In an essay featured in the New York Times, Rachael Scarborough King shares how caregivers transformed her family’s life as her husband, lawyer and activist Ady Barkan, became progressively paralyzed because of ALS. She describes the caregivers’ major role in improving and sustaining their family dynamics, marriage, and overall quality of life, while also being honest about the tough costs they had to pay.
However, King’s article doesn’t merely touch on her personal story. Her account feeds into a broader discussion on societal inequalities and systemic barriers that limit access to caregiving options. Shedding light on how this essential support is often inaccessible and expensive, King actively advocates for increased funding of home care, with her title succinctly relaying the message: “Caregivers Helped Us Be a Family. Everyone Should Have That Option.”
How a personal narrative can inspire action
King’s essay serves as a perfect example of the power personal stories hold in rallying support for critical causes. It’s not just a personal account; it’s a call to action, with her story transcending individual experiences to expose the urgent need for change.
With our current climate’s preoccupation with data-driven findings or technology-enhanced results, it’s easy to overlook the timeless impact of personal narratives. We often find ourselves immersed in statistics and trends, forgetting that behind each data point lies a human experience.
The emotional connection forged through personal narratives is indispensable.
The emotional connection forged through personal narratives is indispensable. Stories make issues concrete and relatable, transforming abstract concepts into lived experiences. They turn complex issues into narratives that anyone can grasp, fostering a sense of shared humanity. It’s this shared understanding that propels people to action. When we see the world through someone else’s eyes, we’re more inclined to advocate for change and contribute to a cause larger than ourselves.
Major movements like the Me Too movement exemplify the transformative power of sharing personal accounts. The brave individuals who shared their stories of harassment and abuse rightfully disrupted the silence surrounding these issues. Even more, their voices resonated with countless others, creating a collective outcry for change. The emotional impact of these personal stories fueled a movement that went beyond hashtags and headlines—it sparked a cultural shift, exposing perpetrators, sparking conversations on consent, and pushing for institutional change.
Personal narratives as a tool
In inspiring empathy and action, personal narratives have become a key marketing tool, especially for nonprofit organizations. They cut through the noise, providing a powerful avenue for organizations to connect with their audience on a deeper, more genuine level.
Personal stories, when carefully integrated into a brand or organization’s messaging, strengthen its credibility while enhancing authenticity. The stories provide a window into the real experiences and impact of the organization’s work, creating a relationship that goes beyond a single transaction. By connecting your organization to real people and their experiences, you make it easier for supporters, externally and internally, to align themselves with your mission.
Personal stories, when carefully integrated into a brand or organization’s messaging, strengthen its credibility while enhancing authenticity.
Consider our work with Helen Keller Intl., a global nonprofit working to provide access to “nutritious foods, vision services, and health care” in neglected communities. Before working with us, the global brand was little more than a logo and colors while the organization had been leaning away from the legacy of their co-founder and namesake, Helen Keller. We pushed to reverse that trend and instead have Helen Keller’s life and legacy become not just a footnote in their message but the essence of the brand’s personality and the de facto Brand Idea.
And so, a trailblazer’s personal legacy served as the guiding light for holistic organizational alignment and change. The board members and field staff worldwide embraced this direction enthusiastically, with the rebranding and growth strategy leading to a surge in engagement, retention, and donors. From $4 million when starting the brand work, Helen Keller Intl. is now raising $7 million in unrestricted funds annually.
Ethical storytelling
While personal narratives can be a powerful tool, there’s a thin line between impactful storytelling and exploitation.
Consider the risk of reducing individuals to mere instruments for fundraising goals. This often results in a skewed narrative that prioritizes the organization’s agenda over the dignity and agency of those involved. Striking the right balance is crucial—how can we tell an authentic story without crossing into exploitation?
Organizations must prioritize the agency of those sharing their stories. It’s not just about using personal narratives as a marketing tool but about empowering individuals to become the authors of their own stories. The narrative should be a collaboration, reflective of shared experiences and goals, rather than a one-sided portrayal designed solely for impact.
A story, no matter how compelling, should never compromise the desired level of privacy, dignity, or safety of the storyteller.
A story, no matter how compelling, should never compromise the desired level of privacy, dignity, or safety of the storyteller. The responsibility lies with organizations to uphold ethical standards, respecting the boundaries of the individuals whose stories they share.
Ensuring authenticity is another aspect. In the pursuit of emotional resonance, there’s a temptation to embellish or sensationalize stories. Organizations should resist this urge and instead strive for transparency. This transparency extends to the use of funds generated through storytelling, ensuring that the resources go back to the community and contribute to positive change.
Ultimately, the means are as important as the ends. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about telling them with dignity and respect. In doing so, nonprofits can more authentically connect with their audience, build lasting relationships, and, most importantly, drive positive change without undermining the generous and often brave intentions of those who volunteer to share their experiences.
From stories to action
Rachael King’s story is a good example of ethical storytelling in action. Her narrative isn’t a pawn in someone else’s agenda; it’s her own voice, her own story that she’s using to shine a light on a pressing issue and rally support.
Personal narratives, when told responsibly, bridge the gap between data and emotion, making issues easier to understand and relatable. Still, we must employ them carefully, ensuring authenticity and upholding the dignity of those sharing their stories. In the end, it’s not just about the stories we tell but how we tell them — with respect, transparency, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Image licensed to Tronvig / Consumer Directed Choices
Ask for help.
We are kind, thorough and ready when you are. You just need to ask.