Telling stories is one of the most powerful means that exonerees have to influence policy, educate the public, and inspire others. Storytelling is a skill that can be developed, and as a tool can be used to powerful effect, contributing to inclusion and connection, building confidence, and bringing about change. Storytelling has always been an important part of NCIP’s work, and in 2012, NCIP organized its first storytelling workshop for exonerees. NCIP is committed to helping exonerees tell their stories by providing them with opportunities for speaking engagements, testifying before the legislature, and participating in workshops.

NCIP’s 2024 Storytelling Workshop

Most recently, over the weekend of August 2-4, 2024, NCIP hosted a powerful storytelling workshop for exonerees and their family members, designed to help them craft and share their personal stories in a way that maximizes impact. Through guided exercises and expert instruction from storytelling expert Dawn Fraser, participants learned how to organize their experiences into compelling narratives, giving voice to the hardships and triumphs of their journey to justice. The workshop fostered a supportive environment, empowering exonerees and their loved ones to communicate their stories effectively for advocacy, healing, and raising public awareness.

NCIP’s 2018 Storytelling Workshop

Over the weekend of November 9-11, 2018, NCIP hosted a storytelling workshop to help exonerees and their family members use their wrongful conviction experiences to reform the system. Santa Clara University theater professors Aldo Billingslea and Kimberly Mohne Hill worked with six exonerees and four exoneree family members to teach them techniques for effectively sharing their stories before a variety of audiences.