How to Collaborate on Family Storytelling Projects

"Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, the space where your family’s stories take center stage, connecting generations through the power of shared memories. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into something special: how to collaborate on family storytelling projects.

Sharing your family’s legacy isn’t something you have to do alone. In fact, the richest, most vibrant family stories often emerge when multiple voices join together. Collaborative storytelling strengthens family bonds, captures diverse perspectives, and creates a lasting narrative that reflects your entire family.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to invite your family members to join you in preserving and sharing your collective history. So gather your loved ones, open your hearts, and let’s explore the joy of storytelling—together."

TheLegacyProject.me

Purchase copies of The Legacy Project book at Amazon.com

You can also get a copy of Service Before Self my autobiography at Amazon.com 

#TheLegacyProject #Autobiographies #ThePowerofLegacy #Legacy #YourWhy #Storytelling #StructureinWriting #Youtube #X #Instagram #ServiceBeforeSelf #Ancestry #WritingforPosterity

"Start writing. Start sharing. Leave your legacy."

Transcript

Don: 0:10

"Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, the space where your family’s stories take center stage, connecting generations through the power of shared memories. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into something special: how to collaborate on family storytelling projects. Sharing your family’s legacy isn’t something you have to do alone. In fact, the richest, most vibrant family stories often emerge when multiple voices join together. Collaborative storytelling strengthens family bonds, captures diverse perspectives, and creates a lasting narrative that reflects your entire family. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to invite your family members to join you in preserving and sharing your collective history. So gather your loved ones, open your hearts, and let’s explore the joy of storytelling: together.""First, let’s talk about why collaborative storytelling is so impactful. Every family member holds a unique piece of the puzzle. Your mother remembers events differently than your father; your siblings each have their own perspective; grandparents recall moments the rest of you never knew about. When you invite multiple voices into your family storytelling, you create something authentic and deeply meaningful. You’re not just capturing facts: you’re capturing relationships, emotions, and connections that a single storyteller could never fully represent. A family story written together is like a symphony: each instrument(or voice) adding depth and harmony, creating something beautiful and unforgettable.""So, how do you start collaborating with your family? Begin by extending a gentle invitation: explain why you’re passionate about preserving family stories, and ask your loved ones to share theirs. Emphasize that every voice matters, no matter how small or seemingly unimportant. You might say something like:'I’d love for us to write down some of our favorite family memories together. Would you share one that means a lot to you?' Make participation easy: offer options like email, voice recordings, video calls, or handwritten letters. Keep it casual, positive, and welcoming. People are more likely to contribute when they feel comfortable and appreciated.""Once you have your family interested, you’ll want to organize the project so it feels manageable and enjoyable for everyone. Choose a central theme or topic: such as'Family Traditions,''Favorite Holidays,' or'Life Lessons from Our Elders.' Assign each family member to share their own memories or stories related to the theme. Set gentle deadlines and regular check-ins to maintain momentum. Use shared digital folders(like Google Drive or Dropbox) to gather stories, photos, and videos in one place. One family I know created a private Facebook group specifically for sharing stories and memories. Another family hosted monthly Zoom storytelling sessions where family members shared stories live and recorded them for future generations. Choose a format that fits your family’s comfort and style.""When collaborating, it’s crucial to honor every family member’s perspective: even if they differ. Sometimes people remember things differently, and that’s perfectly okay. Encourage family members to write or speak from their own perspective without judgment. Multiple viewpoints don’t weaken your family narrative: they enrich it. For example, siblings may recall their childhood home differently, highlighting unique experiences. Capturing these variations provides a deeper, fuller picture of family life, celebrating the diversity and individuality within your family.""Finally, once your stories are gathered, think about how you’ll share them. Compile them into a printed family book or digital eBook. Create an audio archive or podcast with each person’s voice. Consider building a simple family website where these stories can be preserved and easily shared with future generations. The family I mentioned earlier compiled their stories into a beautifully printed hardcover book. They gifted copies at their annual reunion: it instantly became the most cherished item everyone took home. By creating something tangible or digitally accessible, you ensure your family’s collective memories carry on: connecting generations far into the future.""As we close today’s episode, I encourage you to take a small step toward collaboration today. Reach out to just one family member. Share your idea. Invite them to join you in capturing your shared legacy. Collaborating on your family story is more than a project: it’s a celebration. It deepens bonds, preserves history, and leaves behind a legacy that will be treasured by generations to come. If you’re looking for more tips, resources, or prompts to help your family collaborate, check out my book, The Legacy Project: A Guide to Sharing Your Story. It’s designed to help you and your family turn memories into meaningful stories. Thank you for joining me on The Legacy Project Podcast. Your family story matters. Keep writing, keep collaborating, and keep sharing the legacy that’s uniquely yours. I’ll see you next time."