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This guidence manual was developed to better support our storytellers and advocates. Storytelling is the glue of our advocacy work and only exists because of brave Kansans like you who speak up!
As you work to defend democracy and protect civil rights and civil liberties in our state, here’s what to expect and how to protect yourself.
PREPARATION
Everyone struggles to figure out what they want to say at times. Here are some helpful pointers to get you started.
What to Expect:
Meet one on one with a staff member to brainstorm topics, discuss expectations, and get comfortable with the ACLU KS storytelling environment. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into advocacy work, but also our opportunity to demonstrate how we can support you in this process.
Public Speaking:
This can come in the form of public speeches, press statements, meetings with officials or roundtables (a meeting/conference promoting a free-flowing exchange of ideas among all participants, occasionally including press).
Prepare remarks of 3-5 minutes including the following content:
Op-Eds and Blogs:
If you are putting together an op-ed/blog, please draft 300-500 words, loosely following this outline:
I. Introduction
II. Your Story
IV. Advocacy for change
Testimony:
Each committee has their own rules and content may need to be tailored to suit committee rules. To learn what these rules may be, visit ksleg.org or ask an ACLU Kansas staff member to assist.
Written testimony should be brief and clear in the message you want to get across.
I. Introduction
II. Introduce yourself and the issue you want to testify about
III. Tell your story
IV. Explain why you felt the need to testify
V. Give suggestions for solving the issue or problem you have raised.
VI. Thank the Councilmembers
Videos, Interviews & Podcasts:
Our podcast “Marching On!” frequently hosts storytellers! Feel free to bring notes/notecards with relevant facts, data, numbers, statistics, or whatever you need to feel fully prepared.
Issue Resources:
The Kansas ACLU is loaded with resources to help you tell your story.
Cyber Security Preparation:
I. Understand your online footprint
II. Think before you share
III. Protect your social media accounts and data
WRITING PROCESS
Now that we have set a good foundation for storytelling, we can get started on the writing process!
How to Tell a Great Story:
Do:
Don’t:
Many of our best stories draw from personal experiences. These stories are important tools for stigma reduction when regarding controversial subjects like abortion or trans rights or criminal legal reform. We believe that giving these stories a platform is one of our most powerful communications tools but understand that the emotional and mental effort required to share these stories may be taxing on somecan be taxing, stressful, and draining. Next, we will learn about the ways to safeguard yourself and the ways we can support you during your writing storytelling process.
How to Write About Complex Subject Matter:
The line between being openly vulnerable about difficult experiences and retraumatizing yourself by resurfacing old memories can be hard to navigate.
Tips for protecting your emotional well-being while writing:
ACLU Kansas can connect you with resources you may need, ranging from legal services to mental health care. Just ask!
A NOTE ON HOW WE TALK ABOUT OUT COMMUNITY:
Speak from your perspective as a community member and a Kansan:
Language:
Aftermath of Storytelling:
Powerful stories can lead to emotional responses. The cybersecurity preparation we fulfilled prior to platforming your story is one defense against unwanted responses, but there are more steps we can take to protect you and your story.
Responding to comments:
Doxxing: publishing information that can be used to identify, locate and contact someone without their consent. It usually refers to publishing an individual’s home address, email address, phone number and other contact information online.
Your safety above all else is our priority. If you are approached online or in person for comments you made under our facilitation, report this to us IMMEDIATELY so that we can provide you with the best possible protection.
Now that you are an experienced storyteller for the Kansas ACLU, you are ready to become a leader for future storytellers and transfer your communication skills into other forms of advocacy!
Now What?
So, you’ve been inspired to do more. Grow from a volunteer to a leader by getting involved in our other areas of advocacy:
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