I’m From Driftwood is kicking off its end-of-year fundraising drive right now. We have a goal of raising $25,000 before the new year and we need your help to finish the year strong.
I also wanted to pull the curtain back a little bit on the inner workings of I’m From Driftwood. Whenever I tell new friends about I’m From Driftwood, I’m always intrigued by their interest in having a more comprehensive understanding of what we do. So even if you’re familiar with IFD, I thought you might like to hear about the important and hard work that goes into collecting, sharing, and preserving LGBTQIA+ stories.
Storytelling Coaching - We provide one-on-one coaching with every storyteller which includes helping them think of which story from their life to share, ensuring every story has traditional storytelling elements and vivid scenes, and finally how to deliver their story on camera. This involves multiple phone calls, exercises and tips in our Storyteller Guide, and of course the filming and editing of the story. A recent storyteller shared of her experience, “This was AMAZING! Thank you so much for all your guidance and support. I am beaming. This is life changing!!!”
Weekly Video Stories - Every Wednesday, we publish a brand new professionally-produced Video Story, documenting the experiences–the joys, complexities, challenges, love, hardships, humor, and more–of what it’s like to be a LGBTQIA+ person. The stories have done everything from saving young lives to empowering elders to finally live authentically. Our stories save and change lives so it’s no wonder they’ve been viewed over 38 million times on YouTube alone.
Online Archive - The I’m From Driftwood website houses every story we’ve ever published, but even more, it acts as an archive of LGBTQIA+ history. Every story is categorized and tagged for ease of browsing and searching, and every story is transcribed for improved accessibility and searchability. Our website and archive has been used by educators, counselors, healthcare professionals, therapists, journalists, and more to aid them in their work.
Instagram Reels - Everyone consumes online content differently, so in addition to the full-length videos we post on our YouTube Channel, we also create short-form versions of our stories for our social media followers. On IFD’s Instagram page, we edit our stories down to a 90-second abbreviated version of the story, helping ensure the stories are being seen by those who need them most.
Podcast - All 43 episodes of the I’m From Driftwood Podcasts are available wherever you get your podcasts. Ranked in the Top 25% of Spotify’s Society and Culture category, each episode focuses on a theme within the LGBTQIA+ community, from gender identity, immigration, and love, to workplace discrimination, race, and aging.
Storyteller Spotlights - These in-person, free community events involve screening of our stories with a moderated follow-up Q&A with the storytellers themselves. The Spotlights have been held in NYC, Chicago, Boston, and Austin and provide a way for people to experience our stories in a shared community space.
Whew! I know that's a lot, but I also know the impact our stories have on our community which is why the work must continue. That’s also why I’m asking you to help us finish the year strong. If you're able, please consider donating today.
Thanks for all your support,
Nathan Manske, Founder, Executive Director