Explore selected resources covering diverse aspects of narrative work and find practical tools speaking to your specific narrative interests and needs.
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11 results
Changing Our Narrative about Narrative: The Infrastructure Required for Building Narrative Power
2020
Available in English
The article argues that building true narrative power requires more than storytelling—it demands a long-term investment in infrastructure that supports diverse voices, challenges dominant cultural norms, and reshapes societal values. Robinson critiques the progressive sector’s tendency to treat narrative as a short-term messaging tool rather than a strategic force for systemic change, urging a shift toward cultivating ecosystems that can sustain and amplify transformative narratives over time.
Conditions to Flourish: Understanding the Ecosystem for Narrative Power
2023
Available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
The report paints a picture of the ecosystem of actors who are working to build narrative power in movements, as well as of the movements themselves. The picture shows different groupings — or kinds of actors — within this ecosystem, the interconnections between them and what they need to succeed.
Elemental
Available in English
Elemental is a funder learning and grantmaking initiative that supports organisations and individuals working to build and resource narrative infrastructure. It focuses on strengthening narrative ecosystems by encouraging long‑term approaches, experimentation, and collaboration across contexts. Elemental offers funding, learning spaces, and strategic guidance for those seeking to deepen how narratives are resourced and sustained, and welcomes dialogue with practitioners and funders interested in advancing narrative change work.
How philanthropy can fund the infrastructure for narrative power
by Mandy van Deven
2024
Available in English, Spanish
The article explores how philanthropy can effectively support the infrastructure for narrative power, emphasizing the need for long-term, generative investments in storytelling and narrative change. It recounts a 2023 gathering in Bogotá of narrative practitioners and funders, highlighting the importance of funding practices that foster deep listening, relationship-building, collective imagination, and coordination across diverse movements. The piece argues that philanthropy must shift its norms to better support experimental, process-oriented approaches and healing-centered engagements, ultimately becoming a more competent and collaborative partner in advancing global justice narratives
How to Fund Like a Narrative Strategist
by Chiara K. Cattaneo, Jody Myrum, Mandy Van Deven and Erin Lynn Williams
2025
This article reflects on a session from the 2025 Narrative Power Summit in New Orleans, convened by Elemental, Our Collective Practice, and the Constellations Culture Change Fund and Initiative. It explores how funding criteria and practices must shift for narrative strategies to thrive, outlining four funding practices that strengthen narrative infrastructure by prioritising long‑term investment, experimentation, and sustained ecosystem support.
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