Narrative power analysis, strategy for change, and materials.
My approach
One-off trainings rarely have participants leaving with a concept or skill that they can immediately put into use. But far too many trainings are designed with that expectation. Rather than taking with them a functional understanding of the topic, participants tend to latch on to and reinforce their understanding of the ideas they are already familiar with. I’ve found this to be true whether participants are advocacy and organizing professionals or grassroots leaders. Without a program of follow up training and coaching, such an approach at best gives participants a break from their routine and at worst wastes participants’ time.
I have found that a better approach is to create training experiences that spark curiosity and interest in a concept or skill with the aim of motivating participants to seek out coaching and practice after the fact. That’s my goal when I design one-off trainings and workshops. I use popular education, games, and Liberating Structures to open trainings and workshops up to participants’ natural drives to theorize, create meaning, bond with their colleagues, and play. Trainings and workshops are organized around a core concept or skill but a functional understanding of the topic is not the goal.
I strive to facilitate participants making a connection between the topic and their lived experiences, whether in their personal or organizing life. If I can spark curiosity around how the concept or skill can help them further their movement goals, I count the session a success.
Narrative Adoption
Is your organization committed to shifting your narrative framework from your frontline staff and leaders up to your top organizational leadership? Need an experienced trainer and coach who can translate the importance and purpose of your narrative shift to your organization’s spokespeople and stakeholders of all different backgrounds? Let me lead your team through a narrative adoption process tailored to your organization’s needs. My services include creating example materials and training materials, leading feedback sessions and trainings for staff and member leaders, and coaching spokespeople.
Narrative Power Analysis
Using tools and workshops based on Battle of the Story by Center for Story-Based Strategy, I will lead your team through an assessment of the systems of stories vying for dominance around your core issues. The process involves consulting your members and leadership, auditing your public messaging and earned media, and leading your team through participatory workshops. The end result will be a document that will guide you when developing communications strategy and narrative interventions.
Defending The Dignity Of Border Communities Through Narrative Change
The story of each border resident and visitor has the power to shape the collective imagination of what the border is and should be. When we weave together our stories into a new narrative and redefine the border, we can win transformative change for border communities. In that spirit, this is my story.
