Importance of Storytelling
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When fundraising or being an advocate, one of the first steps is telling your story. The most impactful way to engage your friends and family in supporting Infant Massage USA is by simply telling how infant massage has changed your life personally, your community or professionally. Your story is key because your friends and family care about you and what infant massage means to you.
In this blog we have created content to help guide you in crafting your story about how infant massage has impacted your life. Everyone’s journey is unique and special and worth sharing. Some things to think about when writing your story is:
Be authentic
Don’t censor the drama out of your real life story
Write like you are talking to your best friend
Needs to be short (5 paragraphs or less)
“Everyone’s journey is unique and special and worth sharing.”
Writing Your Story
The beginning of your story is the most important part of your story; it hooks the reader to want to read more. In the first paragraph paints an image of what your life was like before you got connected with Infant Massage USA. When writing, think about these key questions.
How did you feel in parenting before infant massage?
When did you become interested in infant massage?
What were you seeing in your field before infant massage?
The middle of storytelling is where your friends and family can understand the challenges that lead you to look at infant massage. Don't shy away from authenticity in this paragraph; this is the heart of your story.
This paragraph is the most impactful part that can create the spark to action from your friends and family. When you are writing include the emotions you felt and the impact infant massage has had your life and family. Include details about what has changed since you have been involved with Infant Massage USA.
How did infant massage empower you?
What has your journey looked like since infant massage?
What is a specific time you realized this program was making a difference in your life?
Below is a great infographic to use while writing your story.
Good storytelling is an art, these are steps to help paint your masterpiece. With your story complete others will rally behind you to help spread awareness of the importance of nurturing touch and communication. During our campaign Season of Nurturing we encourage you to share your story and challenge another who has used nurturing touch and communication to make an impact!