FOOD ACCESS SUMMIT 2013: DEVELOPING LEADERS FOR FOOD POLICY TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, :45PM – 5:00PM Moving People to Action with Stories Erin Vilardi Women’s Leadership Works

The Power of Storytelling What truly moves us as human beings and prompts us into action is emotion. Imagination is the conduit of emotion. Well-told stories carry the imagination. Allows us to believe “it” is possible. Conveys morals and ideas without instruction.

Leadership: Knowing Your Story Authenticity:  Truthfulness and Identity Audience  Research Works. Don’t be that guy! Convey Purpose: Core Values in Action  Have a goal to your story.  Results matter. Numbers are for follow up. The Basics  Clear, Concise, Credible.  Power of 3

Mining For Stories: GROUP EXERCISE Hello, I’m NAME and I’m running for public office. I want to tell you a little bit about me and why I’m running. STORY So, I ask for your support/vote! Thank you.

Mining For Stories: Everyday You must “mine”  For yourself  Of others in your organization or team  Of your constituents: how would things be different if you weren’t involved?  Donors: why do they give?  Volunteers: how do they feel when they give?

4 Tips for Good Storytelling: Guidelines - NOT hard & Fast Rules! 1. Keep it Consistent  Make it worth their time.  “Less is More”  You lost me there? 2. Use Details  Make it Vivid: Use the 5 Senses 3. Tap into your Emotions  Words, body language and tone are all tools for connection.  Anticipation. 4. End with Action and Ask!  People want to care.  Be clear about your goal or purpose.  Tell them how you want them to be a part of your story!

New Places to Use Stories Meetings  Staff meetings: Get one person to “share a story” from the week. Rotate this each week. Collect them.  Tell a story rather than “make your point” with your Board. Donor Engagement  Stories with results.  Reflect the core values of your program  Articulate the intersection with your organization Voters or Volunteers  Stories with purpose and vision resonate most with these groups. Elected Leaders and Policy Makers  Combine stories with numbers to convey full picture.

New Places to Use Stories Social Media  Instagram – A picture is worth a 1000 words  Align your images with your overall narrative.  Facebook  Brief paragraphs that convey your results and EMOTION!  Can tell a story over time.  Twitter  Supports your narrative as an expert or high-impact organization.  Look back and assess – are these mediums telling your story?

How You Say It Matters: Get Powerful

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