Creators Wanted!
StoryRise, from Their Story Is Our Story, is a 10-week mentorship program connecting aspiring content creators (18-24 years old) with professionals in social media, videography, and advocacy storytelling. You'll develop real skills through weekly assignments and one-on-one guidance. The content you create will directly support the fight against immigration disinformation.
This is not a dialogue program or a support group; it's a skills-first creator accelerator. You will leave with a body of work, a content strategy, professional references, and the tools to keep growing your channel independently or in collaboration with Their Story is Our Story (TSOS).
Personal security for refugee creators is of utmost concern. StoryRise guides students through assessing their personal risk and offers them different options for posting content in ways that mitigate risk.
In an increasingly digital world, where social media occupies a central role in shaping public discourse, it’s imperative to utilize these platforms to counter disinformation, increase public awareness, and inspire effective advocacy.
Authentic first-person accounts can encourage a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of immigration; one that can be amplified and shared with ease.
StoryRise exists to give refugees and allies the skills, strategy, and platform infrastructure to make their voices impossible to ignore.
Program Structure
Each 10 week cohort is divided into three phases. Each weekly session occurs on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00pm Pacific Time. Orientation Week has two mandatory sessions: one 120 min and one 90 min class. All deliverables are due before the following session and contribute to the final Creator Portfolio. Mentors are available to provide ongoing support.
| Phase | Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation Week | Week 1 | Introduction to TSOS and StoryRise. Choose your security preferences. Find inspiration. |
| Phase 1: Voice | Weeks 2–3 | Clarify your story, your niche, and your creator identity. |
| Phase 2: Craft | Weeks 4–7 | Build real skills across video, audio, writing, and visual branding. |
| Phase 3: Scale | Weeks 8-10 | Grow your audience through SEO and collaboration. Launch your full creator portfolio. |
"I’ve learned so much from Story Rise. I can see how much I’ve improved. In the past, it would take me three hours to write a script, record, and edit a 30-second video. Now, it takes me less than an hour to produce a video that's over a minute long."
Who You Are
Social media native with a personal connection to immigrant stories
Familiar with TikTok trends, Instagram Reels and meme culture
Experienced with in-app and/or non-linear editing
Passionate about social justice and digital advocacy
What You Will Do
Counter disinformation with facts
Build narratives to move public opinion
Amplify immigrant voices
Help protect at-risk storytellers
What You Will Gain
- Portfolio content
- Advocacy training
- Volunteer hours/Course credit
- $400 stipend
- Nonprofit connections
- Real impact metrics
- Professional references
"StoryRise gave me the support and confidence to share my voice with others. I learned how to transform my thoughts into stories that people can connect with."
Build your portfolio and your purpose
Applications Due: September 18, 2026
Next Cohort: October 6 - December 8, 2026
Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours per week. One 2 hour online class plus a weekly assignment.