Power Stories

Unorthodox Narrative: Power Stories

The stage of collective action, resistance, and new narratives.

Power Stories brings together personal empowerment journeys with the struggles of civil society organizations through the art of storytelling.

This is not a conventional format. Power Stories is neither a one-way performance nor just a personal confession. Here, telling a story becomes an act of collective resistance — an alternative pathway for new narratives.

Civil society’s daily struggles are often translated into reports, statistics, or campaigns. But these are quickly forgotten.

In Power Stories, the people behind those numbers step onto the stage with their real-life experiences. As storytellers share their truths, they build connections with the audience; and as those connections deepen, what is personal becomes collective.

The Power Stories Program opens up a safe space for collective gatherings, storytelling workshops, and participant-led stage and working groups. It aims to empower individuals — the very building blocks of civil society — to learn from one another’s stories. Through this unique exchange, stories become a form of collective action and resistance. They spread across cities, whispered from one ear to another. Because every voice that says “This is my story too” multiplies solidarity.

This journey began in 2023 with 32 storytellers and their 32 different stories. These narratives did not remain confined to the stage. They reached thousands across Türkiye at festivals, schools, associations, and public spaces.

Power Stories That Echoed on Stage:

• Bi Sakin Olun! (Just Calm Down!)
• Bizim Büyük Çaresizliğimiz (Our Great Helplessness)
• Örgülü Dayanışma (Braided Solidarity)
• Afet ve Acil Durum (Disaster and Emergency)
• İklim Adaleti (Climate Justice)
• Devran Döner Gün Olur (One Day the Tide Will Turn)
• Işığı Bekleyenler (Those Who Wait for the Light)
• Yokuş Yol’a (To the Uphill Road)
• Sessiz ile Güçlü (Silent yet Strong)
• Gizemli Mesut Öyküler (Mysterious Cheerful Tales)
• Anne Duy Sesimi (Mother, Hear My Voice)

Each was born from different struggles, found its voice on stage, and resonated with audiences.

That is what makes Power Stories unorthodox: storytelling is not just about remembering the past — it is about creating a shared space to imagine and build the future together.