The Power of a Story

This post is by Kyle McEvilly, intern for the Sierra Club's Global Warming and Energy Team

According to a recent poll, 38% of people feel that global warming will produce a "serious threat" toward their individual lifestyle within their lifespan.  The number is significantly low when considering the scientifically-proposed urgency of the issue at hand.  Many individuals, in fact, may believe that global warming and energy problems are rather forward-looking.  Storytelling, of all things, may adjust these attitudes.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the PowerShift 2009 conference.  Due to time constraints, I was only able to attend the opening workshop, which revolved around the topic of "Personal Narrative Training."  Storytelling was a prominent feature at this electrifying event.  The workshop was parceled into three sections, which all linked to an environmental theme.  "Story of Self" elucidated a personal moment in one's life that shaped who they are today.  "Story of Us" articulated components that unite a group of people around a common thread.  And "Story of Now" encouraged people to employ these connections in order to take bold action on an issue.

Storytelling is widely used in political stump speeches, but it also has the potential to be an unlikely source in fueling the environmental movement.  The correlation between the people and their environment is contingent on the framing of a particular story.  Often times, the linkages are critical--if a person understands how a topic affects his or her daily life, it is more likely that they can take ownership of an issue and become a part of the solution.

Yes, science is already available that clearly identifies the global warming and energy crisis.  Surely, some people will only be motivated by economic factors.  But it will be the emotional appeals that will drive others toward taking action on these problems of the day.  In this thinking, not everyone is going to contribute to the green cause simply because it is the "right thing" to do.  Will children of the future have the same ability to enjoy the outdoor landscape as have generations of the past?  It is this question that will compel many individuals to move forward and push for more environmental protection.

I personally wish that I were a better storyteller, as stories can have incredibly positive consequences for the audiences who hear them.  But storytelling is a talent that does not have to be ascribed; rather, it can be achieved.  Theatrics and presentation can be learned.  The introductory PowerShift 2009 workshop proved this lesson about learning ability.  I heard a number of personal stories regarding people's experiences, interactions, and opinions relating to the grassroots environmental movement.  We have much to learn from others, if only we can be thoughtful listeners.  The environment and, ultimately, the people can benefit enormously from the power of a story.

For more information about PowerShift 2009, visit the official website here.

Comments

[xoje:'-tilte']

In 1492 they came from across the ocean, they took the breath of life from millions of natives, they destroyed the land, clear cut the forests, poisoned the water, polluted the air, stopped the rivers from flowing, wiped out the salmon, obliterated the four legged and winged beings, today they seek solutions to their reckless behavior and yet in 2009 while the polar caps melt and the land dies they including their scientists are still to arrogant to accept 10,000 years of native wisdom that could reverse the destruction of the planet.
xoje:’-tilte’