About Us
Our Mission
Patchwork promotes storytelling as a vibrant, contemporary art form, as well as a folk tradition, a way of celebrating life, and a tool for personal and social transformation.
Our Vision
Patchwork's vision is to enable storytellers a forum to make complex ideas plain and meaningful through the art of storytelling, to highlight that similarities outweigh differences among people and cultures, and to forge paths to informed and humane decision-making.
Our Values
Authenticity
Patchwork values the authentic voice and experience of the teller and the sharer.
Compassion
Patchwork values compassion as an integral component for the understanding, empathy, and transformation of self and society.
Creativity
Patchwork values the creativity of its members and the community, as well as the multiple interpretations and expressions of story to convey complex ideas.
Respect
Patchwork respects diverse people and cultures and welcomes their stories as a means to empathy, understanding, and action.
Social Connection
Patchwork holds story sharing as a necessary human activity and art form that serves to connect and fortify souls.
Growth/Wisdom
Patchwork recognizes that reflection with a focus to discern stories of the past, whether our own or those shared by others, prepares us for the stories of our future.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Patchwork values the roles, lives, and contributions of our members, supporters, and the community-at-large whom we seek to serve.
Patchwork strives to maintain a diverse and respectful community environment where everyone feels included and free from harassment and discrimination. Indeed, such understanding is at the heart of Patchwork's mission and vision.
Patchwork members and affiliates may be seen as representing Patchwork, and Patchwork will investigate any reports of impropriety that undermine our core values and will take action to prevent further harm.
Our History
Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1984 in response to the decline of storytelling in the oral tradition, influenced by the rise of multimedia and technology.
Since its inception, Patchwork has been committed to preserving and revitalizing storytelling as both an art form and a tool for personal and social transformation. We believe in the power of stories from all backgrounds and cultures, and our mission extends beyond just preserving the tradition—it is about creating opportunities for people from diverse communities to share their voices and visions.
Through meaningful and engaging events, Patchwork connects storytellers and audiences, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s story has a place.
Patchwork remains a member-supported organization, dedicated to the survival and growth of storytelling communities through transformative storytelling opportunities that entail training, performance, education, and encouragement.
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There is so much more to the story, and we're working to discover Patchwork's roots. If you were there in the 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's or even more recently and would like to share your story as it weaves in and out with Patchwork's, please contact us.
Organization Description
Patchwork is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote storytelling as a vibrant art form and tool for personal and social transformation. Formed in response to the decline of storytelling in the oral tradition, Patchwork remains committed to preserving and revitalizing storytelling through community engagement and inclusion. We create opportunities for diverse communities to share their voices and visions.
Throughout its history, Patchwork has provided an open forum for storytellers and audiences, offering accessible performances, workshops, and community outreach programs to a wide range of audiences. In response to contemporary challenges—such as the aging of members and the COVID-19 pandemic—Patchwork has embraced virtual programming and collaborated with cultural venues such as The Rotunda in Philadelphia and the Ice House in Bethlehem, PA, to expand its reach.
Patchwork is a member-supported organization, governed by a diverse collaboration of professionals in the arts community, including Denise McCormack (President), Ingrid Bohn (Treasurer), Doug Roysdon (Director/Owner of Ice House), Gina Renzi (Director of The Rotunda), Norm Williams (President of Folk Arts Consortium), and other advisory members. Together, they guide Patchwork’s efforts to engage communities, promote the storytelling tradition, and sustain the organization’s growth and legacy.
We deeply value the time and talent of the storytellers whose performances are the heart of our mission. These storytellers create powerful experiences that promote the art of storytelling, inspiring both audiences and fellow performers. Their good storytelling is the vehicle that keeps the tradition alive and vibrant. Membership plays a key role in sustaining Patchwork’s mission, offering members the opportunity to tell stories at Patchwork events, receive story coaching, and gain visibility through a listing on our website. Members enjoy discounts on National Storytelling Network membership, receive notices about storytelling opportunities, and have voting rights within the organization. Annual membership is just $25 per household, helping to support storytelling events, website maintenance, and the organization’s continued efforts to foster inclusivity and engagement through the art of storytelling.
Patchwork’s funding efforts are currently focused on directly supporting storytellers, particularly by providing modest stipends for their performances. In addition, funding will help ensure that Patchwork’s community storytelling events remain accessible to all. These events offer storytellers the chance to connect with audiences, be fairly compensated for their work, and continue sharing their craft.
Organization Purpose
The purpose of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild is to encourage and promote storytelling as a vibrant means of communication, an extension of human expression, and a performing art. Patchwork seeks to build and sustain a supportive storytelling community, welcoming both novice and experienced tellers and listeners. The organization provides opportunities for storytelling training, performance, and education, and fosters collaboration among diverse communities.
We are committed to preserving the storytelling tradition while adapting to contemporary trends, including offering virtual programs and expanding access to cultural venues such as The Rotunda in Philadelphia and the Ice House in Bethlehem, PA. While our immediate focus is on adult and general audiences, Patchwork looks forward to revitalizing its outreach to family and school-age children, including offering performances at libraries and educational institutions.
Patchwork will continue to support the growth of storytelling through workshops, performances, and events that celebrate and share stories from all backgrounds, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
Patchwork will exercise all rights and powers conferred on nonprofit corporations under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Patchwork will not attempt to influence legislation or participate in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate.
Land Acknowledgement
As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation, our organization commits to open all public events and gatherings with a statement acknowledging the traditional Native lands on which we stand. Such statements become truly meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and sustained commitment. We therefore commit to move beyond words into programs and actions that fully embody a commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural equity.
Our Plea and Thanks
Patchwork recognizes the dedication of its members to produce and make available high quality storytelling programs and instruction for all people, and for its diligence in valuing and promoting its artists.
Patchwork earned the GuidEstar Platinum Seal of Transparency
Officers
Denise McCormack
Denise McCormack
Denise McCormack
President of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild
Executive Director
Webmaster
Communications & Marketing
Ingrid Bohn
Denise McCormack
Denise McCormack
Treasurer of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild
Advisory Board
Norm Williams
Norm Williams
Norm Williams
President, Folk Arts Consortium
Gina Renzi
Norm Williams
Norm Williams
Director, The Rotunda
Doug Roysdon
Norm Williams
Michele Belluomini
Founder, Mock Turtle Marionette Theater
Director, Ice House Tonight
Michele Belluomini
Michele Belluomini
Michele Belluomini
Member-at-large
Vernyce Dannells
Michele Belluomini
Vernyce Dannells
Member-at-large
Our Partners
