Why storytelling?
We relate through them; we share our vulnerabilities, and connect. Stories contribute to systemic change because they change the opinions of our decision-makers, keep us connected within our movement, and change narratives.
This Stanford Societal Innovation Review article helps to categorize the varied impacts of a story summarized below https://tinyurl.com/LightGlueWeb
Stories can work as Light (on policy impacts), Glue (connecting people in commonality), or Web (changing narratives)
STORY AS LIGHT
Story helps illuminate the past, present, and future, thus lighting up the paths of change. It makes the gaps in a system visible.It illuminates outliers and builds a narrative around work.
STORY AS GLUE
Building community through empathy and coherence, it enables people to connect across differences and to generate narratives that hold together groups, organizations, and movements. It is the best tool we have for understanding what it must feel like to be someone else. Systems change frequently involves collaboration across differences, bringing together actors with very different positions to re-envision the goals of a system and to change it.
Building community through coherence
STORY AS WEB
Change the personal narratives we have about our lives.
Change the cultural narratives that frame the issues we advocate for.
Change the mythic narratives that influence our worldview.
Do you feel ready to share your Light, Glue, and Web stories?
Here’s how!
Cover one idea per story so the audience can quickly understand. We have many reasons why this is such an important issue. But don’t worry, you can send in as many stories as you’d like. If you get stuck, we are here to help you! The form allows you to request assistance.
IMPORTANT – Do not self-incriminate, reference use of THC >.3% inside NC unless necessary for your story (e.g. experiences related to prohibition enforcement)
Video Tips:
– We prefer you not say your name, but it’s up to you whether you show your face.
– Video should be <1 minute because they need to be short to have an impact. This will also help you craft and refine a short script that you can reuse every time you are in front of an elected official or candidate.
1.Draft a script. You won’t necessarily read it but helps to figure out what you want to say to your audience (other advocates, lawmakers, other elected officials)
-“Hello I’m from NC” (DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR NAME or further define your location, unless necessary for your story. At best, this wastes a few seconds and at worst, allows for additional bias) 5 seconds
-“Cannabis legalization is important to me because… “ OR “My story began when ……(tell your experience, your symptoms, how your life is affected) 35 seconds
- Practice, Revise and Record
- Re-record as needed to keep it 60 seconds in length
- Send as many stories as you’d like, but each video should be understandable without additional context.
Go to https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-us-your-mynccannabisstory/ and fill in the details along with a link to your <60-second video or 200-word written story
STORY IDEAS:
– Why is cannabis law reform important for you?
– What if you had access to all high quality, affordable, labeled cannabis products?
– How might legal cannabis help a family member?
– Experiences in states with legalization
As always:
– Stay up-to-date by following NC NORML on social media:
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