Storytelling for Social Change from edX

How can storytelling promote social change?

This course develops skills for using stories to deliver messages that affect audiences and shape attitudes for social change. Learn how building empathy and developing characters can offer multiple perspectives on complex problems. Social change happens when listeners or viewers identify with messages delivered through a protagonist they identify with. Theatre artists and professional storytellers offer expertise about how to craft a story that develops empathy and delivers impact.

You will watch video interviews with storytelling experts, view performances, and write your own story for social change. See how stories told from diverse perspectives contribute to understanding new perspectives about pertinent world issues. Learn how effective storytelling can be your tool for change.

This course is for anyone who wants to effectively tell an impactful story. This includes (but is not limited to):

Professionals working in not-for-profit or commercial sectors
Entertainment industry development teams
Writers and arts enthusiasts
Community workers and social activists
Marketing and development teams
Educators and public speakers
Customer service representatives

Please check out the course preview video in YouTube!

What's inside

Learning objectives

How professionals use stories to elicit social change.
How to introduce multiple perspectives into stories for social impact.
How to identify an audience, communicate a message, and develop a strong protagonist to deliver your message.

How empathy and belief systems affect storytellers and audience members.
How to use visual elements to enhance a storytelling project.

How professionals use stories to elicit social change.
How to introduce multiple perspectives into stories for social impact.
How to identify an audience, communicate a message, and develop a strong protagonist to deliver your message.
How empathy and belief systems affect storytellers and audience members.
How to use visual elements to enhance a storytelling project.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops empathy, character development, and storytelling skills that are foundational to careers and endeavors in the non-profit, arts, marketing, and development sectors

Taught by theatre artists and professional storytellers, both of whom have expertise in crafting impactful stories that elicit empathy

Introduces diverse perspectives and teaches how to incorporate them into stories for social impact

Relevant to community work and social activism

May be somewhat useful for customer service representatives

May be somewhat useful for educators and public speakers

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Storytelling for Social Change with these activities:

Find a mentor who is a successful storyteller

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Gain valuable insights and guidance from someone who has experience in the field of storytelling.

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Identify potential mentors through your network, online platforms, or professional organizations.
Reach out to your potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback on your work.

Join a storytelling group

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Connect with other storytellers and exchange ideas and feedback to improve your skills.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Find a storytelling group in your area or online.
Attend meetings regularly and participate in the activities.
Share your stories and give feedback to others.

Attend a storytelling workshop

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Learn from experienced storytellers and gain practical tips for improving your craft.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Find a storytelling workshop in your area or online.
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
Actively participate in the exercises and discussions.
Take notes and apply what you learn to your own storytelling projects.

Five other activities

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Practice writing character sketches

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Improves your ability to create well-developed and believable characters for your stories.

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Choose a specific character from a story you're writing or from a book you're reading.
Write down everything you know about the character, including their physical appearance, personality, backstory, motivations, and goals.
Write a short scene or dialogue that features the character and reveals their unique traits and characteristics.
Share your character sketch with a friend or writing group for feedback.

Read 'Narrative and Form: A Cognitive Approach'

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Provides an in-depth analysis of how narratives work and can shape our understanding of the world.

View Basic Elements of Narrative on Amazon

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Read Part I: The Structure of Narrative
Read Part II: The Dynamics of Narrative
Read Part III: The Semiotics of Narrative
Complete the discussion questions at the end of each chapter
Write a short summary of the key concepts discussed in the book

Create a personal storytelling project

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Develop your storytelling skills by creating a project that is meaningful to you.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Identify a topic or theme that you are passionate about and that you want to explore through storytelling.
Choose the format for your project, such as a written story, a video, or a podcast.
Gather research and materials to support your story.
Create a draft of your project and share it with others for feedback.
Revise and finalize your project and share it with the world.

Develop a story-based marketing campaign

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Apply the principles of storytelling to create a memorable and persuasive marketing campaign.

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Define your target audience and understand their needs and interests.
Craft a story that resonates with your audience and conveys your marketing message.
Choose the right channels to distribute your story and reach your target audience.
Create compelling visuals and other content to support your story.
Track the results of your campaign and make adjustments as needed.

Write a short story based on a social issue

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Develop your storytelling skills while exploring a topic that is important to you.

Browse courses on Social Issues

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Identify a social issue that you are passionate about and that you want to explore in your story.
Research the issue thoroughly to understand its complexities and different perspectives.
Create characters who represent different viewpoints on the issue.
Write a plot that explores the issue from multiple perspectives and leads to a resolution or a call to action.
Share your story with others and invite their feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Storytelling for Social Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Change Manager

Social Change Managers use tools to promote social change in their roles. Storytelling can be used to raise awareness, build empathy, and inspire action. This course can help a Social Change Manager to better select and tell stories for greater impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Change Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs that address social issues. Storytelling can be used to communicate the impact of a program to stakeholders. This course can help a Program Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that highlight the success of their programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead organizations that work to address social issues. Storytelling can be used to communicate the mission and impact of a nonprofit organization. This course can help a Nonprofit Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inspire support.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social issues. Storytelling can be used to communicate the mission and impact of a social enterprise. This course can help a Social Entrepreneur to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inspire investment.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers use storytelling to build relationships with the public and promote a positive image of an organization. This course can help a Public Relations Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that resonate with the public.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social issues. Storytelling can be used to build relationships, raise awareness, and inspire action. This course can help a Community Organizer to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inspire change.

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Journalist

Journalists report on social issues and events. Storytelling is a fundamental skill for journalists. This course can help a Journalist to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inform the public.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. Storytelling can be used to communicate the findings of a policy analysis and advocate for change. This course can help a Policy Analyst to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that influence policy decisions.

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Teacher

Teachers use storytelling to engage students and teach lessons. This course can help a Teacher to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that make learning more effective.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers create and implement programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Storytelling can be used to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion issues and build a more inclusive culture. This course can help a Diversity and Inclusion Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inspire change.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to overcome social and economic challenges. Storytelling can be used to build relationships, assess needs, and advocate for clients. This course can help a Social Worker to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inspire hope and change.

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Public Speaker

Public Speakers give speeches to audiences. Storytelling is a fundamental skill for public speakers. This course can help a Public Speaker to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that engage and inspire audiences.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns. Storytelling is a powerful tool for marketing. This course can help a Marketing Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that connect with customers.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams and develop sales strategies. Storytelling can be used to build relationships with customers and close deals. This course can help a Sales Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that persuade customers to buy.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. Storytelling can be used to communicate HR policies and procedures and build a positive work environment. This course can help a Human Resources Manager to develop stronger narratives and tell stories that inspire employee engagement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager