Want to “be the change?

We know that UUs love to advocate for social justice topics, and many of us go beyond the talk and walk the walk. Yet in advocacy work, it often seems stories move hearts, and then hearts move minds. We want to help boost your efforts in advocating to create change in line with UU values. This can be through in-person meetings, public speaking, letter-to-the-editor, and op-ed writing.

Resources

Your Story Can Create Change! Let us help you figure out what to say, how to say it, and how to share it.

• The story you select makes a great deal of difference
• Be memorable
• Share something only you can
• Include details that will stick
• Lived experience
• Who you are matters and your story matters
• Don’t speak for others – share your personal story

Effective Stories

• Simple
• Easy to understand
• No extraneous details
• Heartfelt and true
• Don’t exaggerate but if it’s complicated, simplify
• Purposeful
• What’s your point?
• What do you want your listener to do?
• Use data sparingly
• Tailored
• Know your audience

Resources

Storytelling for Advocacy presentation

Sample Storytelling Videos

• Zach Wahls
• Peter Sipeli

Reminders on How to Prepare

Types of Lobbying Engagements – Tips & Time Reminders

UU the Vote Launch Guide (pages 34-46)

UUSJ’s Anatomy of a Congressional (or other) Meeting

UUSJ Advocacy Page with Action Alerts and Advocacy Resources