Next available in-person workshop: November 17, 2022. Register now! Or contact Cate to find out how to bring this workshop — online or in person — to your organization.

Storytelling has been identified as one of the essential competencies required when you are seeking to increase your own capacity as a leader and grow your organization. 

Leveraging the power of story involves learning and testing out essential story skills and structures, grounded in narrative theory and practice, revolving around three core stories: The story of who you are and why you serve, the story of how your work has impact, and the story that invites others into the work with you. 

This workshop can be presented in various formats, including one half-day, two 3-hour sessions, or a longer series tailored for your organization.

You will learn to use stories to build strong connections, to engage your team, your funders and clients, and to call more people to action. 

You will get hands-on practice, listen to great examples of powerful storytelling, and take away tools that will help you shape stories for different audiences. 

Learning objectives include:

• Identify the basic building blocks of an impactful story structure

• Demonstrate concrete ways to make stories memorable and actionable

• Identify, develop and practice telling two stories that relate to a specific goal or audience you need to connect with in your work (for example, stakeholders, community members, policy makers, funders, stakeholders, media)

• List tips and techniques for increasing your organization's 'story bank'

Endorsements:

“I am better at centring and articulating who I am now that I am bringing my own story in as a leader, and better at shaping the messages to community members through story.”

— Sarah Leeson-Klym, Regional Director, CCEDNet

“I can’t begin to share with you how much I enjoyed the training (although I should be able to put it into words based on the training!). I’ve done a lot of training over the years, and this was hands down the best I have been a part of. I can’t thank you enough. ”

— Leila Dance, Development and Communications Specialist, Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

“The Ontario Non-Profit Network established 7 key leadership skills needed by non-profit leaders, one being storytelling. By offering The Power of Story with Cate Friesen, Volunteer Manitoba can help the sector grow this skill set! We continually sell out the Power of Story workshop! The feedback we receive from participants is phenomenal.”

— Kamillah El-Giadaa, Training & Development Manager, Volunteer Manitoba

“Lots of great content and practical, ready-to-use insights to better connect with members, funders and sponsors through storytelling.”

— Jill Knaggs, Senior Marketing & Communications leader