“The Center for Story-based Strategy (CSS) is a national movement-building organization dedicated to harnessing the power of narrative for social change. We offer social justice networks, alliances, and organizations the analysis, training, and strategic support to change the story on the issues that matter most.”
I feel it’s also important to consider Literary Nonfiction as “storytelling” that can change lives.
There’s also a Space on Facebook called Ode that’s “…a storytelling series where community members tell true stories on stage to promote positive impact through empathy.”
One particular way I feel resonance with him is that being a member of the same Faith he was raised in (yet only discovering it in my early 40s) has given me plenty of reason to feel deeply different from the current “culture” that surrounds me—gives me plenty of material for the stories I write :-)
That last link to Ode will let you read his life-changing story; and, this video is him telling the very same story. The theme that day was “Stigmas: An ode to the power of opening up.”
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Even fictional stories have the power to induce lasting change in our lives…
Back in May, I wrote a post that focused on an organization that facilitates story-telling for social change.
I’m not going to encourage you to join the organization; but, whether you’re a Reader, Writer, or Publisher, I think you could learn something from them…
So…
I’m reproducing that past post…
~~~~~~~~~
As a writer, I often wonder about the future…
Actually, because of some of my research, I hold the future in Great Wonder.
And, because I’m a writer, I have the power of words to help me, even if falteringly, to potentially shape some of the Future.
What if you knew about an organization that could help you “…change the story on the issues that matter most.”
Change the Story…
Some say we humans are story-telling creatures.
Think for a moment about all the stories you hear every day—from family, friends, co-workers, bosses, corporations, and governments…
Well, that organization that can help change the story that surrounds certain issues has a Vision:
“We believe that together we can move towards a just economy, a healthy planet, and a better future for all.”
Something else this organization says, that evokes deep feelings for me, is:
“We believe the root cause of today’s crises lie in the potent mythologies that normalize an unjust status quo.”
One thing I find fascinating about this organization is their willingness to teach the power of sharing compelling stories to help create a better future for our human family and this home, our planet…
Here’s a peek at some of their strategies:
“There are many different ways to win the Battle of the Story whether it’s by re-framing the issue, amplifying previously unheard voices, or offering new solutions. The story-based strategy approach offers a flexible methodology for campaign or community stakeholders to encapsulate their common experience and vision into a powerful, shared narrative.”
And, how they think about storytelling:
“Beyond our much-hyped opposable thumbs and our ability to stand erect on two feet, humans are unique in the animal kingdom for our relationship with narrative. We humans are storytelling animals, constructing our social reality through our ability to create, interpret, and contest stories about the world around us and our place within it. We think, dream, remember, and believe through the filter of narrative.”
Do you tell stories?
Do you feel they have power?
Do you wish you could learn how to make them more compelling?
I’ll leave you with this video, which brings up a story from Amazon…
One thing I find fascinating about this organization is their willingness to teach the power of sharing compelling stories to help create a better future for our human family and this home, our planet…
“There are many different ways to win the Battle of the Story whether it’s by re-framing the issue, amplifying previously unheard voices, or offering new solutions. The story-based strategy approach offers a flexible methodology for campaign or community stakeholders to encapsulate their common experience and vision into a powerful, shared narrative.”
“Beyond our much-hyped opposable thumbs and our ability to stand erect on two feet, humans are unique in the animal kingdom for our relationship with narrative. We humans are storytelling animals, constructing our social reality through our ability to create, interpret, and contest stories about the world around us and our place within it. We think, dream, remember, and believe through the filter of narrative.”
Do you tell stories?
Do you feel they have power?
Do you wish you could learn how to make them more compelling?
I’ll leave you with this video, which brings up a story from Amazon…
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Notes from An Alien 