$100 Stipend Offered for Storytelling Focus Groups Beginning This Weekend

Applications Open Now for Rooted + Rising Focus Groups

Interested participants should apply immediately. Focus groups begin Friday, June 26, and continue through July 1.

A new storytelling initiative called Rooted + Rising, funded by the Lilly Endowment and organized by ELCA Regions 1 and 2, is seeking participants for a series of paid virtual focus groups exploring how people experience Christian stories, faith, community, and belonging.

This opportunity is not primarily intended for active church members. Instead, organizers are hoping to hear from people who may be disconnected from church life, spiritually curious, seeking community, wrestling with past experiences of Christianity, or exploring questions of meaning and purpose outside traditional religious institutions.

Selected participants will take part in a two-hour Zoom conversation and receive a $100 stipend for their time.

Organizers are offering several focus group options beginning immediately:

  • Friday, June 26, 1–3 p.m. Pacific

  • Sunday, June 28, 7–9 p.m. Pacific

  • Monday, June 29, 10 a.m.–Noon Pacific

  • Monday, June 29, 6–8 p.m. Pacific

  • Monday, June 29, 6–8 p.m. Pacific (Spanish)

  • Tuesday, June 30, 6–8 p.m. Pacific (LGBTQIA+ participants only)

  • Wednesday, July 1, 5–7 p.m. Pacific (Spanish)

Rooted + Rising seeks to better understand how people receive stories today, what messages feel authentic and trustworthy, and where people find connection, inspiration, and belonging. Participants do not need to identify as religious or be affiliated with a congregation. They simply need to be willing to share honestly about their experiences.

For congregations and ministry leaders, this may be an opportunity to share with friends, neighbors, family members, or community members who are not currently connected to a faith community but may be willing to participate in a thoughtful conversation.

Those interested should complete the interest form as soon as possible:

Apply here: forms.gle/UEfiBaapu6xrhvTH6

Questions may be directed to Admin@ThrivingLeadershipFormation.org.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation Program, Lilly GrantComment