This guide explains how narratives - the big ideas carried through many stories - shape how we see the world and what we think is possible. From childhood, we learn from thousands of stories that teach us how to live. These stories create narratives that influence whether we feel powerful or powerless, what we dream of becoming, and how we relate to others.
The Narrative Initiative believes that successful social movements need three things: organized people, organized money, and organized ideas. They define different types of stories - from single events to deep narratives that have shaped society for over 50 years. The guide shows how people working for social change can gain power by making sure their stories and experiences are included in the bigger narratives that guide our society.
When narratives change, social change follows. This resource helps activists, community organizers, and advocates understand how to use storytelling strategically to create the changes they want to see in their communities and the world.