need to know. I need clear information about my local hospital, what to expect with surgery, treatment and living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). And perhaps most importantly, l need information about grief supports because CHD comes with a lot of trauma. 

This conference happened to be about cardiology, but I think it holds true for so many things that happen in our lives. 

I left the conference not sure about how much I contributed, but the podcast they recently shared recapping the conference with the organizers sent me a clear message! There will be a blog explaining it all in the next few weeks but if you just can't wait you can listen here.

Otherwise scroll down and find out what's coming up!

You may remember Boost Up from last year when my friend, Jen Siran, and I pitched another idea. Unfortunately, we didn’t win in 2022, but the experience did create new collaborations for both of us and this year my team is pitching a Digital Storytelling Workshop for Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease in partnership with Heart Beats Children's Society.

So here's the ask...heart mom Kristina McGuire, transplant recipient Vittorio Borrelli and I need your help!

This year there are 3 categories:
🗳️Judge's Choice
🗳️Audience Favourite
🗳️ Alumni's Pick

We would appreciate if you signed up to watch
(and vote!)

What: WCCHN Boost Up competition
Where: It’s virtual! After you register you will get a zoom link.
When: Tues Feb 9^th at 7:00pm MST
How: Sign up here
Why: Help us make this dream a reality!

Can’t make it on the 9th? Then set aside February 15th. We are gathering together virtually for a digital story screening and discussion.

Sharing stories is an integral part of the Common Language DST process. In honour of heart week, we will be sharing a number of stories created by storytellers from the cardiac world. All are invited to attend as an audience member. This is perfect if you have heard about digital storytelling and want to know a little bit more.

What: Heart Week Virtual Story Screening
Where: It’s virtual! After you register you will get a zoom link.
When: Wed Feb 15^th at 7:00pm MST
How: Sign up here
Why: Celebrate storytellers sharing their experience in the cardiology world

Storytellers include:
🫀  Amelie, a young adult with CHD
🫀  Jen, a CHD parent (and my 2022 Boost Up partner)
🫀  Kristina, a CHD parent & cardiac nurse (and my 2023 Boost Up partner)
🫀  Daisy, a cardiologist interested in quality improvement & physician wellness 

"A single digital story can celebrate a milestone, document a complex personal experience, or create a legacy. When a collection of digital stories is created and shared, the impact can have a ripple effect on stakeholders, employees, and end users alike, revealing a full picture of the organization and its impact to the world."  

Last week I presented at the University of San Diego's 19th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium. My talk "Digital Storytelling: Sharing Real Stories to Engage Donors & Community" was based on this case study which highlights  Melanie's digital story created about her experience as a rare disease parent and the Rocky Mountain Adaptive origin story co-created with founder Jamie McCulloch as part of a Wolfe Pack Warriors' Accessible Outdoors initiative.

I appreciate you. 

Thank you for reading all the way to the end of the email! Thank you for following along on this journey and for sharing things with friends, family and colleagues that you think may resonate with them. 

Please let me know if I can help you share your story.

Oh, which reminds me there is a free virtual info session tomorrow (Wed Jan 25th at 12:00pm MST). Reply to this email if you would like me to send you the link.