Telling Tales of Impact: A Workshop for Nonprofit Leaders

This workshop is Full.

Delivery: Online via Zoom

Unlock the power of compassion and inspire change with non-profit storytelling. In the realm of philanthropy, the art of storytelling takes center stage as a compelling tool to convey the heart and soul of an organization's mission. Non-profit storytelling goes beyond mere words; it is a dynamic narrative that weaves together the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals and communities touched by the organization's endeavors. Through vivid, emotive, and ethical storytelling, nonprofits humanize their missions, fostering a deeper connection between their audience and the causes they champion.

Nonprofit storytelling serves as a bridge between various stakeholders, including donors,  board members and the constituents we serve, forging empathy and understanding. By spotlighting real-life stories of resilience, hope, and transformation, these narratives transcend statistics and make a profound impact on the hearts and minds of those who hear them. Through various mediums, including written narratives, videos, and social media campaigns, nonprofits leverage storytelling to create a sense of urgency and mobilize support for their initiatives.

This art form is not confined to a single moment but unfolds over time, creating a narrative arc that evolves alongside the organization's progress. It is a powerful tool for cultivating a sense of community, rallying support, and inspiring individuals to become active participants in the pursuit of positive change. Non-profit storytelling breathes life into statistics, turning them into stories that resonate and linger, prompting individuals to take meaningful action for a better, more compassionate world.

In this workshop, we will:

1. Provide narrative framing techniques to share with stakeholders, i.e. board members, constituents.

2. Learn the importance of “setting the table” to get the story you want.

3. Review and discuss the tenets of ethical storytelling.

Instructor

Lisa Nelson-Haynes is Chief of Program Officer at StoryCorps, where she oversees interview collection, Learning & Engagement, Recording & Archive, Research & Evaluation, and special initiatives, including One Small Step DC. She joined the organization in October 2022 as Managing Director, Program Strategy & Innovation.

Prior to joining StoryCorps, Lisa was Executive Director of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, where she oversaw the vision, operations and fundraising for the organization, which helps young people discover their potential through the art of the play. During her tenure at Philly Young Playwrights, Lisa was also the co-creator and Executive Producer of the organization’s award-winning podcast, Mouthful, exploring the experiences and perspectives of young people to spark important and timely conversations about big ideas and issues. 

Championing the power of personal narrative and stories, Lisa’s work has long centered around empowering others to take control of their stories and voices. An award-winning storyteller and teacher, Lisa has facilitated digital storytelling workshops for Storycenter for more than 18 years. She also has worked with Drexel University’s Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice’s Healing Hurt People to facilitate workshops with young people who are victims of intentional injury to craft narratives that celebrate their resiliency and triumphs.

Nelson-Haynes is a graduate of Hampton University.

Cost

Program Cost: $120