Get to the table by persuading others to join you with story-telling. Young activists excel at crafting stories to influence their communities.This blog showcases six powerful online stories from students at Hunter College.
Background
Hannah R. Rosenzweig, is an accomplished filmmaker and the founder of Intention Media which produces videos and ads on social justice issues. Hannah teaches “Digital Health & Media” at Hunter College. The course introduces students to key technological advances and current use of digital and social media, including mobile technology, as part of community-based strategies for communicating about health.
DemLabs recently trained Hannah’s class on digital story telling with StoryMaps. This free app combines text, images, videos and maps into compelling stories that are easily shared.
Shaping public discourse
Powerful interests control major media outlets, radio stations and rural newspapers. They frame the discussion, promote their point of view and drown out other voices online with bots. They retain control by distracting public attention from pressing issues. How can small grassroots groups compete for attention against such loud voices?
An asymmetric response is needed as the other side has the money. Hundreds of stories told regularly, by trusted in their sources makes a difference. Activists trained on the latest story-telling techniques level the playing field, one community at a time.
Hannah’s class shows what’s possible with motivated activists, just a little training and free software.
Takeaway
Campaigns and advocacy groups should use free, innovative apps to create their own social media posts, infographics, Story Maps and videos. DemLabs offers free training on these apps to Democratic groups. Learn more here.
Deepak
Co-Founder, DemLabs
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