Events - Unleashing Possibility

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Story Slam? We can never seem to hear enough of your stories; they have inspired, educated, and encouraged us. This particular Story Slam event, like a poetry slam, will have 10 stories chosen to present live, in a competitive storytelling event. Stories are 5 to 7 minutes in length and follow a theme. We are asking for true stories, not fictional ones this time. Other stories will be featured on our website and also in Brick and Elm Magazine.

When, Where, Cost: November 6, 2026 from 6pm until 7:30 pm at Arts in the Sunset, during first Fridays Art Walk. Cost to attend is up to you; make a donation of any amount to enter and share the live event on November 6^th, with us. No ticket is necessary to enter the evening of the event. Cost to pitch a story is $20, or $10 for a single parent or student. Email us at unleashingpossibility@gmail.com if a scholarship is needed.

Theme: Unleash
Take whatever direction you want with the theme, funny, serious, encouraging…
Some examples could be:
What unleashed your potential?
Travel adventures gone wrong
Standing up for yourself for the first time
Parenting moments
Taking a leap of faith
A mischievous pet
Recovering from a setback
Discovering something terrible was actually an unleashing into something better

How to register? Pitch your Story on our website www.unleashingpossibility.org/events Don’t put any personal information on the story page. We will number the pages so judges don’t see names or information while making their determinations. Cost to submit is $20 or $10 for Students/Single Parents

How will I be notified: A Story Slam Committee will choose 10 participants to present their story, on the day of the event, as well as, stories to share on our social media and website. The committee will notify you by email or phone.

Stories need to be family-friendly (PG-14), as we will have young people in the room.

What ages may participate? Ages 14 to 114 may share their stories. Minors will need parental consent.

How long should my story be? Stories need to be 5 to 7 minutes. At the 7-minute mark, the MC will end the presentation. (this is equal to 650 to 1,050 words) The top 10 stories will be presented live, others will be used (with your permission) on our website. Stories chosen will be presented live on November 6^th, 2026, from 6 pm until 7:30 pm.

Who does the event benefit? All proceeds will go to support Unleashing Possibility a local nonprofit who stands in the gaps with moms in difficult places.

Deadline October 19^th will be the deadline for submitting an entry.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st place $300, 2^nd place $200, 3^rd place $100

How will I be judged? There will be four local celebrity Judges and audience participation judges. They will rank you based on three categories:
Creativity (how well did you incorporate the theme?)
Presentation (were you well-spoken, was your message clear, and engaging?)
and Inspiration (did you make people laugh, change their perspective, make us think more deeply, change, educate, bring joy?)

Tips and Tricks: For the story to be five minutes, you will need to keep it to the bare bones. Don’t add unnecessary details and content. Donald Miller’s StoryBrand gives a great outline for storytelling. We want true stories, not those written by ai and not fiction. We want you to engage your own creative brain and tell your own story or the true story of someone else. For other questions or more information, email us at unleashingpossibility@gmail.com

CLICK HERE TO PITCH YOUR STORY

Game Night

Fun, Charcuterie Boards, Prizes. Tickets are $25.
Click the link to get yours now. Seats are limited. https://unleashingpossibility.regfox.com/bunco-fundraiser

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

LETTING GO TO GROW / Beth Mowry, M.A., LPC Associate, (Supervised by Carrie Jones, LPC-S), “Level up” often implies self-improvement through willpower and performance, but what if true transformation comes through letting go?
FROM LIES TO LIBERTY / Christy Smith, Drawing from 25 years behind the chair as a trauma-informed coach, Christy Smith helps participants identify false beliefs and replace them with truth that leads to freedom and healing.
Money B.S. (“Breakout Session”) / Addie Zachry has a BBA in Finance and MBA. Learn to use what you have—no matter how small it feels—to build stability, confidence, and future freedom.
EMPOWERED AWARENESS / Strecia McCaig retired APD officer, will share about the ability to recognize what’s happening around you while trusting your instincts to respond effectively.
REAL-LIFE DINNERS: Simple Meals Kids will actually eat / Kelly Witcher has been a single mom for 15 and she has learned how to cook simple meals that kids actually eat.
GENERATIONS OF HOPE, Learning to listen to God’s guidance / Janae Swann, is a family therapist, nonprofit founder, speaker, and single mother of six who is passionate about restoring dignity and hope.
VISION BOARD / Soroptimist Club is a local business women’s organization. Unleash your creativity in this session as you explore the power of your dreams.
PRAYER JOURNEY / This is an individual prayer experience, offering different stops along the way to prepare your heart and mind for soaking in God’s presence
MOMS IN PRAYER / Will be available during breakout sessions to pray for your children. Sign up for a time slot.