Last updated on Mar 28, 2024

What are some effective storytelling techniques to communicate your organization's impact on LGBTQ+ rights?

You want to raise funds and awareness for your organization's work on LGBTQ+ rights, but how do you tell your story in a way that engages and inspires your audience? Storytelling is a powerful tool for fundraising, as it can connect emotionally with donors, show the impact of your actions, and motivate them to take action. In this article, we will share some effective storytelling techniques that can help you communicate your organization's impact on LGBTQ+ rights.

1 Choose a clear and compelling goal

The first step in crafting a good story is to define your goal. What are you trying to achieve with your story? What do you want your audience to feel, think, or do after hearing it? Your goal should be clear, specific, and relevant to your organization's mission and vision. For example, your goal could be to raise $10,000 for a legal fund to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, or to recruit 100 volunteers for a pride parade, or to educate 500 students about LGBTQ+ history and rights.

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Thibault Chareton

Director of Communications @ NYU Center on International Cooperation | Master of Arts in Journalism
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Integrating testimonials from beneficiaries, supporters, and partners is essential as it infuses your storytelling with authenticity. These firsthand accounts offer a humanizing element, allowing your audience to connect with the impact of your organization. Moreover, quotes from community members help enrich your narrative by offering diverse perspectives and reinforcing the significance of your mission. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, you validate the relevance of your efforts. These testimonials serve as powerful reminders of the tangible difference your organization is making in the lives of individuals and communities, thereby compelling others to engage and support.

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2 Focus on a human story

The next step is to find a human story that illustrates your goal. A human story is a narrative that features a real person or group of people who have benefited from your organization's work, or who face a challenge that your organization is trying to solve. A human story can make your audience empathize with the person or group, and see how your organization's impact is tangible and meaningful. For example, you could tell the story of a transgender woman who escaped persecution in her home country and found safety and support through your legal fund, or of a gay couple who met and married at your pride parade, or of a bisexual student who learned to accept and celebrate his identity through your education program.

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3 Use the classic story structure

The third step is to structure your story using the classic story arc. The story arc consists of four elements: the setting, the conflict, the climax, and the resolution. The setting introduces the context and background of your story, the conflict presents the problem or challenge that your protagonist faces, the climax shows the turning point or the peak of the action, and the resolution reveals the outcome or the solution. The story arc can create suspense, drama, and interest in your story, and lead your audience to a satisfying conclusion. For example, you could start by describing the situation and the needs of your protagonist, then show how they encountered a difficulty or a threat, then how they overcame it with the help of your organization, and then how they achieved their goal or improved their situation.

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4 Add sensory details and emotions

The fourth step is to enrich your story with sensory details and emotions. Sensory details are words and phrases that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Emotions are words and phrases that express the feelings and reactions of your protagonist and your audience. Sensory details and emotions can make your story more vivid, realistic, and engaging, and can trigger an emotional response from your audience. For example, you could use sensory details to describe the appearance, voice, or environment of your protagonist, and emotions to convey their fear, joy, or gratitude.

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Thibault Chareton

Director of Communications @ NYU Center on International Cooperation | Master of Arts in Journalism
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Share real-life stories of individuals positively impacted by your organization, making its impact tangible and relatable. Also, use diverse visual media like photos and videos to showcase real experiences, from events to workshops, emphasizing your commitment to LGBTQI+ rights. In addition, incorporate testimonials from beneficiaries, supporters, and partners for authenticity. Finally, focus on empowerment narratives highlighting resilience and progress within the LGBTQI+ community, celebrating achievements and advocating for continued support.

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5 Call your audience to action

The final step is to call your audience to action. A call to action is a statement or a question that invites your audience to do something related to your goal. A call to action can be direct or indirect, depending on your tone and style. A direct call to action can be a clear and specific request, such as "Donate now", "Sign up today", or "Share this story". An indirect call to action can be a subtle or suggestive prompt, such as "Imagine if you were in their shoes", "What would you do?", or "How can you help?". A call to action can inspire your audience to take the next step, and to feel part of your organization's impact. For example, you could end your story by asking your audience to join your cause, to spread the word, or to thank your protagonist.

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Thibault Chareton

Director of Communications @ NYU Center on International Cooperation | Master of Arts in Journalism
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Try to always conclude your storytelling with a compelling call to action, urging individuals to become active participants in advancing LGBTQI+ rights. Invite them not only to join your cause but also to consider donating their resources, volunteering their time, or becoming advocates for LGBTQI+ rights within their own communities. By empowering your audience to take tangible and meaningful action, you inspire a collective effort towards supporting your organization's mission and creating positive change for the LGBTQI+ community.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Thibault Chareton

Director of Communications @ NYU Center on International Cooperation | Master of Arts in Journalism
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Compelling storytelling about your organization's impact on LGBTQI+ rights should prioritize inclusive language by using gender-neutral pronouns, avoiding assumptions about gender identities, and using terms encompassing diverse identities. Respect individuals' preferred names and pronouns, educate yourself and colleagues about inclusive language and seek feedback from LGBTQI+ communities to ensure messaging is respectful and inclusive.

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What are some effective storytelling techniques to communicate your organization's impact on LGBTQ+ rights?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose a clear and compelling goal

2 Focus on a human story

3 Use the classic story structure

4 Add sensory details and emotions

5 Call your audience to action

6 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

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What are some effective storytelling techniques to communicate your organization's impact on LGBTQ+ rights?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose a clear and compelling goal

2 Focus on a human story

3 Use the classic story structure

4 Add sensory details and emotions

5 Call your audience to action

6 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

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