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StoryBuilding Webinar
This Is A Tough One
Grew up in DC
Kicked out of Hebrew School for blasphemyWon all the science fairs in middle school
Had my eyeballs licked inEmergency stairwell atTrain station in DC
Hebrew school teacher
Professor at American Jewish University
Certified coachMA degree in theater
15 years at nonprofits
Nationally recognized solo performer & storyteller
Moth Winner
Meditation teacher
Accidentally helped a cab driver smuggle drugs out of Peruvian rainforest
Terrible at sports
Lived in Chicago for 7 years
Fell off raft into Grand Canyon
Did stand up for a while
Went to college in Texas
Worked with flesh eating bacteria @ NIH
Appeared in all Black film adaptation of Henry IV with Heavy D
A Story About Story
Why Are We Here
1. Expand understanding of how story functions in
community.
2. Uncover the characteristics of strong stories.
3. Explore the StoryBuilding Process.
4. Discover ways to use story in your work.
What is Story?
It makes us feel things
It has a beginning middle and end
It is surprising
It brings us together
It is entertaining
Story is the Basic Building Block
of Community
We Build Communities
Community Stakeholders
Volunteers
Contributors
Board of DirectorsStaff /
Internal Team
Customers/Clients
We are Wired for Story
Our brains have evolved to respond to well-told stories.
Neural Coupling Chemical Release
What makes a strong story?
Once Upon a Time. . .
What Makes it Work?
Structure
What Makes it Work?
Structure
What Makes it Work?
Specificity• Details make the scene
come alive.• Humanity lives in the
specifics• Too much detail can
overwhelm the story
What Makes it Work?
Authenticity• Stories match
action• Vulnerability• Humanity &
Empathy
StoryBuilding
Your Story in 4 Steps
Step 1: The Raw Material
Uncover the incredible stories hiding in plain site all around you.
Peaks & Valleys
Emotional Timelines
Story Circles
Site title
Step 2: Know Your Audience
A Few Questions to Ask
• Who is your audience? Demographically? Politically? Socio-economically?
• How much do they know about you?
• What is their relationship with you?
• What do they care about?
• What communities are they a part of?
Step 3: The Call to Action
•Specific, Meaningful, Actionable•Relationships are the Goal!•Tiered Calls to Action
Step 4: Putting it Together
Remember The Basics!
• Specificity
• Authenticity
• Structure
Show > Tell
Balance Story and Information
Engage the Imagination
What next?
Putting your stories to work
Stories to Build Community
Stories are the most diversely powerful tool you have to . . .
Organizations
• Fundraising• Team Building• Diffuse Conflict• Inspiration• Foster a thriving,
participatory culture
Leaders/Individuals
• Who am I?• Why am I here?• Values-in-Action• ‘I know what you’re
thinking’• Trust me. . .
Download the Storybuilding Guide!Stay tuned for the online course!
[email protected]@nationbuilder.com
nationbuilder.com
