.png)
STORY SLAM OPEN CALL
We are no longer accepting submissions.
The Story Slam is getting a reboot! Due to the rapidly changing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have changed from a live ‘in-person’ storytelling event to a live ‘virtual’ storytelling event to be held on May 29, 2020 at 7pm EST.
Click here for the press release.
What is a Story Slam?
A Story Slam is an event where Storytellers will present their unique, creative, and authentic Vietnamese American stories to a live audience.
Due to COVID-19, we have changed this live event to be streamed virtually so you can join in the comfort of your home! For details on the changes check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
What does Mỹ Việt mean?
Mỹ (American) Việt (Vietnamese) is the literal translation in Vietnamese. This is your opportunity to share a story on the Vietnamese American experience.
How will it work?
Participants will submit a video (no longer than three minutes), that tells a story. Up to seven Storytellers will be invited to share their video in a live-stream virtual event via Zoom meeting with Vietnamese Boat People's Founder and podcast Host, Tracey Nguyen Mang. There will be a short Q&A session with each participant and the videos will stream globally during the event so people across the world can hear your story!
The story slam will be cohosted by WHRO, Eastern Virginia’s regional NPR and PBS station, as part of a month long initiative to chronicle the contributions and challenges of Asian Americans. WHRO will also contribute clips from the PBS documentary Asian Americans, focusing on the Vietnamese-American experience, for viewing during and after the event.
Artwork designed by My Tien Pham & Peyton Benge.
SUBMIT A STORY TODAY!
REQUIREMENTS
Stories must reflect a true Vietnamese American experience. It can be your own, or you can retell a story about someone else you know. The tone of the story can vary, tragic or funny, heavy or light, history or current. Video styles may vary and creativity is encouraged. Submissions can include interviews conducted by the storyteller, photos, props, music, etc.
This virtual event will be open to the public to attend, however, participants must be based in the U.S. All entries should be mostly in English. Some Vietnamese can be used with translation, however, the whole story can not be in Vietnamese.
PRIZES
Up to seven stories will be selected for the curated event and each Storyteller will receive $100. They can choose to also have us donate the funds to a favorite charity or local business on their behalf.
EVENT DATE
HOW TO ENTER
All submissions must be entered by 11:59 p.m. EST on May 15, 2020.
-
There is no fee to enter. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the U.S. By submitting an entry, you agree to these terms and conditions.
-
To enter, please submit a video no longer than three minutes. Feel free to use interviews, photos, music, etc.
-
Submit your story and other details on this Google Form link.
The event will be hosted on a live Zoom event link on May 29, 2020 7:00pm EST. The event will be free and open to the public online, if you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out to Tricia Vuong at tricia@vietnameseboatpeople.org and we'll try to accommodate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How has the My Viet Story Slam changed?
As a result of the rapidly changing situation and the continued spread of Covid-19, we have changed from a live ‘in-person’ storytelling event to a live ‘virtual’ storytelling event to be held on May 29, 2020 at 7pm EST.
The criteria of the video submissions have also changed. Participants have more freedom now to share their stories beyond just self-narration. Video submissions can include interviews conducted by the storyteller, photos, props, music etc., so long as the story has a beginning, middle and end and the video does not exceed three minutes.
Up to seven Storytellers will be selected from the submission pool to appear on the live streaming ‘virtual’ event for a short interview and their videos will be played.
What has not changed?
Stories must reflect a true Vietnamese American experience. It can be your own, or you can retell a story about someone else you know. The tone of the story can vary, tragic or funny, heavy or light, history or current. Video submissions may vary and creativity is encouraged. This event is open to the public to apply and attend the live event. All entries should be mostly in English. Some Vietnamese can be used with translation; however, the whole story can not be in Vietnamese.
You must be a U.S. resident to participate and of 18 years of age. The live event will be recorded and published globally as an episode on the Vietnamese Boat People podcast.
Why have you changed the format of the Story Slam?
Rather than canceling the Story Slam altogether, we saw an opportunity to broaden the design of the event. Because this is a virtual event, anyone in the United States can participate as a Storyteller if selected and anyone globally can attend the live ‘virtual’ event. You no longer have to be present in New York City for the event. Additionally, we feel it is important to continue providing a platform for our community to connect, especially during this time of isolation and social distancing.
Why has the prize money changed?
We wanted to spread the love and recognize more Storytellers. Up to seven stories will be selected for the curated event and each Storyteller will receive $100. They can choose to also have us donate the funds to a favorite charity or local business on their behalf.
What types of stories are you looking for?
We are looking for stories that share a Vietnamese American experience. The overall theme is intentionally broad to encourage all types of stories from our community. Below are some ideas to help prompt your thinking. These are ideas only and we want you to take this opportunity to share a story that is meaningful to you.
Your story does NOT need to answer one of these questions, but they can be used as a guiding point:
-
Tell us about your upbringing in a Vietnamese household and how has it impacted your current self?
-
Food is such an important part of Vietnamese culture. Share with us a story about your favorite dish.
-
With the current health crisis, there has been an increase in discrimination and hate targeted toward Asian Americans. What is your Vietnamese-American perspective on this issue?
-
How has the Vietnamese diaspora in the U.S. impacted your identity?
EVENT SPONSORS
Asian Nation, Live Nation Entertainment’s Global ERG (Employee Resource Group) mission is to promote greater understanding and awareness for employees about Pan-Asian Culture, foster opportunities for personal and professional development and cultivate a social, supportive and career-minded community amongst employees of Pan-Asian descent.
WHRO Public Media improves the civic, educational and cultural life of the citizens of Eastern Virginia through the production and distribution of important and impactful local, national, and educational content. WHRO is Eastern Virginia’s regional NPR and PBS station.
This event is also made possible by the 2019 Asian Women Giving Circle grant. The Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC) is the first and largest giving circle in the nation led by Asian American women. They believe culture is an essential part of any strategy for social change and raise funds to support Asian American women-led projects in NYC that use arts and culture. The Asian Women Giving Circle is a donor-advised fund of Ms. Foundation for Women.
