Stories Change Power Scholarship Fund

In 2024, your support made it possible for Stories Change Power to reach hearts and minds. You helped us share strategies that build trust and bridge divides. You sponsored in-person workships and online learning communities for participants across the country. You backed an approach where people felt valued and supported.

In the words of one learning community member: 

"It's the best advocacy workshop I've ever attended by a long, long way." 

In 2025, our people-centered and research-backed approach to advocacy is urgently needed.

To meet the moment, we're launching THE NEXT CHAPTER campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 by December 31, 2024. The campaign will begin on GivingTuesday, December 3, 2024. Giving that Tuesday will MULTIPLY your impact in two ways:

1) GlobalGiving’s GivingTuesday campaign will distribute bonus funds to nonprofits worldwide; and

2) A generous Stories Change Power donor has offered to match donations made on GivingTuesday up to $5,000.

On GivingTuesday, we hope to raise $20.25K toward our $100,000 overall goal. By giving that Tuesday, you’re not just donating—you’re joining a global celebration of generosity.

With hope for our shared future,

Piper

P.S. - Stories Change Power aims to respect your inbox by not sending repetitive messages. Rather than inundate you with email in the days ahead, I'm asking: 

***Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 3, and join us in writing THE NEXT CHAPTER of civic engagement in the United States.***

Links:

• Help us reach $20.25K on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024

An unprecedented presidential race has ended, and those votes are tallied. From our two major political parties, one won the presidency and the other has conceded this election. 

As a nonpartisan nonprofit, we're encouraging everyone to remember while our political differences can feel overwhelming, they don’t have to define us. Nor should they limit us. There's room for ALL OF US in rebuilding trust and shaping our shared future.

As a friend of Stories Change Power, I write to share with you 5 possible next steps toward the just and peaceful future we all want and deserve:

#1 GET CLEAR: Specifically identify values important in your life. Sure, you know them on some level, but have you named them? (At Stories Change Power, we’ve got 8: https://www.storieschangepower.org/products Feel free to use as many as you’d like!) Rather than leave it to chance, be clear about how you want to show up. We can agree this election was contentious, yes? So how will YOU be part of helping “turn down the heat?”

#2 GET CURIOUS: Make it a priority to better understand -really understand- “the other side.” While direct interaction can be a goal, perhaps start by checking out other news sources. (Tangle News, whose founder was a guest speaker in our current Learning Comunity, is a great place for that.) Whether media stories or personal stories, listen to understand, not to respond. In times of division, it’s easy to assume we know what others think or feel. But true progress starts with understanding—not agreement. And let’s be clear: listening to people whose experiences differ from yours can be HARD WORK. It’s worth it. That work is how we learn, grow, and find common purpose.

#3 GET TO STORYTELLING: Stories are the foundation of connection. Period. Consider sharing YOUR story. Be safe while remembering “safe” isn’t the same as “comfortable.” Writing, speaking, or posting… your story helps others learn and be brave enough to share theirs, too. (From #2, we need more than stories that confirm our beliefs. Seek out those that challenge your assumptions.)

#4 GET INVOLVED: Get involved at the local level - that can be on a particular advocacy issue, but not necessarily; as you’ll see in the documentary Join or Die, simply joining a club with people you wouldn’t likely meet otherwise improves your life and strengthens your community: https://www.joinordiefilm.com/

#5 GET ENERGIZED: Which is to say “rest when you need.” Advocacy work ain’t easy, especially after a contentious election. Let’s look out for our health, including mental health. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup: https://www.storieschangepower.org/blog/wellbeing-in-tough-jobs-trade-your-oxygen-mask-for-a-teacup

This moment can feel divided and daunting. Please don’t forget what’s still possible:

"We the People" have power to build the future we want together. Every time we choose understanding over judgment, we are taking a step in that direction.

These are just 5 steps to get started. I'd love to hear from you what you'd add to the list.

Links:

• Our 8 Values