Self, Us, Now

A storytelling practice for communities seeking change. Building confidence, awareness, strategy, and leadership.

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am for myself alone, what am I? If not now, when?" (Rabbi Hillel)

'Yes, we can'

Story of Self

• Communicates how my lived experience shapes my values and goals -- 'what has called me here?'
• Expresses the challenge I faced, the choices I made, the outcome of those choices
• Invites listeners to connect with the teller

Story of Us

• Expresses shared values, purpose, goals of the community - 'what brings us together?'
• Invites other people to be part of the community

Story of Now

• An urgent story about the challenges and choices the community faces, and its hopes for the future
• The Story of Now invites others to take action.

Camp Obama Volunteer Training (2007)

Health Equity & Social Justice, National Association of County and City Health Officials (2017)

Hurricane Florence (2018), Community News

Public Narrative in Action (James Croft)

Resources

• Working Narrative Blog: shorturl.at/jmuJ7
• Storytelling for Change Strategy Guide: shorturl.at/ajzLW
• Public Narrative Worksheet: shorturl.at/rMSXZ
• Camp Obama video playlist: shorturl.at/psLY4

So what?

• Is the approach relevant for ABR work in the OPS?
• How might the approach help us improve our interactions with staff and clients?
• Could this approach be relevant for the "storytelling competency" of leaders in the OPS?