Moms Like Me, our annual event for raising awareness, reducing stigma, and addressing isolation around pregnancy and parenthood, is seeking storytellers for 2025.
We will be accepting applications until December 2 and will be contacting selected storytellers by December 9.
Background:
The U.S. Surgeon General's recent advisory on parental mental health is a significant and timely acknowledgment of the critical role that parents' well-being plays in the overall health of families and communities. It feels like Moms Like Me is needed in our community now more than ever.
Storytelling is an integral part of our work at Roots and Moms Like Me. Starting with our first event in 2017, our selected storytellers work with each other and local author, teacher, and writing coach Molly Caro May to develop their stories and share them with the community at the event. The process and act of sharing is monumental -- an essential part of being human. It not only benefits the storyteller, but alters everyone present.
As an organization Roots Family Collaborative is working to provide a safe and equitable space for all parents to feel included. We respect that every individual has come to parenting in a unique way, everybody has a story to share, and every story is worth sharing.
Selection of Storytellers:
Please know selecting storytellers is one the hardest parts of planning and organizing this unique event. We always have more applicants than we can select. We understand the vulnerability of giving us your story and we make our decisions with much deliberation. Because of this, we have provided some guidelines and suggestions below to help you decide if applying is right for you.
- Life Stage: selected storytellers typically have children who are at least one year old, allowing for a more reflective perspective on early parenting.
- Content Considerations: stories involving complex legal issues may not be suitable for this public platform. Instead, consider connecting with Roots for alternative support resources.
- Intention: we understand there are many reasons folks are interested in sharing on the stage at Moms Like Me, however, if your primary intention is working with Molly Caro May, we encourage you to also explore other writing opportunities with her here. She is amazing.
Commitment Requirements:
Being a selected storyteller is a big and powerful commitment to yourself and our community, and we ask that you strongly consider your family’s capacity when applying.
- Selected storytellers will meet with Roots’ staff (either in person or via Zoom) to discuss the entirety of the commitment before meeting with Molly May.
- Storytellers must attend monthly meetings with Molly May and other selected storytellers, starting January 2025 . Those meetings will gradually turn into weekly meetings.
- Additional writing and preparation of your story on your own time will also be necessary.
- Storytellers must attend our scheduled social event in March (date TBA), a dress rehearsal in May, and the event on May 10 2025.
Support & Alternative Opportunities at Roots:
If the commitment to storytelling is too challenging or time-consuming this year, Roots Family Collaborative offers a variety of safe spaces and support groups of which you may be interested.
- Blossom Mom: A confidential, supportive group for sharing and healing.
- Feeding Support Circle and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group: Other compassionate spaces for parents to connect and support each other.
- Moms Like Me planning committee: Our planning committee is made up of moms and we intentionally create space to connect and support each other.
- Day of volunteer: We are always looking for volunteers to help us at the event on May 10, 2025.
Ready to Apply?
If you feel prepared to share your story on stage, we invite you to apply. We are honored by your willingness to contribute to our mission, and we look forward to hearing from you.
We will be accepting applications until December 2 and will be contacting you by December 9 with our decision.
This year's Moms Like Me will be held on May 10th, 2025 at The ELM in midtown Bozeman.