Telling Stories That Shift Systems: Narrative, Power, and Change

​Event Description

Stories shape how people understand the world, what they believe is possible, and what they are willing to act on. Yet the social sector often struggles to use storytelling effectively, missing opportunities to shift narratives, influence policy, and build lasting movements.

This discussion explores how to harness storytelling as a tool for real change. What does it take to craft narratives that resonate with people’s lived experiences, values, and identities? How can organizations better understand their audiences, choose the right messengers, and communicate in ways that inspire action rather than overwhelm?

We will also examine the challenges, from navigating misinformation to avoiding tokenism when centering lived experience. The session will explore how stories can move beyond awareness to shaping political will, influencing policy, and building community, and how leaders can find and use their authentic voice in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.

​Speakers

• ​Joel Miranda is Senior Program Manager at the Global Opportunity Youth Network, advancing youth leadership and systems change globally.

• ​Mackinnon Engen is Executive Director of Watsi, leading global health programs expanding access to surgical care.

• ​Meredith Hess is Strategic Development Lead at Project Dandelion.

• ​Saralynn Finn is Principal at Sett & Sley Consulting, supporting mission-driven organizations with strategy and communications.

• ​Sian Wu is Managing Director at Resource Media.

• ​Taiwo Adeyemi is CEO of BoxxCulture, working at the intersection of culture and social impact.

• ​Tara Todras-Whitehill is CEO of TW Storytelling Agency, helping organizations elevate storytelling for impact.

• ​Chanelle Elaine is Founder and Visionary Architect of Story + Possibility at Kashif Incubator.

• ​Sonam Singh is Director of Marketing at Watsi, leading storytelling for global health programs that expand access to surgical care.

• ​Divya Iyer is Director of Campaigns and Impact at Crisis Action, leading global advocacy and coalition-building for systemic change.

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Discussion Questions
What does the social sector often get wrong when trying to use storytelling to drive change?
How can narratives be designed to resonate deeply and shift behavior, not just raise awareness?
How do we center lived experience in storytelling without tokenizing individuals or communities?
What role do narratives play in shaping political will, policy, and long-term systems change?