What is “Trying Our Best?”

"Trying Our Best" is a short segment (usually 3–5 minutes) during which one of our Assemblers shares a personal story. It doesn't have to be a story about winning or knowing the answers or even trying the hardest. It's just about reminding each other that we're all trying the best we can.

This tradition actually started in London as "Pippa is Doing Her Best," during which Sunday Assembly Co-Founder Pippa Evans would tell stories about how she tried to do something kind or well, and (usually) it backfired. 

We'd love to hear about what caused you to be inspired, challenged, uplifted, grateful--or anything else that helped you to Live Better, Help Often or Wonder More. If you're interested in sharing a personal story as part of "Trying Our Best," check out these guidelines and sign up below:

• Time frame: 3-5 minutes.
• Most good stories involve a conflict or challenge. When was a time you felt challenged, overwhelmed or confused? What did you do (successful or not) to address that challenge? How did that experience teach or change you?
• Keep it personal ... please share something about yourself, or something that happened to you directly.
• Have one overall message or key point. Keep in mind how you want others to feel at the end of the story. Inspired? Grateful? Amused? ... something else?
• Shouldn't require any visual aids (i.e., shouldn't need the projector).
• Stories need not address atheism or religion. If that's part of your story, then by all means include it, but keep in mind Sunday Assembly's values of avoiding ridicule or snark at others' expense. 
• Do not promote products, businesses, candidates or charities. If you're doing something positive for the community, we support you! But personal stories that come off as self promotion aren't very engaging for the audience. 
• If your story ties into the theme for that month, that's a bonus!
• Amateurs are welcome! ... and professionals, too! Don't fret if you don't have a lot of experience speaking in front of a group.
• Just share from your heart, bring up a few notes with you (if needed), and try your best.

Please feel free to contact us with questions: [email protected]