The purpose of this research was to explore how participants in digital storytelling projects used and understood digital stories as part of community-based projects. More specifically, > probed the extent to which respondents identified project outcomes related to individual, organizational, and community empowerment. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their expectations for the production of the digital stories and the extent to which these expectations were met. Particular attention was paid to the role of the respondent in story development, production, and distribution.