Las Adelitas Community Gathers for Storytelling Workshops with Rachel Attias
On two recent evenings filled with laughter, reflection, and heartfelt words, the Las Adelitas community came together for the first two sessions of our ongoing Storytelling and Creative Writing Workshop led by writer and storyteller Rachel Attias. Hosted as part of the A Garden of Doors initiative, this series is all about empowering voices and nurturing the power of personal narrative right here in the Portland Cully neighborhood.
Session One: Finding Our Voices
The workshop series kicked off with an atmosphere of warmth and curiosity. Rachel welcomed residents and non-residents of with open arms and open notebooks, inviting us to step into a safe, creative space where every story matters. Through breaking the ice with fun games, writing about ourselves and watching short stories together, we began to explore how our personal experiences—whether joyful, painful, or in-between—shape the stories we carry.
A highlight of the evening was a group activity where participants shared brief reflections inspired by the question: “Would you rather live 10 years into the future, or 30 years in the past?” The responses were moving and powerful, ranging from knowing what will happen next to wanting to meet past family members, all reinforcing the idea that storytelling connects us in unexpected ways.
Session Two: Honoring Our Roots
In the second session, we dove deeper. Rachel encouraged us to look at how our family histories, cultural backgrounds, and everyday observations can become rich storytelling material. Participants began to craft short narratives, with time for both writing and voluntary sharing. For many, this was a moment of both vulnerability and pride—speaking truths aloud and hearing them echoed back with support from the group.
A sense of community is already taking root. People are not just writing—they’re listening, affirming, and beginning to see the beauty in their own voices and in each other’s.
Registrations are still OPEN for Storytelling Workshops with Rachel Attias
These first sessions have laid the foundation for something truly special. Each gathering builds on the last, and we’re just getting started. If you haven’t joined yet, there’s still time! We highly encourage registering with the bundled ticket so you can take part in the full journey. This is a free event open to the public, $15 donations encouraged.
Come write, share, and grow with us. Because your story matters—and we’re ready to hear it.
Fridays, June 11th – August 15th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Las Adelitas Event Space | 6735 NE Killingsworth St.
A Garden of Doors | Storytelling Workshops by Heidi Duckler Dance/Northwest was made possible with support from MAP Fund.
