How Storytelling Drives Social Change
Whether we realize it or not, the stories we see and hear daily shape how we view the world. Over time, the patterns that emerge from the most popular of these stories form narratives that shape our values and beliefs. Most importantly, these narratives either convince us to accept the status quo or inspire us to pursue change.
That’s why The Opportunity Agenda has programs like the Narrative Innovators Lab (NIL), our signature cohort experience that bridges arts and culture with traditional advocacy and communications. At the NIL, we equip artists and advocates with tools to disrupt the harmful narratives which block progress and replace them with affirmative stories that show how social justice benefits everyone.
Our most popular NIL tool? The narrative strategy framework. In short, this framework helps our fellows analyze values and assumptions in current conversations about key issues. Based on their analysis, we support fellows in finding creative ways to connect with their audiences through shared values, while changing the way the story is told.
We call these “narrative interventions” because they’re designed to shift how people think about important issues like immigration, democracy, and racial justice. Curious how narrative change starts? Watch the below reflections from the 2024-2025 NIL cohort for examples of real-world narratives and simple communications tips that can transform conversations on the issues we all care about.
At The Opportunity Agenda, we believe everyone should have a say in the decisions that impact our lives. It’s why we work to help artists and activists tell better stories so that policymakers and community members alike see the world in a new light. When we shift the narrative, we can inspire people to play an active role in building an inclusive America where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
@oppagenda Henry reminds us not to repeat the harmful myths that you’re trying to dispel. Instead, tell an affirmative story about what people want to see for their communities. This helps audiences understand and support solutions while addressing the root problems—in this case, systemic voter suppression and racial discrimination.
Henry Goss
As the Communications Director of Mississippi Votes, Henry champions voter rights and accessibility. He is especially passionate about supporting Black voters in Mississippi who have been historically disenfranchised from the democratic process. In this video, Henry reminds us of an important narrative lesson: don’t repeat the harmful myths that you’re trying to dispel. Instead, tell an affirmative story about what people want to see for their communities. This approach helps audiences understand and support solutions while also revealing where the real problem lies—in this case, the intentional efforts by elected officials to restrict access to the polls.
@oppagenda Miriam emphasizes the importance of arts and culture as a vehicle for narrative change. People need to see their story celebrated in public spaces. The books we protect in libraries or the murals that honor various histories shape our understanding of who belongs and how much diverse communities contribute through their unique cultures and experiences. #IowaNice
Miriam Alarcón Avila
Miriam, a Mexican photographer and visual artist based in Iowa, creates work that supports a vision for immigrant justice in the state. Here, Miriam emphasizes the importance of arts and culture as a vehicle for narrative change. People need to see their story celebrated in public spaces. The books we protect in libraries or the murals that honor various histories shape our understanding of who belongs and how much diverse communities contribute through their unique cultures and experiences.
@oppagenda In their reflection, Nasir emphasizes why preserving history is so important to shaping our collective memory, and by extension, our beliefs about what is possible. Knowing our communities’ legacy can both strengthen our resolve and remind us of how, when, and where we found—and can still find—safety.
Nasir Anthony Montalvo
Based in Kansas City, Nasir is the founder of {B/qKC}: an archive of Black queer midwestern history which builds power across Black queer generations. In their reflection, Nasir emphasizes why preserving history is so important to shaping our collective memory, and by extension, our beliefs about what is possible. Knowing our communities’ legacy can both strengthen our resolve and remind us of how, when, and where we found—and can still find—safety.
@oppagenda Words matter. Enni shows us a real example of how choosing our words with care can create tangible and immediate change. Words carry profound meaning that can impact how we view people or issues. Choosing words that humanize our communities is key to overcoming unjust laws and inhumane treatment of others.
Enni Aigbomian
Enni leads communications at Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF) where she supports the storytelling of community-led media and internet projects in the Greater Philadelphia region. In this video, Enni shows us a real example of how choosing our words with care can create tangible and immediate change. Words carry profound meaning that can impact how we view people or issues. Choosing words that humanize our communities is key to overcoming unjust laws and inhumane treatment of others.
