"It's so much fun canoeing with my family," said Henrietta Homeowner. "I'm really glad we all did our part to clean up the lake."
Spitfire Communications, a PR firm focusing on do-gooder nonprofit types, has posted its latest e-newsletter, “Spitfire Sparks.” All of the articles are quite good, but one of them is great: Create a “Story Bank” of people whose personal story brings life to your work.
Statistics and charts have their place, but personal stories humanize an issue and make it easier to understand. All organizations can benefit from creating their own storybanks. These collections of compelling stories can be used to make the case to policymakers, attract potential donors or reach out to reporters. Having the stories already written and vetted will make it that much easier for you to move quickly when you need one.
This is a really great idea, readers.
- Storybank Example #1: Center for Children’s Advocacy
- Storybank Example #2: League of Women Voters
Click here to read the latest edition of Spitfire Sparks. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter yourself.
Subscribe via RSS
Fan Our Facebook Page
Connect on LinkedIn
Great advice! I’m making 2010 my Volunteers Speak Out year! There needs to be a variety of venues for folks to speak out, though; some don’t want their photo taken, others are uncomfortable being directly quoted, and there are many reasons someone won’t fill out even an anonymous comment card. One man I know won’t write his opinions or compliments on a form or banner because he doesn’t like his handwriting. Someone else didn’t like her spelling! So think outside the box, find the ways people want to share their thoughts, on their terms.