"You are able to express things that you have lived through

but never told anyone about, and once you get it out you are able

to figure out how you really feel about it."

- Helen, Age 70

Launched in 1999, The Moth Outreach Program offers storytelling workshops to students and marginalized adults living in New York City. We work primarily with highschool-age teens from underserved communities and with adults in rehabilitation and training programs, including homeless men and women, recently released prisoners, and people recovering from substance abuse. The workshops teach participants how to use the key elements of narrative to shape their life experiences into well-crafted stories. All workshops begin with a show performed by established Moth storytellers and conclude with a show performed by the participants for their local community. Four times per year, Moth Outreach graduates appear in professional productions for the general public as part of the Stories on Stage series at The Players Club and at The Nuyorican Poets Café. Evaluations show that our graduates significantly benefit from the opportunity to express themselves, share their stories, and improve their communications skills.

“The workshop helped me deal with my inner problems and learn how to speak better in front of a crowd.” - Marlene, Age 16

“I would like to take part in a similar program in the future because it kept me out of trouble.” - Chris, Age 16

“I learned that I still have an imagination.” - Ed, Age 45

“I learned how to prepare and present a story to an audience, and that built up my courage.” - Nkrumah, Age 17

“The Moth Workshop helped me with my social skills, and with going on a job interview, and it improved the way I present myself to people in general.” - Richie, Age 43

“I learned that you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about your problems.” - Akira, Age 16

“It made me feel very relaxed talking in front of a group of people - even strangers.” - Jose, Age 40

“I learned to be myself and present a story effectively so people can understand what I’m saying.” - Melodie, Age 16

“It was the first time I felt that I could be anything I want to be, that I can achieve all my goals.” - Winston, Age 47