Herstory’s multifaceted approach to using memoir writing as a tool for social change engages those whose voices have been relegated to silence and those who are committed to ensuring that unsung stories are heard. Herstory’s empathy-based pedagogy makes it possible for workshop participants–regardless of age, educational background, or writing experience–to give narrative shape to their lives in a way that helps people to listen, respond with compassion, and take action to change their own attitudes, behaviors, and ways of engaging with others.  

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Whether deeply transforming how correction officers view the incarcerated people in their charge, how teachers interact with their students, how parents understand and respond to their children, or how domestic violence survivors understand and respond to themselves, Herstory’s approach has affected countless people’s lives by challenging and changing worldviews and behaviors.  

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​Providing opportunities for people’s stories to be written and heard is the hallmark of our work. We do this in three key ways: offering writing workshops steeped in Herstory’s signature pedagogy; training facilitators, interns, and fellows through the AMH Training Institute; and producing, cultivating, and disseminating a living archive of stories to be widely used. We engage a vast network of collaborators and partners to create with us new ways of working and produce an array of events and publications that ensure that silenced voices are heard. This approach allows us to create an ever-widening network of Herstory writers, facilitators, and allies.     

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