On October 11, 1992, I filmed ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) protesters encircling the White House, carrying urns filled with the ashes of their loved ones. Breaking through a line of police horses, they poured the ashes onto the White House lawn. Through quick interviews, I heard the raw rage and unshakable resolve of people who had witnessed societal and governmental negligence fail their loved ones with devastating consequences.

This moment marked the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to using media to amplify the voices of the unheard. As a 20-year-old with an SVHS camera, I discovered a passion for democratizing media—empowering neighbors to shape and share their stories. Over three decades of supporting storytellers, I’ve seen how truth-telling and connecting personal narratives can heal, inspire, and build a vibrant, engaged society.

From our home base in a small town in coastal North Carolina, Narrative Arts, we carry forward this belief in the power of storytelling to spark change. From community-driven podcasts amplifying coastal voices to workshops equipping everyday people with the tools to share their truth, we are building a movement rooted in connection and justice. Because of the support from people like you, we’re able to launch initiatives like Shoresides—our local journalism project empowering everyday people to share their stories.

Please consider supporting storytellers and media makers in our communities by donating to Shoresides (www.shoresides.org), a Narrative Arts initiative that trains everyday people to pick up the microphone and camera. Shoresides empowers individuals to share their stories, amplify their voices, and build stronger connections within their communities. This year, I’m personally supporting this transformative work with a donation that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by NewsMatch.

Join me in doubling the impact of your gift and helping to shape a future where every voice is heard.

Regards,

Nick Szuberla, executive director, Narrative Arts