storytelling toward community action: the u/s method
DESCRIPTION
This presentation shares tools and practices utilized by the team of United Story, a social venture that uses story-based events, workshops, and projects to address topics that interest communities. It was shared at the 2014 MONUMENT Service-Learning Conference in Washington, DC. Learn more about United Story at www.unitedstory.org United Story is powered by Catalysts by Design (www.catalystsbydesign.com).TRANSCRIPT
PRESENTED BYCambrie Nelson & De NicholsUnited Story Co-Founders
STORYTELLING TOWARD COMMUNITY ACTION: THE U/S METHODMONUMENTAL Conference | Washington, DC | April 2014
We believe in story.
STOOPSITTING
WORDS
BREAK THE ICE
Select 1 of the following prompts:1. A moment when you felt powerful2. A moment when you were afraid3. Your most embarrassing moment
Write that moment on a sheet of paper.
BREAK THE ICE
After writing, crumble your paper into a ball.
Toss your crumbled ball across the room.
After tossing your ball, find,pick up, and read a different one.
THE STORY OF UNITED STORY
WHAT IS UNITED STORY?...A social design initiative
...That uses a storytelling platform to address social topics that interest communities
...And fosters community-owned action in the form of crowd-funded 21-day challenges and projects
STORY VISUALIZATION
STORY COLLECTION
EXCHANGES
UNITED STORY NIGHTS
COLLABORATIVE ART
WORKSHOPS
STORY LABS & CHAPTERS
TOPICS WE’VE ENGAGEDArt & CommunityCivic LeadershipDiversity & Social InclusionEducationHomelessness
IdentityIncarcerationLGBTQIA IssuesViolenceYouth Development
THE U/S METHOD
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
Identify themes and issues to engage.
Conduct research on the topic.
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
Connect with local partners and “experts” to build knowledge.
Collect narratives within the community that are based on the theme.
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
Transform the narratives into creative works.● Visual art● Video ● Audio
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
Organize a United Story gathering that allow others to share stories on the selected theme.
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
Generate ideas during United Story gatherings that spark action as a response to the themes and topics that emerge.
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
Crowdfund selected ideas using admission costs from the U/S gathering.
Support ideas as they get implemented as community projects.
THE U/S METHOD HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
CONNECTION . EXPRESSION . EMPATHETIC ACTION . SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
Measure projects as they happen.
Report project stories,success, and challenges.
STORYTELLING+
SERVICE-LEARNING
1. EMPATHY The internet has given access to as many facts. The job of our community organizers and civic leaders is not to give facts, but to compel by creating connection and empathy.
Story offers that power.
2. DEMOCRACY We cannot shape solutions that are adequate for the world without recognizing, hearing, and understanding the world's experiences.
Story offers that voice.
3. IMAGINATIONThe world's current problems require solutions that are outside of our current reality. These solutions do not need to be complex, but unique.
Story offers that creativity.
4. ACCESSStories change the story about access. They are "the great equalizers" that offer equity by giving a common language that crosses boundaries, classes, etc.. All can join in!
Story offers that community.
5. CURRENCY$tories are free to have, but their value is infinite.
Story offers that wealth.
6. RENEWABLEStories are a reliable and sustainable resource.
Story offers that capacity.
UNITED STORY BLITZ
SCHOOL NEIGHBORHOOD
PICK A CATALYST
HEALTH MEDIA
PICK A CATALYST
FIND A GROUPRelocate to the table that features your social catalyst.
Using the writing prompt, create a story related to the selected theme.
CREATE STORIES 10 MINUTES
Rehearse your story.Share it with a neighbor.
PAIR SHARE 5 MINUTES
Share your story with the full group.
GROUP SHARE 10 MINUTES
Brainstorm: GROUP SHARE 10 MINUTES
ThemesChallenges
Social concerns
AssetsStrengths
Possibilities
21 Day ChallengeCOMMIT
Bringing U/S to Your Community
BRINGING U/S TO YOUR CITY
1. ORGANIZE YOUR TEAM
2. IDENTIFY THEMES
3. COLLECT STORIES
4. SHARE WITH COMMUNITY
5. ACTIVATE THEMES
4. Create….by collecting these stories in a creative way.
Share…your projects with your broader community and with us at United Story!
6. REFLECT & REPORT
REFLECTION +
DEBRIEF
QUESTIONS?
THANK YOU!