The document discusses the importance and effectiveness of storytelling in advocacy and citizen activism. It notes that stories are 22 times more likely to be remembered than facts alone and can inspire others to speak up. The document provides tips for developing stories, including brainstorming prompts to find pivotal moments or reasons for being involved in advocacy. It emphasizes knowing the audience and including a clear call to action in stories used for advocacy purposes.

1. Break through to Become an Effective Citizen ActivistThe Art and Agency of Storytelling
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

2. Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS
#1 lesson: Storytelling can be painful

3. Some context: The history of stories and
storytelling in the United States
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

4. Why tell stories?
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

5. If we don’t tell our stories,
someone else will
“I want to be an engineer because
you get to mess around with
technology and help people. But
first I need to get better at long
division. One thing I’d like to do is
make cheaper prosthetics for
people in the army. One day I was
bored so I googled them and saw
that they cost $3500.
Maybe I can make them the same
way but with recycled materials.”
- From Humans Of New York Project
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

6. “Without SNAP, I’d be on the cusp of homelessness.
With SNAP, I’m on the cusp of law school.”
-Asia Bijan Thompson, RESULTS Expert on Poverty
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

7. Using Storytelling in Advocacy:
Stories matter and…they work!
• Effective way to influence policy makers, bust dangerous myths
• Stories 22x more likely to be remembered than facts alone, “sticky”
• Your voice can inspire others to speak up
Know your audience
• Do your homework, research when you can
• Know (and be wary of) how much time you have
• Overcome apathy with hope
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

8. Stories matter, but where to start?
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

9. Brainstorming prompts…
Story mapping
Map out people, places, things that are
important to you: find themes, moments,
then choose one
“Everything changed when…”
Zero in on a certain moment in time:
Pivotal moments, epiphanies, etc.
Think about when the stakes were raised
“I’m here today because…”
Why are you here in this room today?
What is your purpose, driving force?
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

10. Find your “Nugget of Truth”
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS
Write down your 1 sentence
takeaway for the listener

11. Don’t forget: A CALL TO ACTION!
Storytelling in advocacy should answer:
“what do you want me to do about it?”
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

12. Don’t forget: color and texture
Sensory: See, touch, hear, taste
Descriptive detail helps retain in memory
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

13. The magic of your first line and last line
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

14. Stories are sacred
Of course you have a story.
You’re human.
With great power, comes great
responsibility.
Do not do for others what they
can do for themselves.
Do your homework, know your
audience, 50/50 conversations.
“Don’t talk unless you can
improve the silence.” - Borges
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS

15. Visit RESULTS.org and VOLUNTEER with us!
Learn more about our Experts on Poverty
Twitter storytelling: #ExpertsOnPoverty | #TalkPoverty
Contact me directly:
Kristy Martino | kmartino@results.org | @kristymartino
Thank you, all!
Kristy Martino | Senior Campaigns Organizer, U.S. Poverty Campaigns | @kristymartino
kmartino@results.org | results.org #Voices4RESULTS