By: Hope Schaefer, Executive Director, Nonprofit Leadership Initiative

It may be September, but end-of-year giving appeals are coming, and at the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative we are thinking about how we tell our stories.

Are we telling empowering stories?

Are we telling them in an ethical way?

Storytelling is embedded into all that we do in the nonprofit community. We tell our origin story, stories of impact and success, and stories to spark donations and support. As you approach end-of-year giving, whether you are a part of a nonprofit organization, a community donor, or a board member, we encourage you to think about how you share stories and to join us on October 1 for a Leadership Forum Workshop about Trauma-Informed Storytelling.

Photo from a previous Leadership Forum.

During this session, you’ll gain practical tools for sharing stories in a trauma-informed, empowering way, positioning those we serve as the main character of their own narratives. As fundraisers, we have a responsibility to our community and stakeholders to present our work and the people we serve with thoughtfulness and integrity. By reframing our messaging and storytelling, we can influence societal perceptions, foster greater understanding and support for those we serve.

This session will begin with insights from lived experiences and transition into trauma-informed storytelling techniques. With practical examples and tools, you will learn how and why to incorporate this approach into not only fundraising but all aspects of your organization. As you gain confidence in your new skills, we will move into a hands-on workshop using real materials from your organization to reframe the stories. This is an excellent opportunity to bring your end-of-year giving materials or any marketing pieces where you share stories!

Following the workshop, there will be 30-minutes for networking to find encouragement, build connections, and practice ethical storytelling in your organization’s ‘elevator pitch’.

Photo from a previous Leadership Forum.

You can register and learn more about the event and its facilitators (including Jenny Krikava, Community Engagement Manager with our Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region partner) by visiting https://nonprofitleadershipinitiative.wildapricot.org/event-5780395 and for all other Nonprofit Leadership Initiative events and programs visit our website at http://www.npleadershipfv.org.