Power of Stories
I don’t know about any one else, but I can’t wait for the next Harry Potter movie. I love the story and have read all the books. I continue to be impressed by the longevity of the series, its appeal to both adults and children, and the magical world of imagination it inspires.
At Metro United Way, we talk a lot about stories. We tell stories to donors and volunteers in order to make a personal connection to the time and money they invest in our mission. We practice telling stories that are hopefully memorable, concrete, emotional and simple. We want our stories to show how we together make a difference in the lives of individuals in our community. We want to put a face to the numbers and overwhelming amounts of information available on the work we do.
What we find is that often, if we dig a bit, we all have stories. We have stories of volunteering with scouting, soup kitchens, church picnics, neighborhood clean ups and community organizations. We have stories of helping and being helped. We know people who have used the services and programs made possible through donations to Metro United Way.
I find it liberating to know the stories and share stories about a cousin who has been helped many times by a safe blood supply courtesy of the American Red Cross, an uncle who found help at JADAC, a mother who needed shelter and found a new life at the Salvation Army, or my grandmother, the consummate Samaritan, delivering food to families in need through St. Vincent de Paul.
What is your story? We are all interconnected. I know you can also inspire others to give, advocate and volunteer by telling your story.