Storytelling can be messy and unorganized, but that's okay!

In recent months, I've witnessed a decline in community storytelling, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, and community-centered fundraising due to the implementation of harmful policies. These policies have the potential to hinder community support and advancement and the development of thriving systems change.

When advising clients eager to incorporate new marketing design practices into their branding, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of community storytelling in engaging their digital community. This form of storytelling is a rich and complex process that goes beyond a simple quote or a face on a social media post.

It's time to adopt new practices that uplift communities and are not based on harmful policies. The individuals within the community, whether in a social setting or in leadership positions, should be the ones telling their stories, sharing their experiences, and shaping the future outcomes of the work.

This type of communication and storytelling may seem messy, unorganized, and unconventional in professional settings, but that's the essence of community storytelling—it's about their voice and their power.

These practices can potentially lead to advocating at state capitals for nonprofits facing budget cuts. Storytelling can drive a new fundraising campaign by sharing the voices of those with lived experiences and connecting with other members of the community who could benefit from your mission.

If you're in the process of rebranding your marketing and developing new communication strategies for the rest of the year, it's essential to unlearn old communication strategies. Instead, invest time in understanding the tone of the community and integrating new strategies that involve all voices of your target audience. This shift towards inclusivity and diversity can significantly enhance your marketing and fundraising efforts.