Storytelling 101 for Funders Neighborhood Leaders Grassroots Grantmakers
Storytelling 101 for Funders & Neighborhood Leaders Grassroots Grantmakers Topical Conference Call October 9, 2007
Our Plan for the Day n n Storytelling Basics When the Storyteller = YOU Practicing the Craft: The Journey of the Hero Putting Storytelling to Work
Stories & Storytelling n Stories are the fundamental organizing principle for human beings to communicate identity and values. n Storytelling is the act of sharing experience and imagination in a moment with an audience.
Types of Stories n Four kinds of stories personal narratives, oral histories, metaphoric stories and community rituals - help define the culture of every organization and are critical to the development of its brand in the marketplace.
Types of Stories: Personal Narrative n n First person: “I” My response to the world n Used in q q q n Mission/vision Leadership development Team building Problem identification Healing wounds As: q Direct testimony Modeling behaviors/values Understanding another Owning our emotions q Experience of brand q q q
Types of Stories: Metaphoric Story n n Usually 3 rd person: “they” The story “about” n Used in: q q q n Mission/vision Strategic planning Branding Problem identification Healing wounds As: q q q Articulating problems Modeling behaviors Understanding by example Humor as solvent The universal & mythic
Types of Stories: Oral history n n First or third person My connection with “our story” n Used in: q q n Mission/vision Team building Documentation Experience of brand As: q q Role/cultural identity Group identity Organizational culture Organizational continuity
Types of Stories: Community Ritual n n “We” The story acted out n Used in: q q n Role/identity Creating “sacred” time/place Grief/mourning Healing wounds As: q q Welcoming/departures Rites of passage Celebrations/feasts Gift giving
The Craft of Storytelling n n n A good story…. . A good storyteller…. . Ineffective storytellers lose people when…. . Some people are just natural storytellers – right? What about me?
The Hero's Journey n A fundamental folklore theme that is deeply engrained in all of us
The Hero’s Journey/Ingredients n n n The Invitation The Exchange The Adventure q q q n n Physical challenge Emotional challenge Spiritual challenge Triumph The Return
The Invitation n Formula beginning q n “Once upon a time…. ” The hero or heroine is called to leave home or comfort q q Willing or not Knowing the task or not
The Exchange n They meet the one who would provide assistance q n n Old man, old woman, animal They prove their worth by doing what is asked They receive directions, advice, promise of help, magic object, etc.
The Adventure n They face a number of challenges q q q Specific in number (3 in Western tradition, 4 in Native American tradition) Often manifest as movement from external to internal Direct correlation between what must be learned and what is done
The Triumph n They succeed q q The goal is obtained Internal resources (bravery) and external resources are necessary for success
The Return n They return to where they started q q n Recognized as a hero Or not (beginning of another story) Formula ending q “Happily ever after…. ”
Using the Journey of the Hero n n Who is the hero? Who/what is calling the hero to leave “home” Who do they meet along the way? What challenges do they face? q q n n Internal External What goal did they reach? What is their “happily ever after? ”
Stories can be used…. . n n n To build community To facilitate community change To generate better grant proposals To document results To promote learning
Many Ways to Capture Stories Three Examples: 1. 2. 3. Story Circles Narrative Therapy Digital Storytelling
The opportunity for continued learning n Continued learning via a peer learning circle n Share resources/articles n Request specific help n Specialized training Thanks for being with us today!
- Slides: 20