Winnett, MT Teens Connect People & Place Through Story

The small town of Winnett is located in Petroleum County—the least populated county in Montana. The stoic rimrocks and undulating prairie here humbles me in the best of ways. Since spending time in Winnett in 2021 for our film Life in the Land: Central Montana Plains, I’ve had a great respect for this community, who clearly comes together to “get it done” without hesitation. As each school grade has about five students, they are more like a big family…with both the support and friendly teasing that comes along with that.

In the weeks before my arrival, I sent the students prompt questions to ask their family, to gain stories from their  past connection to this place, whether that connection went back more than 100 years or began this year. This brought up some entertaining stories from elders’ childhoods, and it showed just how much the tight-knit community has preserved its character over the past 100 years. Then, the students focused on their present connection; how they interact with their community and landscape, what they appreciate, if there’s anything they would like to change, and lessons their “place” teaches them. We finished by looking to the future, as they described their hopes for Petroleum County and how they may contribute to that future vision.

Along the way, students had opportunities to share with and hear from their peers. In the process of working with these young folks, it was electric to witness the moment they realized that their own experiences, which at first perhaps seemed commonplace to them, were indeed unique and influential. As I pulled excerpts from their typed stories at the end of the day to feature on a display board, which now sits in the Petroleum County Community Center, I was struck by the consistent respect these young folks held for their place: past, present, and future (see students’ excerpts below). I encouraged them to continue sharing their stories.

In the evening, the Winnett ACES hosted a free public gathering and opportunity for teens to share some of their stories with their community. The students knocked it out of the park with their bravery and confidence. They incorporated heart, sentimentality, and humor.

I believe sharing stories and experiences contributes to more connected and empowered communities—a key motivation to the founding of Stories for Action. I hope that creating this opportunity for young people will reinforce community pride, civic engagement, and communication skills that they can carry with them on their future paths.