Everybody loves a good story. Whether it's the kind that gets retold every holiday or the kind that captures our imaginations, one of the most powerful things about stories is how they can remind us of our human commonality. That's why USA Network will be continuing to use this powerful medium to combat prejudice and discrimination through its Characters Unite program--this time with a show titled A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power.

In partnership with the Moth storytelling group and Multichannel Video, this event features five Character Approved storytellers sharing true, personal experiences of facing bigotry or discrimination and highlighting moments when they were able to find their own identity and voice. Hosted by Nathan Lane with the likes of Octavia Spencer, Dustin Lance Black and more taking the stage, the show is part of a wider tour and program bringing the power of storytelling into schools and communities around the country.

With stops in New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, and Atlanta, part of the tour includes a program with high schools in each city where ten students chosen from essay applications participate in a four-day after-school workshop led by Moth professionals. In the workshops they learn the art of storytelling and craft their own stories of prejudice and power.

The program gives the kids a chance to tell their stories on stage in front of their peers, allowing the entire student body to explore deep-rooted stereotypes, understand the impact of bullying based on people's differences, and start a larger dialogue about respect and acceptance. Now that's a story with impact.

[Image: USA Network]