Narrative Disruption: Evolving Narcofeminism Storyshare

Abstract

Narcofeminism Storyshare is an iterative storyshare model developed by NC Survivors Union, a harm reduction and advocacy organization led by directly impacted people, that uses autobiographical story development by women and gender diverse people who use drugs to disrupt stigmatizing societal narratives, achieve healing for individuals and communities, and spark organizing and structural change. We describe the theoretical frameworks behind Narcofeminism Storyshare, including the international movement of narcofeminism, narrative theory, and stigma reduction theory. We detail the components of the Narcofeminism Storyshare process–structural analysis conversations, group editing, one-on-one peer editing, grounding our stories in the evidence base, completing various types of story exercises that Narcofeminism Storyshare has developed, the creation of trauma-informed spaces, and the utilization of the stories in advocacy and trainings for health and social service professionals. Finally, we conclude by describing lessons learned while developing the model that may be useful for other organizations working in this capacity as well as by outlining the model's unique contribution to the field.