The Power Of Connecting – Examining The Value Of Storytelling To Charities
Tokunbo Ifaturoti
Introduction
They say storytelling is an art, but the most powerful stories are perhaps those told simply in the words of those who live through them.
Charity workers and their beneficiaries have some of the most compelling stories you will ever read or hear. The problem is that most likely you won’t because providing aid is so involved and consuming that there is little time or energy left to jot done the life changing minor miracles experienced or the simple fulfillment it brings.
Similarly, person who benefit from aid are caught up in the act of living, of making it through another day and often cannot spare the time or energy to relate their stories of renewed hope and over-abounding gratitude.
Storytelling via Social Media
The Small Charities Coalition provides its members with guidance on the use of social media as a means of getting their message and their need out to as many people as possible. Increasingly, that is exactly what charities are beginning to do.
Most of us already use our social media accounts to remain in touch and share the happenings of our lives with “friends” near and far. It therefore seems like a natural progression and smart decision to allow this networking platform to work for the benefit of those the charities are set up to help.
By using social media to the convey stories of need and the stories of success that our charity has experienced, we are reaching an audience that we otherwise could not have hoped to reach. Ensuring that these stories powerfully relate the truths of our situation and the situations of those we serve is paramount to increasing the support we receive. Why?
The Truth Is The Most Compelling Story We Can Tell
The value of the services we provide and the urgent need for others to get on board and invest in us is best expressed by simply using storytelling to open a window into our operations. As we share the true stories of how we impact the lives of those most in need and how they in turn impact us, we are allowing persons who wish to help to see how that help can be realised and the value it represents to beneficiaries.
The possibilities presented by the use of social media are not just extended to the charity and its beneficiaries. Volunteers and donors (past, current and future) can share in their own words what they have gained by becoming involved.
Conclusion
Sharing these stories is of extreme importance because stories inspire people to get involved and to give a lending hand whether literally or figuratively through donations. Once we have received the requisite permissions to use photos, names and statements, we can share the uniqueness of our experiences with the wide audience social media provides.
The very nature of social media puts the sharing of stories into perpetual motion. This is a fact charities must take advantage of by encouraging family members, friends, co-workers, community members and supporters to join in.
