Introduction
A live list of training and planning tools about narrative and storytelling collated by the Commons librarians. If you have a resource to add please contact us.
Training Resources
Exercises and Activities
Crowdsourcing what Narratives Mean, Feminist Basket of Resources, Oxfam, see pgs 103-104
Purpose: Collectively build an idea of what narratives mean to the group. Useful for when you want to explore narratives but not everyone has the same idea of what they are and how narratives impact but can also be useful in social justice work.
Time: 10-25 mins
Counter or Transformative Narratives, Feminist Basket of Resources, Oxfam, see pgs 105-106
Purpose: Exploring the differences between “counter” and “transformative” narratives this is a simple exercise to source this knowledge and build it collectively. We do this because often we get stuck in responding or reacting to others, rather than thinking about our own narratives, what we believe in, what we are for.
Time: 20 mins
A System of Stories, Feminist Basket of Resources, Oxfam, see pgs 105-106
Purpose: Exploring the system of stories (narratives) on an issue you are mobilizing around to make visible the systems and patterns of narratives which exist around the issue we want to explore and create change around.
Time: 1-2 hours
Radical Reframes, Feminist Basket of Resources, Oxfam, see 109-110
Purpose: Explore interrupting dominant or master narratives based on contextbased examples.
Time: 1 hour
Following The Narrative Thread Emerging From Collective Actions, Feminist Basket of Resources, Oxfam, pgs 112-113
Purpose: Identify and follow actions/messages that hold transformative narratives around an issue to acknowledge the narrative power in our movements and think about ways to strengthen them.
Time: 30 mins
Storytelling Circle, WeRise Toolkit, JASS
Overview: This activity uses storytelling as a process of empowerment in which participants’ voices and experiences are affirmed and we build community and solidarity. It is also an introduction to listening and documenting skills. Purpose: This activity enables participants to experience the power of storytelling in amplifying voices and building connections among those often not heard. While initially developed to support women’s storytelling and empowerment, it can be adapted for any group whose stories are distorted, unheard or unvalued. As part of our feminist movement building, we need to challenge the kinds of stories that are told about us and refuse to be silenced. For instance, in many cases, women’s voices and experiences are not visible, and it is very rare to hear women telling their own stories. One way to challenge this is to produce women’s stories that put women’s experiences and perspectives front and centre. The more women’s stories are told and shared, the more it will become the norm that women’s stories are important and valuable For any group that is marginalized and whose stories are not heard or valued, storytelling is an effective way for people to empower themselves by sharing their own stories in place of the stories told about them. It also allows us to build community and solidarity in our organisations and movements — as we hear each other’s experiences and understand better how we can learn from and relate to one another in the fight for justice. The more women’s stories are told and shared, the more it will become the norm that women’s stories are important and valuable. By telling our stories, we affirm their importance and create more space for others to tell theirs.
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Battle of the Story Methodology, Beautiful Trouble
5 steps on how to use the Battle of the Story (Narrative Power Analysis).
Guide for Trainers: A collation of resources by Leading Change Network
A list of resources from the Leading Change Network for trainers teaching public narrative following the approach of Marshall Ganz including the Public Narrative Online Course (Videos). Please note some of the resources are for members only. You can become a member here.
Templates and Worksheets
You might like to start here: How to Change the Narrative / Story: Guides, Worksheets and Templates, or explore the following topics.
Narrative Analysis & Strategy
- Worksheet – Who What How: Narrative Strategy for Issue Campaigns
- Narrative Power Analysis Worksheet
- Battle of the Story Worksheet, smartMeme Strategy & Training Project (now Center for Story-based Strategy)
- Narrative System and Ecosystem, Race Forward
- Narrative Pyramid Worksheet, Race Forward
- Audience Worksheet, Race Forward
- Narrative Goals Worksheet, Race Forward
- What Form will your project take, Race Forward
- Design Star Strategy Alignment Worksheet, Race Forward
- Narrative Hypothesis & Impact Measurement, Race Forward
- Step-by-Step Narrative Project Design Guide, Race Forward
- Interactive Values Problem Solution Action message building tool, The Opportunity Agenda
Story Development
- The Story Canvas Template, Digital Storytellers
- Mapping Story Archetypes Worksheet, Center for Story Based Strategy
- Story Template, Greenpeace
- Characters of the Story, Greenpeace
- Checklist – Telling a New Story: A Collaborative Checklist for Social Justice Leaders Using Narrative Strategies for Change
Public Narrative
- Story of Self, Us and Now Worksheets, Organizing People, Power, Change Guide, pgs 42 – 25
- Story of Self Handout: My Boundaries
Messaging
- Messages That Move People, Campaign Strategy Worksheets, Training for Change
- Framing Worksheet A4, Mobilisation Lab
- Interactive Values Problem Solution Action message building tool, The Opportunity Agenda
Other
- Exercise: Audience Understanding
- Persona Worksheet A4, Mobilisation Lab
- Questioning Worksheet A4, Mobilisation Lab
- Leaderful Organizing Tool: Race Class Narrative Checklist
- Rapid Response Worksheet: A framework for advancing narrative strategy in the face of a crisis or breaking news development
- Checklist for roll out a Narrative Change Campaign, International Center for Policy Advocacy
Courses and Directories
- Storytelling, Narrative and Messaging Courses
- Center for Story-based Strategy – live trainings and self paced online workshops
- Framing Issues for Social Justice Impact: Directory of Messaging Guides
- Narrative, Storytelling and Messaging Directories and Libraries
Trainers
- Narrative Directory – Trainers, International Resource for Impact and Storytelling IRIS
- Narrative & Storytelling Training Directory, Democracy Resource Hub
Quotes
- Inspiring Narrative Change Quotes
- Marshall Ganz Quotes and Wisdom about Leadership, Hope, Organizing and Narrative
- Inter-Narratives – Newsletter Quotes
Explore Further
- Learn to tell Stories with your Smartphone Video
- How to Build Public Support With Personal Stories
- How Powerful Conversations Won Abortion Rights in Ireland
- Easy Read Guides for Social Change – Story
- Templates, Worksheets & Checklists for Changemakers
- Narrative Change: Start Here
- Communications and Media: Start Here
- Power: Training and Planning Tools