Mission & Leaders

The Houston Storytellers Guild has been called one of the most active and vital local storytelling organizations in the nation. The Guild holds a variety of events each year including, Tellabration, the Houston Liars' Contest or Showcase, and our Festival.

Our Mission

Since its founding in 1986, the Houston Storytellers Guild has been committed to the educational aspects of storytelling. Comprised of storytellers and others interested in spreading the art of storytelling, HSG's membership includes teachers, librarians, administrators, storytelling fans, and nationally known performers. All of them have first hand knowledge of just how powerful a teaching tool a well-told story can be.

For years, traditional storytelling -- without books, props, or audiovisual equipment -- was used almost exclusively in public libraries and elementary school curricula. Now its effectiveness in preschool through secondary and into college level work has been recognized and documented.

No longer confined just to language arts programs, storytelling perfectly supports the essential elements in science, social studies, and even math curricula. A story well told stimulates the imagination, improves listening skills, and introduces students to the treasures of oral literatures. HSG's professional tellers are able to bring learning alive by providing dynamic, one-to-one communication at reasonable fees. Drawing on wide repertoires, they can tailor sessions to fit your curriculum needs in gifted, bilingual, and special education, as well as regular TEA-mandated work.

In addition to referring storytellers for school presentations, HSG offers some of the most outstanding professional development in the area. Whether attending a lecture, in-service, or AAT workshop, participants leave with skills which can be put to immediate use. Teachers, librarians, administrators, and counselors learn how to select and tell stories appropriate to the needs and abilities of their students in order to help make learning the rich experience of sharing that it should be. HSG workshop leaders include respected presenters of regional and national reputation.

Remember, storytelling is not just for children anymore. PTOs, PTA, and professional organizations love to hear stories as much as kids do. So support your local storytellers.
 

We are dedicated to:

Sharing stories and storytelling techniques.

Developing storytelling skills.

Encouraging diverse tellers.

Having fun listening and telling.

Regular  meetings are held each at various locations in Houston.  Check our EVENTS page for more details.

HSG is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. We are governed by a board of directors.  Board members serve three year terms, with a number of positions coming open each fall. Any guild members in good standing may be considered for a board position. We also have many other service opportunities for members who enjoy active participation. If you have special skills or interest, please mention this to the Membership Chairperson or to any board member.

Leaders - 2009

We welcome our new 2009 board members.  New to the board are Anita Thompson, Leslie Antley, Connie Meeker, and Katie Coones.