The Power of Storytelling in Creating Pivotal Community Leadership

Abstract

In 2020, as communities navigated significant challenges, University of Wisconsin educators searched for ways to inspire hope in community members. This led to interviews across Wisconsin focused on the question, “How do leaders inspire hope and relational action in communities through story?” Interviews revealed that through storytelling, community leaders create shifts in mental models, leading to community innovation. Individuals who recognize an opportunity and communicate a vision and strategy create positive pivotal community change. Sharing these stories and lessons learned create hope and inspire a new group of people to act and innovate as leaders who shape community change.