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Catalyzing Narrative Change in States
In early 2017, Narrative Initiative identified a critical need and number of promising efforts to deploy narrative strategies in the face of authoritarian populism across the country. Narrative Initiative identified states as an important context for testing narrative strategies that could bridge short-term interventions with long-term goals, and began work in Minnesota in late 2017.
Narrative Initiative provided trainings and workshops that increased the capacity of key organizations working in coalition to deploy narrative change strategies in their respective communities. We also supported the creation of a “narrative nervous system,” a set of channels for practitioners to share, align, and coordinate action. Our work with organizations in Minnesota enabled and empowered both individual organizations and the coalition as a whole to experiment with and adopt narrative change practices more regularly, “positioned Minnesota for a wave of policy advocacy” as one practitioner put it, and reinforced the idea that narrative change is a long-term power-building strategy.
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Related Resources
At the Intersection of Power and Hope: Narrative Change In Minnesota
How can we create strong coalitions and local ecosystems to change the narrative? Dave Mann from Grassroots Policy Project offers insights based on his experience with groups in Minnesota over the last 16 years.
A Narrative of Rural Abundance: A Case Study of Land Stewardship Project’s Narrative Strategy
How can organizations undertake a member-driven process to craft new narratives? This case study from Grassroots Policy Project looks at the process they led with Land Stewardship Project in Minnesota.
Four Baskets Self Assessment
The four baskets framework is designed to help practitioners consider different elements of a successful narrative change effort. This self-assessment can be used to reflect on work you've already got under way or to start planning a new project.
Four Baskets Field Guide For Narrative Change Practice
How do we conduct effective narrative change efforts? The Four Baskets Framework lays out four essential elements of successful narrative strategies.
Taller de un día: usar narrativas para construir nuestro poder
El currículo de este taller se enfoca en formar poder narrativo, combinando estrategias de narrativa con trabajo de coalición y de campaña, e integrando trabajo organizativo y comunicaciones estratégicas.
Daylong Training: Using Narrative to Build Our Power
This Daylong Training curriculum focuses on building narrative power, weaving narrative strategies into campaign and coalitional work, and integrating organizing and strategic communications.