Social impact in action
Established in 2020, we reinvest in our communities to activate the power of belonging through impactful storytelling projects, such as our anthology, Landed, The Fires We Lit, and radio-podcast Hearth 2 Heart.
Why Belonging Matters
Demographic shifts
By 2041, Canada’s population will include a majority with first- or second-generation immigrant roots, a more racially diverse workforce, and a growing share of older workers.
Belonging begins with being recognized
When people feel seen and taken seriously within systems, they are more able to contribute, collaborate, and lead through change.
Fragmentation
Rising isolation, polarization and disconnection erode trust and increase misalignment in workplaces and communities alike.
Belonging enables trust across difference
When people can engage across lived experience and perspective, trust becomes possible even amid tension.
Innovation
Wicked problems – including urgent social and environmental issues – cannot be solved through siloed technical expertise alone.
Belonging results in a shared purpose
When people can participate meaningfully, organizations are better able to align, adapt, and act with purpose in complex environments.
Story FAQ
Why story: Because we are the stories we tell, and the story is the way we belong. To build trust and belonging To enhance communication skills To center underrepresented voices To lend structure to change To reimagine a shared future
We get this question a lot (and the follow up question, “how did Gayathri go from being an engineer to a storyteller!?” You’ll have to read her Founder Story).
The short answer is, we like being creative and courageous in our approach, and we think the name Campfire Kinship is reflective of our brand.
The longer answer is….At the heart of Campfire Kinship’s vision is the idea that we as human beings carry unique yet universal life experiences. We all have a story to tell. We also have the power to listen. It is through our stories that we can move beyond the labels or categories we assign to people and see them for the complex, multifaceted individuals that they are. When we listen to someone’s story, we are given a glimpse into their lives, into their struggles, into their triumphs. We can see the world through their eyes, and we can begin to understand what it is like to be them. This creates a space for kinship and belonging, where we find common ground and shared values that transcend our differences. Further, immersing ourselves in a set of stories allows us to notice patterns and trends affecting equity-deserving communities. We then have an opportunity to harness the wisdom of these lived experiences to strategically shape policy and advocacy.
We use the term ‘storytelling’ to refer to your true lived and living experiences. Our method includes self-reflection and sharing in circle formats (however, you will never be forced to share). We simplify the process for you through the use of guided prompts and customized case studies, taking the guesswork out while providing an effective and efficient method for active skills practice. Please note, while we do incorporate creative writing techniques in some of our workshops, we are not focused on fictional storytelling.
Belonging refers to felt sense of being seen, heard, and valued. A culture of belonging is one where you feel safe, accepted, and welcomed for who you are. We believe belonging is subjective and hence it’s important to meet each person where they are at, and supporting them in a trauma-informed way towards a new reality.
Amid rising polarization, it is true that many DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs have received critique, especially those focused primarily on identity (like unconscious bias training) which has proven ineffective in changing behaviours. Additionally, methods that solely target cognitive learning have failed to move people from awareness to action.
We believe our approach brings in the often missing piece of social-emotional skill-building. In practice, this looks like:
– Reflecting and uncovering your own lived experiences that inspire your why.
– Holding space for others with empathy, regardless of differences, and creating psychological safety.
– Applying insights from stories to bring forth broader awareness, advocate for policy change, which tracking progress both quantitatively AND qualitatively.
At an organizational level, this is about translating the WHY into the HOW, backed up by a plan to manage change, which ultimately creates better attraction and retention outcomes.
We have created a distinctive model that builds upon evidence-based methods of human-centered design, guided autobiography, and trauma-informed guidelines. At the heart of this philosophy is reflecting on select themes, sharing lived experiences, and providing supportive feedback within a group setting.
The broader principles of human-centered design is about putting ourselves in the shoes of those who are impacted by inequities. The insights from these lived experiences are often the missing bridge to vision and strategy. This is again different from top-down methods which is typically disconnected from true needs or wants.
Our participants repeatedly tell us this approach helps puts their EDI learning into action, moving from theory to skill, and creating safe spaces for brave conversations. We have also recently launched Train the Trainer based on participant interest to bring this impact to their organizations by leading their own storytelling groups!
You’ve likely not heard of it yet as Gayathri is the first certified instructor bringing this innovative method in Calgary! Originally pioneered at the Birren Center of Autobiographical Studies over 4 decades ago, it is recognized as an evidence-based approach that has benefitted thousands of participants. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of guided autobiography in boosting self-acceptance, and the ability to accept others despite individual differences.
Here are a few participant quotes from one such study: “I am learning to trust.”…”I am learning not to judge others.”… “I am learning to have faith in myself.”…”I am healing the past.”…”I am looking forward to the future.”
Yes! Through our community projects Landed, we hear time and again how storytelling has helped participants to come together (as it has for centuries across cultures) and:
- Practice self-care as you reflect on life experiences, strengths, and values
- Receive community care through supportive and positive affirmations
- Build your capacity for empathy and deepen connections across diversity – our workshops are an amazing way of doing this (even in a complete group of strangers)!
- Preserve your story creatively (as many of our participants have done with us in anthology, podcast, or video formats)
- To have a structured format to provide/receive mentorship
- To actively practice inclusive mindsets and behaviours
While we typically work with organizations, we encourage you to check out our online training if you would like to individually engage with the process.
We find that our client engagements are most effective when it is not just about attending a one-off workshop, but a thoughtful process of assessing needs, strategy, and customizing solutions in addition to training. Story has a place in all of these areas. We work with organizations of all sizes and sectors.
We get it! It’s always good to try out something first (especially if it’s novel-sounding)!
Here are a few ways you can “taste-test”:
– Check out free guide to writing your life story (which will also allow you to sign up for our newsletter).
– If you’re looking for something interactive, we suggest our most popular entry-level storytelling workshop (60-90 minutes), Building Confidence To Tell Your Story, OR Discovering Empathy.
– Book Gayathri for a panel, keynote or consultation (consultations are available in in 3-hour blocks).
– Get our book Landed, available on Amazon/Indigo and Calgary Public Library.
Meet the Founder + Collaborators
Gayathri Shukla
Gayathri is a visionary leader with a unique blend of engineering skills, business acumen, and storytelling expertise. She is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. As Founder, she champions the cause of fostering belonging through human connection.
Shannon Hutchison
Shannon is a seasoned educator with teaching expertise across 3 countries. An advocate of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, she runs photography campaigns through Beyond Our Image to create a community where every person matters. She is a CK certified facilitator.
Anshu Stephen
Anshu Stephen is a Certified Trauma-informed Coach providing strength-based and solution-focused coaching. She believes that once we recognize, unface, and embrace our trauma and impact, we can contribute towards collective thriving. She is a CK certifiied facilitator.