The transformative power of storytelling cannot be understated. Horses for Mental Health is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those transformed through mental health programs involving horses, and we believe that compelling narratives can spark understanding, empathy, and most importantly, action.
Social impact organizations, whether nonprofit or for-profit, tackle some of the world’s hardest problems, but they don’t do it alone. Supporters play a pivotal role in driving change (whether through donations, advocacy or spreading awareness) and the decision to give isn’t just financial, it’s emotional. This can be difficult, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like mental health.
Storytelling is about bringing your mission to life by creating emotional connections that inspire action. Your organization is already working to provide life-changing services, and that alone is powerful. The key to capturing hearts and minds is in articulating your impact through genuine stories. Your organization’s story has the potential to become more than just a compelling narrative; it will serve as an effective marketing and fundraising tactic that will drive forward measurable results.
In fact, scientific research shows that our brains connect with storytelling in the following ways*:
- Stories are 22x more likely to be remembered than data, facts, and stats
- Brain activity increases 5X when listening to a story
- Storytelling engages our sensory cortex in the brain, allowing the listener to feel, hear, taste, and even smell a story they connect with
Think of supporters as fellow travelers on your journey to create positive change. They want to connect with the “why” behind your work. They crave authentic narratives that showcase the real-life transformations facilitated by your services.
Stories can sometimes be thought of as flowery or overemphasized, but you don’t have to become some fancy or over-emphasized version of yourself. It’s more about knowing how to talk about your organization well enough to articulate the change you are trying to drive forward.
Five Strategies to Craft An Effective Story
A successful story will give your audience an idea of why your organization exists, what your goals are, and how their contribution will make an impactful difference. Below, we offer five strategies that your organization can employ to make an emotional appeal that makes potential new supporters stop-in-their-scroll.
- Use stories about real people
Real people are at the heart of your work. Regardless of your organization’s focus, personal narratives form the foundation for effective storytelling. Share personal journeys that highlight the challenges faced and the positive impact your organization had on their lives as a result. A story told effectively has the power to increase the level of engagement between your organization and your audience, making them feel motivated to support your cause due to the emotional connection they feel to your organization’s story.
Remember that client confidentiality is paramount. Obtain written consent before sharing stories, and ensure that recognizable details are altered to protect privacy and anonymity. - Make an emotional appeal
Commonly, organizations tend to lead with high-level policy appeals, showcasing data and statistics. This lacks the emotional appeal needed to convert a potential supporter into an advocate for your organization. On the other side of the spectrum, narratives that sound like desperate pleas do little to instill confidence that your organization is the one for the job. Instead, use storytelling to breathe life into your data. Craft an effective story arc with a relatable hero, a compelling challenge, a transformative moment, and a meaningful outcome. Effective stories transport the audience to the moment, fostering a deeper connection. Let the story speak for itself. - Use visual storytelling
If you have media that will help you stand apart from the crowd, leverage your resources for your benefit. Amplify visual storytelling through images and videos to evoke powerful emotions and create a lasting impact. Utilize these mediums to complement your narratives and truly capture the essence of your work. Feel free to utilize Horses for Mental Health’s stories to showcase the work your organization is doing. - Repurpose successful content
If you have a powerful story, use it. Even if you’ve shared it with your networks in the past, reinforcing your organization’s story can reiterate your mission to your audience. Of course, this comes with a caveat, oversharing will come off as repetitive or lacking new and engaging content. Don’t underestimate the power of repetition, but avoid oversaturation. Strategically integrate storytelling into your entire marketing plan to consistently engage your audience. - Showcase impact, not just need
Your story should illuminate why your organization exists and how it makes a difference. Frame your message to show how contributions directly translate into positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Furthermore, positioning your audience as the hero instead of your organization is a powerful strategy when making a call to action. This may sound counterintuitive, but we simply cannot drive long-lasting change without the help of our supporters. Making an emotional connection with your audience will leave them feeling like their contribution made an actionable change.
Remember, you’re not just sharing stories; you’re igniting a movement.
Stories of Transformation from Horses for Mental Health
As part of the Seen Through Horses Campaign, Horses for Mental Health has produced a series of animated videos conveying diverse Stories of Transformation through mental health services incorporating horses. Click the links below to view our collection of stories.
Horses for Mental Health is honored to support the work it takes to share stories through impactful narratives.
