SHARE AT RAW

Thinking of sharing your story? Learn more about RAW, our uncensored storytelling series that’s designed for this time of division and disconnection – and is based on the premise that genuine human connection can be the cure. What if you have more in common with people you didn't think you had anything in common with?

RAWs give a voice to the unheard, a platform for the unseen, and a space for the marginalised.

From musicians who never get to speak about themselves, to homeless people used to being overlooked, and entrepreneurs who have to step outside the usual labels to just be themselves.

The sharing of learnings, struggles, and wins from as many different perspectives is key in building a society that celebrates our shared humanity.

For this reason, RAWs are themed to create a focused lens on the human experience. Take a look at what themes are coming up, and if one jumps out at you – go ahead and share your story for consideration. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

WHY YOUR STORY MATTERS

EXPLORE THE RAW THEMES

  • Freedom is the key to breaking down walls that divide us and keep us disconnected. It gives us the power to stand up against unfair systems, speak our truth, and bring people together. But freedom isn’t always easily won—it often requires struggle and courage. Without it, we can feel stuck in beliefs or systems that keep us apart rather than united.

    Whether learning to use your voice, escaping a relationship, feeling liberated in your body, or letting go of the clutches of the past…

    Think of what freedom means to you, or a time in your life when you felt trapped—by fear, expectations, or even society. What did it take to break free? And what were you leaving behind?

  • Roots matter because they bring us back to what connects us—our shared humanity, history, and purpose. In a world that often feels divided, roots remind us that real change starts from within.

    When we reconnect with where we come from—our culture, family, or personal experiences—we break down the barriers that keep us apart. And have a clearer perspective on where we’re going.

    Think about a time when you felt lost, unsure of who you were, or looked to others for validation. How has reconnecting with your roots given you wisdom, strength, and direction to face life with confidence? What would your ancestors say if they could see you now?

  • Pleasure and pain drive human behaviour and shape societal change. Pain breaks what must be broken and pleasure can guide us toward what is possible. Do we chase it, embrace or avoid it – and what stories are woven around these?

    From the physical to the mental, emotional and spiritual – pleasure and pain can define entire parts of our lives, and change the course of our lives.

    Think of a time or moment where pleasure and / or pain stood out as the defining characteristics of the experience – and reflect on the learnings from the struggles or joys you encountered.

  • Being real, authentic, and whole—matters deeply in breaking through the façades that keep us separated. In a world conditioned to hide behind filters, roles, and fear, showing up in our rawness is a radical act of truth.

    Think back to a time where being your most real and raw self invited genuine connection, fostered empathy, and dismantled the illusion that you were alone in our struggles. How did others respond to your full, imperfect humanity? What was it like to be vulnerable?

    Alternatively, what has it been like to hide your truth, mask your emotions, or shrink your wholeness?

    Whether you denied your authenticity, or learned to shine in your full glory, we want to know what being ‘raw’ means to you and what you learned in the process of coming to terms with embracing the concept.

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  • All types of adventure—whether scaling mountains or confronting inner fears—are acts of courage that push boundaries.

    The outdoorsy kind challenge our physical limits, reconnects us with nature, and builds resilience, reminding us of our place in a larger ecosystem.

    Inner adventures, like facing trauma, embracing vulnerability, or breaking cycles, require just as much bravery and often lead to deep healing and empathy.

    Think back to a time and share an anecdote about how embracing adventure disrupted stagnation, invited you to see differently, and encouraged you to act with greater purpose.

  • True belonging is about being authentically yourself, not about fitting in, which involves changing to be accepted. Belonging requires vulnerability and courage, while fitting in can lead to betraying your true self. 

    Where have you found belonging? What has been the journey towards finding it? Or if you are still searching for it, what twists and turns have you been on – and what learnings can you share? Bring your story to life with a concrete anecdote about the theme.

  • Masks are double edged swords. From allowing us to navigate different spaces and roles we play, they also highlight how rarely we are fully seen. By embracing the idea that we contain multitudes, masks disrupt the illusion of a singular, fixed identity.

    On the other hand, we can become to invested in one way of being, they stop being tools and start becoming walls, they protect us—but at the cost of true connection.

    What have masks meant to you and how have you used them to navigate the world, identity, and the different roles you play?

  • Fate is the invisible thread that runs through our lives — tying moments together, pulling us toward certain people, places, and events. It can feel like a map already drawn, a prophecy waiting to unfold, or a force we spend our whole lives trying to resist.

    Fate raises questions we all wrestle with: Are we in control of our choices, or are we walking paths already laid out for us? Have you ever experienced a coincidence so uncanny it felt like destiny? A meeting that changed everything? A moment when you realized — this was always meant to happen?

    Fate can be comforting or cruel, a story we tell ourselves to find meaning or an unshakable truth we can’t escape. In your story, you might encounter fate as a blessing, a curse, or a mystery still unfolding. Does your character surrender to it, fight against it, or discover that it was guiding them all along?

    Tell us about the forces — seen or unseen — that have shaped your path. About the crossroads, the twists, and the turns. About the moments when fate felt undeniable… or when you chose to make your own.

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RULES

  • Whatever you share needs to be a true and personal story.

  • Please be respectful of others. We have no tolerance for racism, homophobia, misogyny, or any form of hate speech.

  • Each storyteller has 5 to 7 minutes to tell their story.

  • Please do not use this as an opportunity to promote events, organisations, brands, or products. This is not a sales pitch nor a performance. The focus of RAW is to share and connect over personal human stories.

  • Photos and videos will be taken on the night and will then be shared with the speakers following the event. Please credit the photographer/videographer when sharing online. We do not post any videos of personal stories online without the prior consent of the speakers.

 

Share your story

We believe everyone has a story worth telling and worth hearing. We also believe this simple notion could change the world. Submit your story for a chance to experience the transformative effect and catharsis that comes with formulating and sharing your story.

Remember, RAWs are highly curated and submitting does not equal being selected to speak on the night.