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Module 2:
Storytelling as a Key Communications Strategy for Elder Abuse Awareness
Storytelling as a Key Communications Strategy for Elder Abuse Awareness
As we've discussed, the general public is very often unaware of Elder Abuse as a social problem. As a result, we, as advocates, need communications strategies that can both raise public consciousness and prime people to understand what solutions can best address and prevent EA. And given that human history shows us how powerfully stories convey information, evoke empathy, and create a foundation for action, narrative should be a central element of any effort to heighten awareness of Elder Abuse.
WHAT DOES AN EFFECTIVE STORY LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES AN EFFECTIVE STORY LOOK LIKE?
Adapted from Working Narratives' Storytelling and Social Change
As Working Narratives writes in its "Storytelling and Social Change" guide, "There is no single formula for a good story, but there are common elements to most: there are people in it, the people want something, they face some diffculties, they decide what to do, they undergo a change, and there is an ending. That’s it."
As Working Narratives writes in its "Storytelling and Social Change" guide, "There is no single formula for a good story, but there are common elements to most: there are people in it, the people want something, they face some diffculties, they decide what to do, they undergo a change, and there is an ending. That’s it."
In other words, a compelling story features a person (or group of people) who experience a challenge that has an outcome.
In other words, a compelling story features a person (or group of people) who experience a challenge that has an outcome.
People are at the heart of social change. Stories that center on human experiences - their strengths and their challenges - help us to connect to and empathize with others in a way that elicits sustained understanding and commitment.
People are at the heart of social change. Stories that center on human experiences - their strengths and their challenges - help us to connect to and empathize with others in a way that elicits sustained understanding and commitment.
Tell the stories of these people - our families, friends, and neighbors.
Tell the stories of these people - our families, friends, and neighbors.
Issues like Elder Abuse can be incredibly complex...but fortunately, not everyone needs to understand all of the details. Most of us just need to know that as the population in Maine grows older, Elder Abuse and its consequences for our communities are also growing.
Issues like Elder Abuse can be incredibly complex...but fortunately, not everyone needs to understand all of the details. Most of us just need to know that as the population in Maine grows older, Elder Abuse and its consequences for our communities are also growing.
Highlight stories that show both consequences of and actions to address EA.
Highlight stories that show both consequences of and actions to address EA.
Avoid jargon by using tools that help you to communicate in "Plain English" -simplify your message! Have an outside reader or listener review and edit your stories to eliminate any jargon or language they don’t understand. Read your story aloud and revise language that sounds awkward.
Avoid jargon by using tools that help you to communicate in "Plain English" -simplify your message! Have an outside reader or listener review and edit your stories to eliminate any jargon or language they don’t understand. Read your story aloud and revise language that sounds awkward.
Then let your stories speak for themselves...without complicated language.
Then let your stories speak for themselves...without complicated language.
Sometimes your audience may not understand how an issue affects them, especially when a dynamic like ageism is involved. Your job is to reveal that connection to your audiences or enable them to make those connections on their own.
Sometimes your audience may not understand how an issue affects them, especially when a dynamic like ageism is involved. Your job is to reveal that connection to your audiences or enable them to make those connections on their own.
Remember: stories are about relationships and emotional connections.
Remember: stories are about relationships and emotional connections.
If you believe that an older adult is in a situation of imminent, life-threatening harm,
CALL 911 NOW.
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