TMI Project Welcomes Our Newest Team Member: Elijah Jackson

TMI Project is thrilled to welcome its newest member. Welcome to the team Elijah Jackson!

“I could hardly sit still in the audience while attending my first TMI Project performance. Witnessing storytellers share themselves so honestly and authentically actualized much of what I was passionately studying and writing about at the time. From that moment on, every performance I attended and workshop I participated in brought me to the same conclusion: this isn’t enough, I have to get involved more. The chance to work for an organization centered around storytelling as social justice is truly an amazing experience.”

Elijah Jackson (Pronouns: he/him/his) was born in New Orleans but raised in Mount Vernon, New York. He began his work in community outreach and service in 2005, when for his ninth birthday, instead of gifts, he asked for donations to aid Hurricane Katrina victims. Throughout high school and college, Elijah narrowed much of his volunteer work to tutoring adults in ESL programs and younger students who lacked access to educational services outside of school. While attending Bard College, Elijah discovered his passion for literature and graduated with a B.A in Literature in 2018. Elijah hopes to further pursue his passion and attend graduate school in the coming years.

TMI PROJECT WELCOMES OUR LATEST BOARD MEMBER

TMI Project is thrilled to welcome its newest member to our Board of Directors. Welcome to the team Erica Brown!

“I joined the TMI Project board because I believe that when someone tells a deeply personal story and someone listening connects with that challenge/issue/obstacle, they too feel seen and heard, just by listening.”

Erica Brown (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers) is native resident of Kingston, NY, currently working as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Radio Kingston, where she also hosts Let’s Talk Kingston. She is a board member at the Kingston Farmers Market, Good Work Institute, and O+ Festival as well as a trustee of the Kingston Library. Erica is the mother of two incredible young men and loves being able to work as an active member in the City of Kingston.

Interested in helping TMI Project share our mission to change the world,
one radically true story at a time?

TMI PROJECT WELCOMES OUR LATEST BOARD MEMBER

TMI Project is thrilled to welcome its newest member to our Board of Directors. Welcome to the team Mike Raimondi!

“I joined the Board of Directors at TMI Project because I was inspired by the radical truth-telling I witnessed at my first TMI Project event. I reached out to learn how I could help move the organization’s mission forward. I saw an immediate and urgent need for these stories to be heard and am honored to be able to help make this important work possible.”

Michael (he/him) has always believed that theatre, at its purest, is a catalyst for social change. He founded Play Your* Part, a social justice theatre nonprofit based in Seattle and led the organization through three years of events and productions. With all the knowledge he gained from that experience, as well as his work in financial services, small business management, fundraising, and education, Michael is elated to find a place on TMI Project’s Board where he can help amplify their message of healing through storytelling. Originally from Southern California, Michael is now officially a New Yorker, having lived in the city for most of the past two-decades, with a deep love of the Hudson Valley. When not whipping up vegan creations in the kitchen or playing with his dogs, he loves binge-watching TV, documentaries, reading, and hiking. Michael earned his MFA from The Actors Studio after which he had a rich career in theatre and film that instilled in him a love of truth-telling through stories.

 

A Note from Cece Suazo, creator of Black Trans Stories Matter

Before I was introduced to TMI Project I was torn, broken, and felt like damaged goods. To be completely honest, I just wanted to end it all. Today, I live with a greater sense of freedom because I learned how to tell my narrative and live in my truth. I was accepted and gained a new family through TMI Project. I feel whole again, stronger, and more confident in my ability to continue life’s journey. I also felt inspired to reach out to others in the TGNC community to let them know there’s so much out there for us.

I am thrilled to partner with TMI Project to help launch Black Trans Stories Matter, a true storytelling workshop that will culminate in a live virtual performance. In the workshop, the TGNC community will have the support they need to pick up the pieces, dust themselves off, and learn to tap into their power and share their truth. In the performance, we will educate the public about what Black trans people go through. 

We will let the world know that BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER! We are human and deserve equality, yet we’re murdered at alarming rates daily. I know that, like me, many people in my community are afraid to go outside for fear of becoming a target of ignorant violence. But, we are warriors and will continue to fight for change, not only for ourselves but for all those who come after us in future generations. 

It is my sincere hope that Black Trans Stories Matter can help us pave the path for our survival; that by the end of the performance, people will have a different outlook on my community and will work with us to create a world in which we can live our truth with freedom and safety.

– Cece Suazo (She/Her)

Learn More About Black Stories Matter

New Podcast Season: “Black Stories Matter”

In alignment with the Black Lives Matter movement, season two of The TMI Project Story Hour will feature underrepresented stories of the Black experience in America

TMI Project is a nonprofit transmedia organization that believes in the power of changing the world one radically true story at a time. Recognizing the power audio has to amplify the stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media, TMI Project recently added a free quarterly podcast to its portfolio. On October 28, 2020, the organization will launch The TMI Project Podcast Season 2: Black Stories Matter.

Each episode of the 12-part season will feature a personal narrative from a TMI Project storyteller focused on the “too much information” parts of their story usually left out due to shame, embarrassment, fear or cultural expectation. In season two, we touch on themes of identity, racism, gentrification and homelessness, coming of age and self love, family and forgiveness, addiction and recovery, abuse, and the everythingness of Blackness. Black Stories Matter will be of particular interest to the growing Black Lives Matter movement to end systemic racism as activists and allies continue the work of amplifying Black voices. Listen to the trailer here.

FROM OUR HOSTS

“Writing and then sharing my story in my first TMI Project performance in 2017 allowed me to affirm and claim an important part of my life experience.  Performing with and now mentoring other groups of TMI Project workshop writers, I’ve found the family I always wanted: a family based on telling stories with truth, courage and compassion,” said Dara Lurie (she/her), TMI Project’s Black Stories Matter co-director and workshop leader.

“White America, by choice and by ignorance, has been denied our stories and is maybe now recognizing how unhealthy that dynamic has been. Supporting the development of our stories, our truths — there’s really nothing more important to me,” said Micah (he/him), TMI Project’s Black Stories Matter co-director and workshop leader.

The TMI Project Podcast is produced in partnership with Radio Kingston, a non-commercial platform dedicated to a vibrant, just, and healthy Kingston centered around community storytelling, artistic and musical expression, conversation and connection.

About TMI Project

TMI Project is a nonprofit transmedia organization that believes in the power of changing the world one radically true story at a time. Since 2010, TMI Project has led nearly 150 true storytelling workshops and staged live storytelling performances by more than 3,000 storytellers, which have been presented to audiences of over 250,000 people in schools, colleges, prisons, mental health clinics, theaters, community centers and the United Nations. The culminating content – written stories, live storytelling performances, videos, and now a podcast – is accessible to an all-inclusive audience.

In 2017, TMI Project responded to the outcry for racial justice by launching Black Stories Matter, a Black-led true storytelling program where Black folks can write about, share, and reflect upon their lived experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend their truth.

To learn more about this program, visit tmiproject.org/blackstoriesmatter

To learn more about season 2, visit https://tmiproject.org/podcast-press-kit-season-2

Contact:
Shantae Howell
shantae@tmiproject.org 

TMI Project stands with Black Lives Matter Now and Always.

2020 is turning out to be the year of 20/20 vision. The global pandemic is revealing the inequality in the healthcare system as we are losing black and brown Americans at a disproportionate rate. The murder of George Floyd, added to a list, far too long, of other black and brown men and woman murdered at the hands of law enforcement, has made it crystal clear that there is no justice in the justice system. A revolution has been ignited calling for a systemic change, a dismantling of structures and institutions that are not in fact broken, but working exactly as they were designed. 

All of us at TMI Project are dedicated to using the power of true storytelling to dismantle the racist systems that are destroying and ending the lives of black and brown people in our local community and nationwide. We will continue to use our programming to provide support, connection, relief, and transformation and use our platform to raise awareness, amplify voices, share resources, and inspire action. 

In this charged and pivotal moment in history, we acknowledge our need to deepen our commitment and expand our approach. We want to share some of our plans and the resources we’re finding helpful. We also welcome your suggestions.

1. Internal training

We must start by looking at ourselves. We’re committed to doing the work as individuals and as an organization. I recommend the article How to Manage Your Team in Times of Political Trauma by Micahell Kim, which clearly features some suggestions TMI Project regularly puts into practice, like encouraging staff to bring their whole selves to work; acknowledging what is happening in the world; taking time at the beginning of meetings to check-in on a human level; giving people ample time for self-care; and reducing or redistributing labor and/or emotional burden. I also highly recommend  So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo which we read last year as a staff. At our retreat, after reading the book, we went through an exercise to explore intersectionality and privilege. TMI Project will plan and share further internal activities for 2020.

2. Expanding Black Stories Matter Black Stories Matter Virtual Drop-in Storytelling Workshop Join TMI Project for a Black Stories Matter virtual drop-in workshop led by Workshop Leaders Dara Lurie and Micah. These free workshops are offered as a safe space for Black people to gather, write, share stories, and receive support.

Accessible Black Stories Matter Content Stories have the power to increase visibility, raise awareness, change people’s hearts and minds, and inspire people to take meaningful action. We are making every effort to ensure all of our Black Stories Matter content is easily accessible, widely consumed, and is accompanied by tools to deepen the impact.

Watch: We will share a story from our Black Stories Matter archives every weekday in June. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to easily access this content.

Listen: The TMI Project Story Hour, Season Two: Black Stories Matter, launches this fall. Learn more and subscribe to our podcast HERE

Host: a Black Stories Matter viewing party and discussion from anywhere in the world. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Share: TMI Project’s mission with Black Stories Matter is to elevate the underrepresented stories of the Black experience in America – the full spectrum – the triumphs, humor, beauty, and resilience. Click HERE to submit your story to be featured on the TMI Project blog.

3. Shared resources and suggested action items

4. Diversity and Inclusion Training
We’re in the beginning stages of developing diversity and inclusion training through a storytelling lens. It will include ways to build trust; skills to improve communication; exercises to deepen understanding about the concepts of identity, intersectionality, and privilege; skills to identify and differentiate stories — stock/concealed/resistance/counterstories — and their individual purposes. We will provide additional resources and follow-up action items. If you’re interested in learning more, please email Eva at eva@tmiproject.org

 

(Photo from our staff retreat, 2019)

If you want to be a part of the solution by supporting our Black Stories Matter programming, please make a donation today!

We continue to believe that together we can change the world, one story at a time. If there’s anything else we can do or if you have any questions about how you can be more involved please feel free to reach out. We are open to your suggestions and are happy to supply you with additional resources.

In peace and solidarity,
Eva Tenuto and the TMI Project team

Resources for Anti-Racism Activism

ARTICLES

BOOKS

SUGGESTED ACTIONS

VIRTUAL TRAINING & WORKSHOPS

Support the Local Businesses that Support Us

During these uncertain times, TMI Project knows that businesses of all shapes and sizes are struggling to financially navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we’ve listed all of our current and past business sponsors who have supported us and are asking you to consider supporting them now. 

We’ve highlighted a few who sent information on their updated services and hours.

Law Offices of Steven Gottlieb
With love and respect, we will get through this crisis together

  • Email Address: sirag1951@gmail.com
  • Phone Number: 845-338-3239
  • Updated Hours of Operation: 10am-10pm
  • Special Offerings:
    • Legal Services
    • Bankruptcy
    • Landlord Issues
  • Online Services:
    • Lease modification
    • Rent reductions
    • Mortgage modifications
    • Foreclosure prevention
    • Eviction prevention

Connectfulness Counseling
I am consulting on CoronavirusOnlineTherapy.com which is a collective of experienced, licensed private practice therapists in all 50 US States who have agreed to lower their fees to $50 per session or less, in order to support those on the FRONT LINE with short-term online therapy.

  • Email Address: hello@connectfulness.com
  • Phone Number: 845-419-1494
  • Updated Hours of Operation: By Appointment
  • Special Offerings:
    • Forthcoming online support groups
    • Relationship workshops
  • Online Services:
    • Virtual couple relationship therapy
    • Virtual individual relationship therapy
    • Forthcoming groups and workshops

Ulster Savings Bank
Our lobbies are temporarily closed but banking services are available by drive-thru, ATMs, online, or by appointment. Stay safe.

  • Email Address: customerservice@ulstersavings.com
  • Phone Number: 866-440-0391
  • Updated Hours of Operation: Varies by location; please visit website for details.
  • Special Offerings: Please visit our website for details.
  • Online Services: Please visit our website for details.

Dawn’s Dog Boarding & Pet Sitting

  • Email Address: dawnsdogboarding@gmail.com
  • Phone Number: 845-706-8447
  • Updated Hours of Operation: 9am – 6pm
  • Special Offerings:
    • Dog Boarding & Daycare in my home
    • Dog Walking within 10 miles of Stone Ridge, NY
    • Pet sitting in your home
  • Online Services: N/A

Complete list of current and past
TMI Project business sponsors

Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty
Prestige Toyota
Stockade Football Club
Woodstock Chimes
Center for Creative Education
RUPCO
Good Work Institute
Radio Kingston
Moonfarmer
Rosendale Theatre Collective
Wipro
Senate Garage
First Care Medical Center
Diane B. Silverberg, M.Ac
Omega Institute
Naccarato Insurance
Women on Fire
Blue Mountain Bistro to Go
The Golden Notebook
Nan Tepper Design
New Paltz Community Acupuncture
Dreaming Goddess
Woodstock Day School
Candlestock
Tech Smiths
Copy Hut
Lawrence O’Toole Realty
CronArtUSA
Transcend Dental
Ryan & Ryan Insurance
Merck CPA & Consultant
BMW of the Hudson Valley
BC/EFA
SeedShed
Friedlander Construction
LGBTQ Comunity Center HV
Earth Designs Cooperative
Omega Women’s Leadership Center
Outdated
O+ Festival
Berkshire Hathaway
Senator Jen Metzger
Creekside Acupuncture
Rondout Savings
Hamilton and Adams
Rough Draft
Lia Honda
Wild Earth
Health Alliance of the HV
Stone Soup Food Company
The Secret City
Willoughby Design Associates
Hudson Valley Psychiatric Associates
Wine Hyde Park
Catskill Mountain Psychology
Mathew Gold

COVID-19 RESOURCES

TMI Project created a list of local, state, and national resources to help you navigate this challenging time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Have other resources that we forgot? Comment below and let everyone know.

Local

INFORMATION

SUPPORT

State

INFORMATION

SUPPORT

  • NY State Office of Mental Health 24/7 Hotline: 800-273-8255

National/Global

INFORMATION

SUPPORT

Mental Health


Veteran’s Support

  • Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255


Addiction


General Healthcare


Housing


Food Banks & Hunger Relief


Resources for Artists


Financial

My Covid-19 Message in a Bottle

Dear Friends,

Like everyone, all of us at TMI Project are doing our best to stay calm and make the best-informed decisions possible as the COVID-19 landscape changes daily. We are committed to the well-being of our local community and have decided to postpone our April 1st Podcast Launch Party and all other in-person programs until we are confident it is safe for all to attend. 

So this is my message in a bottle. During this time, TMI Project will remain dedicated to helping you tell your stories and stay connected even if we can’t be in the same room with each other. To that end, I’m excited to announce that we are hosting our first-ever digital mini TMI Project Storytelling workshop in lieu of the podcast launch party at 7pm on April 1st!  

We’re going to do what we do best – offer a mini TMI Project workshop with spontaneous writing and then daring ourselves to read it in community. Warts and all. It’s scary, it’s exhilarating, it’s cathartic. And for the first time, we’re going to do it virtually. 

So if you’re sick, a caretaker, or just bored from the drudgery of social distancing, join us! Space is limited. 


Listen to a special message I recorded for our TMI Project family.

If you haven’t yet, subscribe to The TMI Project Podcast wherever you get your podcasts to receive a notification on April 1st when our first series, Tragedy + Time = Comedy launches with eight binge-worthy episodes! If you can, listen to the premiere episode about the amazing Verna Gillis prior to the workshop. We promise it will provide much-needed laughter and inspiration. 

In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, try not to panic and leave some toilet paper on the shelves for your neighbors. And, if you’ve got something on your mind, something that’s weighing you down, join us for the online workshop and write about it! You won’t regret it. 

Stay safe and well. Sending much love to you all.


Eva Tenuto (she/her)
Co-Founder/Executive Director
TMI Project

P.S. If there’s an online offering you would like, let us know. We’d love to hear your ideas. Email info@tmiproject.org with the subject line “Virtual Programming Ideas.”