Simple Ways to Tell Your Nonprofit's Stories

I sometimes worry that nonprofits shy away from one of the most powerful tools they have to promote their cause: storytelling.

Some of this hesitancy comes from worrying that sharing a client's story is exploitative or violates their privacy. That's a legitimate, but often misplaced, concern.

In my experience, clients often want to share their stories - if only to let others know that help is out there. If you aren't sure, just ask your client - while being clear that saying "no" is perfectly fine.

More often, however, I think nonprofits don't take advantage of storytelling because they think it will be a long and involved process, requiring countless hours of interviewing, research and writing. 

But don't think "book" or "article" when you consider storytelling for your nonprofit. Think "anecdote" - a short, interesting story about a real person. 

And the only difference between sharing this anecdote and one that you might tell at party is that this story comes with a purpose - and three distinct phases:

1. The Hook - your subject line or first sentence that grabs the reader’s attention.
2. The Story - the anecdote you are sharing - and the role your nonprofit played.
3. The Call-to-Action - what you want your audience to do with the information you shared.

Here's an example from our files, a story about someone who made good on a second chance provided by a nonprofit we represented. The program was called "Fresh Start" and it helped those who had been incarcerated transition back into civilian life.

The Hook
When Alan returned to the County jail, it was as a role model, not a prisoner.

The Story 
He first met representatives of the Fresh Start program at a very low part of his life. He had been imprisoned on charges related to chronic alcohol abuse. In addition to criminal charges, his substance abuse had resulted in his turning over custody of his son to a family member. He felt he had lost everything.

But meeting with our team, which works with prisoners to help them plan for their life after they are released on parole, inspired him. He began to participate in the "Exodus" 12-step program to battle addiction in jail. Fresh Start team members helped him create a resume, fill out job applications, and apply for housing.

Shortly after his release, he was able to land a job. Now, in addition to being an excellent employee and reuniting with his son, Alan has come full circle. When he goes to the County jail, it's to mentor others in the exodus program and serve as a role model of what can be accomplished after an inmate's release - with a little help.

The CTA
Can you help give others the power of a second chance and contribute to the "Fresh Start" program? CLICK HERE to find out how you can help.

There's no doubt that powerful storytelling can bring your cause to life and the example above shows that it can be done succinctly (218 words, 5 paragraphs).

So let your storytelling flag fly and inspire others by sharing (briefly) the stories of those impacted by your nonprofit.