Stories & Beliefs

Where lived experience becomes evidence.

This is the voice of our practice. Truths we keep close, beliefs that shape every engagement, and the stories we are honored to carry forward.

What We Believe

Some truths we keep close as we do this work.

These six beliefs sit at the foundation of every project, every conversation, and every methodology we bring into a community partnership.

One

“I am not the expert on your community. You are.”

Two

“The wisdom already exists within communities.”

Three

“Partnerships built on trust create space for communities to tell their stories in their own voices.”

Four

“Evaluation that builds capacity rather than extracts knowledge.”

Five

“Addressing health inequities at the intersections of structural violence.”

Six

“Creating counterspaces for healing and collective advocacy.”

Poetry as Witness

Translating stories into poetry, evidence into change.

Dr. Johnson's work as a Certified Listener Poet sits at the center of how we translate community experiences into forms that move both hearts and systems. Poetry as method is not decoration. It is precision in another register.

Learn About Our Poetic Work

Selected Writings

Where the work lives in print.

A selection of Dr. Johnson's published work, spanning scholarly research, edited volumes, and original poetry. Each piece reflects a thread of the larger practice.

Edited Volume

Have a story you want carried with care?

Whether you're a community partner, a funder, or an organization curious about arts-based evaluation, we'd love to talk about what you're holding.

Start the Conversation

Where lived experience becomes evidence.

Some truths we keep close as we do this work.

Translating stories into poetry, evidence into change.

Where the work lives in print.

Research as Accompaniment

Three Poems in Say Her Name

Making Sense (and Use) of Community Conversations

Listening is Fertile, “Service” is Thorny

For Us, With Us

Devil on My Shoulder

Have a story you want carried with care?