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Narrative & Storytelling: A Democracy Resource Hub Guide

Introduction

A guide with resources, directories and media about Narrative and Storytelling collated by the Democracy Resource Hub.

  • Master strategic communication and public narrative techniques for shaping democratic discourse.
  • Learn values-based messaging, counter-narrative development, and digital storytelling for advocacy.
  • Explore inclusive narrative building and media engagement strategies to mobilize supporters and create a shared vision for democratic renewal.

What is narrative and storytelling? Why is it important for democracy?

Narrative & storytelling is the connective tissue that unites democratic renewal efforts. It:

  • Crafts and shares compelling stories to shape public understanding
  • Inspires action and creates meaning around democratic issues
  • Frames democratic values and mobilizes citizens
  • Counters antidemocratic rhetoric and practices 
  • Shifts public discourse through strategic communication and media engagement
  • Builds movements and creates a shared vision for a more inclusive democracy
  • Creates the ecosystem to engage across difference

How does narrative and storytelling fit into the broader movement for democratic renewal?

Narrative and storytelling is a key element in the movement for democratic renewal. It emphasizes the power of shaping public understanding and inspiring action. Integrating insights and tools from various approaches enhances the narrative and storytelling process, making it more effective and comprehensive:

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Strengthening Democracy: Needs inspiring narratives to build long-term democratic resilience.

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Power-Building and Nonviolent Action: Use stories to highlight marginalized voices and drive systemic change.

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Peacebuilding: Facilitates understanding across divides, creating a foundation for inclusive narratives.

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Strategic Planning: Ensures narratives align with broader goals for systemic change.

See the intersections with the Democracy Resource Hub Ecosystem Map

Narrative & Storytelling Skill Sets and Resources

How can we apply narrative powerbuilding and storytelling to inspire action and renew democracy?

Narrative & Storytelling is the connective tissue that unites democratic renewal efforts. It involves crafting and sharing compelling stories to shape public understanding, inspire action, and create meaning around democratic issues. This approach frames democratic values, mobilizes citizens, and counters antidemocratic rhetoric. Here are some resources to learn more:

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Visit the Power-Building & Nonviolent Action page for more grassroots organizing resources.

How can we develop narratives for growth, unity, belonging and inclusion?

Creating and promoting stories that emphasize diverse voices and experiences within a democracy fosters a sense of shared democratic identity and highlights the importance of inclusivity. These narratives of belonging and inclusion support efforts to create a more equitable and representative democracy. Here are some resources to learn more:

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Visit the Peacebuilding page for more belonging and inclusion resources.

What is the role of media and journalism in the effort for democratic revival?

Media and journalism involves engaging with and utilizing various platforms to disseminate democratic narratives and counter misinformation. This includes developing relationships with journalists and creating content that informs and engages the public on democratic issues. Here are some resources to learn more:

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Visit the Strengthening Democracy page for more resources about civic engagement.

Narrative & Storytelling Directory

The Democracy Resource Hub Directory is organized into three groups: 

  1. Networks: Organizations to join and work with.
  2. Training Organizations: Offering workshops, trainings, webinars and courses. 
  3. Resource Libraries: Information hubs for deeper exploration.

The directories on this page only include organizations and libraries related to “Narrative & Storytelling.” (Full Directory listing available here)

Directory Navigation Tips:

  • Click on the Organization/Resource tile for more information.
  • Directory entries include a short “Summary,” a longer “Description,” website link, and other information.
  • Use Table View for easy viewing on mobile devices, or for dynamic spreadsheets on desktops.
  • Use Filter (on desktops) to focus on the specific information you’re looking for, such as skillsets, target audience, learning goals, location.

Narrative & Storytelling Network Directory

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Narrative & Storytelling Training Directory

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Narrative & Storytelling Resource Library Directory

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Featured Media

Books

Articles/Essays

Reports

Podcasts

Grantmakers in the Arts Podcast

Grantmakers in the Arts Podcast featuring interviews with leaders in arts funding, the cultural community, intersecting sectors – like arts and health or narrative change – and artists.
Recommended Episodes

Collective impact Forum Podcast

Text reads 'Collective Impact Forum'.

The Collective Impact Forum is here to share resources, tools, and stories to support social change makers working in cross-sector collaboration.
Recommended Episodes:

Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World 

Based on their book Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World, Deepak Bhargava and Stephanie Luce talk with some of the leading progressive organizers and thinkers today and share insights crucial for the fight to build a better society.Deepak Bhargava and Stephanie Luce
Recommended Episodes:

Videos & Movies

Transforming Narrative Waters with Ruth Taylor of the Common Cause Foundation

How To Do Solutions Journalism that Complicates the Narrative

Credit: The Artwork on the Democracy Resource Hub logo is by Veronika Belcheva (CC-BY-NC-SA).


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