Listening, Storytelling & Civic Belonging
Loving Our Country is a University of Rochester Digital Media Studies capstone project created in partnership with John Brown Lives!. Our team designed and tested a community listening model to collect personal stories about civic life, belonging, and people’s relationship with the idea of “country.” Through listening sessions, consent-based audio recording, story processing, and a public archive, we explored how digital media can support ethical storytelling and community connection.
Why This Matters
Across rural towns, small cities, and historically under-represented communities, many voices are too often left out of traditional civic conversations. Public spaces often center those already politically engaged, while others may feel unheard or disconnected. Our project creates welcoming spaces where residents can share experiences of belonging, identity, community change, and civic life.
Voices Amplified
Creating space for residents to share lived experiences
Stories Preserved
Building a lasting archive of community narratives
Trust Rebuilt
Encouraging empathy through listening
What We Do
Creating Space for Honest Conversation
We host guided listening sessions and one-on-one interviews with residents across NY-21, creating welcoming environments where people can share personal experiences, concerns, and hopes for their communities. Through active listening, we aim to build trust and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Preserving Stories and Voices
We capture stories through audio recordings, photography, transcripts, field notes, and reflections. By carefully documenting these moments, we preserve community voices and create a lasting record of lived experiences that might otherwise go unheard.
Turning Stories into Public Resources
We transform collected stories into a digital archive, storytelling platform, and educational resource. By sharing these narratives with broader audiences, we help others better understand the realities, values, and perspectives within local communities.
Building Connection Through Storytelling
We use lived experiences and shared narratives to spark dialogue, deepen empathy, strengthen relationships, and encourage civic renewal. Every story has the power to inspire greater understanding and positive change.