Session One: Introduction to Asset-Based Storytelling

Asset-based storytelling is the practice of examining, crafting and sharing stories by centering individuals' and communities' strengths, resilience, assets and lived experiences. However, all too often, storytelling in the social sector focuses on deficits rather than assets. This workshop aims to shift the narrative towards a strengths-based and equity-centered approach by inviting participants to learn about asset-based storytelling techniques and best practices. During this interactive workshop, participants will learn about the essential elements of asset-based and deficit-based stories, examine a case study and explore how to incorporate asset-based approaches within their storytelling and communications strategies.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Recognize and describe key elements of asset-based and deficit-based storytelling
• Use Storytellers for Change’s asset-based storytelling framework to analyze a story
• Identify action steps to incorporate asset-based approaches within their storytelling and communications work

Participants should come prepared to engage in group discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative exercises. This is a two-part workshop and participants are expected to commit to attending both sessions. The workshops will not be recorded. 

Facilitator

Luis Ortega, Storytellers for Change 

Luis Ortega (he/they) is a multidisciplinary storyteller, facilitator and narrative strategist. As the founder and director of Storytellers for Change, Luis has spent the last 14 years working with youth, educators, and cross-sector organizations to help them leverage the power of storytelling to advance equity and justice.

Luis specializes in asset-based storytelling, healing-centered engagement, racial equity, narrative change, culturally responsive education and leadership and organizational development. His work has been featured at the Harvard DACA Seminar, HBO’s “Where Do You Exist?” podcast, the Kauffman Foundation’s Disruptor Speaker Series, the Seattle Design Festival and the Gates Foundation Discovery Center. Luis is a W K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Leadership Network Fellow and is the co-director of La Cima Bilingual Leadership Camp. He is also the co-founder of the Expresión Storytelling Fellowship at the Latinx Education Collaborative.

Luis earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington and a master's degree in Education Leadership, Organizations and Entrepreneurship from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Born and raised in Tenochtitlan (Mexico City), Luis now resides in the unceded and ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Coast Salish people in Seattle, where he continues to make a meaningful impact through his storytelling and facilitation work.

Accessibility

Philanthropy Northwest strives to make our events accessible to everyone. On these calls, we offer closed captioning and speakers give physical descriptions of themselves in their introductions. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Mares Asfaha.  

Please contact Mares Asfaha with any questions.