Listen Up, World!

We're changing the way kids share.

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The Wildling is on a mission to empower youth to share bravely from their lived stories in a safe and meaningful way. We help kids and teens craft their narratives and express out loud, encouraging them to speak their minds, trust each other, and feel the power of being heard.

We are a nonprofit organization, a program, a movement, a way of tapping into wellness through storytelling.

wildling founders

Mekea Duffy and Megan Kaplan
Founders, sisters, educators, dreamers.

“Storytelling is as elemental as our own breath; it fills us up and makes us feel seen, but it takes guidance and practice to get there. That's why The Wildling exists – to set young voices free.”

- The Wildling Founders

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“It’s sharing stories, tears, and laughter while building confidence—it’s about knowing we’re not alone.”

—Kjirsten Fogelson, Story Coach, Founder of Colorful Movement

“In the Black community most kids don’t feel heard or don’t think their story matters. The Wilding and their staff came and set the stage for our young people to be heard and empowered by their voices and stories. We appreciate you, especially in a mobile device era. These kids actually sat down and listened and engaged.”

—Sherome Milon, Educator, YMCA Beacons Partnership

“We need to separate: Storytelling from spelling, Poetry from punctuation, Lyrics from lined paper. Preserve the creative act of putting words together by removing the known obstacle of handwriting. This is why I got so excited about The Wildling. Because it’s a place where kids learn to stand up and speak, when most of their school life is about sit down and listen.”

—Dr. Elizabeth Adams, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Owner of Minnesota Neuropsychology  

 

 

Photos by Bethany Meister: Photographer, and Martin Rittenberry

Photos by Bethany Meister: Photographer, and Martin Rittenberry