Why Storytelling is Important in Our Community

Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Ex Dir
       American Samoa Alliance Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence is recognized as the federally funded dual coalition for the territory.  The US Government funds State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program to increase collaboration and coordinate organizations on a local and state level to strengthen the response to domestic and sexual violence.   The Alliance continues to support the work of our local service providers, report on societal systems to improve the responses to victims, while working on prevention of violence. 
            Our work is showcased in many ways.  This newsletter informs the community about the impact of violence, resiliency for healing, as well as opportunities to learn.  Tusitala Newsletter reveals “what violence looks like” in our territory, and the work we do to eliminate its harm to our community.   We gather stories through Gap Assessments, talking at our Talanoa Tables, and sometimes by the simple sharing of "lunch".  The stories we have gathered helps to enlighten action, behavior, and beliefs about domestic and sexual violence.  Telling stories helps to connect us.  Our stories tethers our people, our culture, while we discuss the values that we hold that unite us.  Our purpose is to share with our community, service providers, and  off-island partners ways to produce transformation.  The change we seek is to promote learning and encourage healing for our families. 
              Change comes when we ask each other questions about our experiences and beliefs about violence.  This process can be personal, it can be ugly, and it is our ultimate hope it can lead a pathway to provide healing.  Our community is interconnected—we are Aiga (family) that can trace our Gafa (lineage) back many generations, we are interconnected.  As we continue to unpack and understand the repercussions of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence and stalking in American Samoa, many voices will be heard.   When you are asked to share your story, remember you are building trust, your story will be remembered, and any good storyteller knows you can inspire, influence, and teach.  Over the next few months we will share articles about “Story Telling”, as well as host events to develop story telling techniques.  We encourage you to follow us.