A good story has the power to change the world. The "public narrative" methodology trains organizers, activists, and community leaders to share their personal stories more effectively, in order to build a sense of community around shared values and experiences, and ultimately to move large numbers of people to action on an issue or cause. Public narrative is a practice of leadership; it’s the why of organizing — the art of translating values into action through stories.

At the end of this skillshare, you will have the basic tools to use story-telling into your organizing and campaigning work and an outline for a story that you can use to motivate others to take action with you for radical social change.

Despite horrifying statistics – unnecessary deaths, medical bankruptcy, and more – people are rarely moved to action by data. We are moved to action when our personal experiences with the healthcare system violate our most basic values of what is fair and moral, and when we believe we can win change. Your most compelling story for inspiring others to act is your own story, which cannot be found in a research report or a spreadsheet. It requires reflecting on why you are moved to take action to win healthcare for all, zeroing in on moments when you were confronted by the healthcare system, remembering how that moment made you feel, examining the values that compelled you to take action, and explaining what happened when you did act – perhaps acting changed you as a person, or you made a difference.

This skillshare is based on the methodology developed by Marshall Ganz who is best known for his work with the United Farmworkers and the Obama 2008 campaign. Examples will focus largely on healthcare but the training is open to activists that work on all progressive issues.