Stories Change Power Scholarship Fund

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

What's today? The first day of Stories Change Power's next Learning Community!

Eight people from across the United States - from the Pacific Northwest to the Carolinas, plus Maine and the Midwest - will come together to learn the tools and strategy to be effective advocates. 

They and their organizations are working toward a just and peaceful future in many ways, including: promoting opportunity through higher education; making the criminal justice system more just; and protecting the health and well-being of women and girls - to name a few.

Over the next three months, we'll meet weekly to learn practical strategies to support lasting change in a way that is both professionally and personally fulfilling. 

60% of participants need at least a partial scholarship in order to participate in a Learning Community. 

In other words, your generosity is equipping people to make a difference in communities across the country.

I look forward to sharing more about this amazing group of people in an upcoming newsletter. For now, I wanted you to be the first to know that today is a special day - THANK YOU.

With hope for our shared future, 

Piper