An illustrative alternative to conventional Strategic Plans & Theories of Change
○ Reveal intended change
○ Simplify complexity
○ Analyze systemic factors
○ Align capacities and resources
A sensitized alternative to conventional Evaluation, Monitoring & Data Collection
○ Legitimize lived experience
○ Humanize the elevation of stories
○ Democratize meaning-making
○ Learn in relations of reciprocity
An emotive alternative to conventional Reporting Results & Data Findings
○ Invite the activation of change
○ Compel responsive dialogue
○ Draw out our 'love of humanity'
○ Uphold mutual accountability
INTEGRATE A STORY-BASED PRACTICE
⦿ Develop an influential story of hope, voice and/or action.
⦿ Transform an existing strategic plan, theory of change, evaluation, or report into an illuminating story to offer guidance and inspiration and to compel change.
⦿ Integrate or deepen one or more story-based methodologies as part of your organizational culture and/or consulting practice.
DESIGN A VALUES-ENRICHED PRACTICE
⦿ Incorporate participatory and creative dynamics to deepen and nourish our interactions.
A practice of hope, voice, and action stories.
A practice of horizontal, spacious, and interconnected values.
A practice of action-orientation.
CLIENT REFLECTIONS
Organizations reflect on creating their Story of Hope
“It’s important to look up first before focusing on challenges.”
“Very useful to engage in a process that gives us space to learn from each other and build relationships.”
“Appreciate you holding the space and pushing us to think creatively.”
A community partner validates a Story of Hope
“We are the ones that generate positive narratives. It is good that [the Story] is hopeful, aligned to a language that is humanizing.”
(Translated from Spanish.)
Community partners reflect on uplifting their Story of Voice
“Something about being part of this…makes you a better person, to grow as a leader.”
“Leave with hope. Feeling that what I say will lead to actual change.”
“Curative. Relaxing. I came stressed and now I am relaxed.”
(Translated from Spanish.)
"The rain falls like problems…[but] we have umbrellas."
(Translated from Spanish.)
"Creative. I feel like a little girl again.” (Translated from Spanish.)
“One feels united…similar or worse problems.”
(Translated from Spanish.)
"The sun is going to rise."
(Translated from Spanish.)
Community partners animate their Story of Action
“We conducted a Youth Justice March [to city council] advocate for positive youth investment (a major finding from the 77 Youth Voice participants). Before our march the city's “Recreation-Youth Prevention Budget 2015-16” was at 5%, after the march it went up."
“Permit me to solicit your support [to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors] of the project of this team of Bright Beginnings. I firmly believe in the importance of promoting this project of universal preschool. My three children are an example that preschool promotes a child’s development. It creates a love to grow, to read, to share, to form a strong relationship between parent and child, and to implement a learning culture."(Translated from a video testimony in Spanish.)
Story of Hope with youth leaders
Story of Hope workshop
Story of Voice with parent flower mapping