Tell Your Story!

Many of us feel passionate about the work of Braver Angels, but we’re also aware of a growing sense of skepticism around any sort of bridge building with the “other side.” How do we help others see the power of courageous citizenship? One of the best tools we have is also one of the simplest, stories.

In her book The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling, Annette Simmons explains the power of story through an old Jewish parable:

“Truth, naked and cold, had been turned away from every door in the village. Her nakedness frightened the people. When Parable found her she was huddled in a corner, shivering and hungry. Taking pity on her, Parable gathered her up and took her home. There, she dressed Truth in story, warmed her and sent her out again. Clothed in story, Truth knocked again at the doors and was readily welcomed into the villagers’ houses. They invited her to eat at their tables and warm herself by their fires” (p. 27).

Our presenter, BYU-Idaho English professor Diantha Hopkins, said she discovered many truths about herself and the “other side” through Braver Angels. She said some of these truths have been uncomfortable, but she believes if we follow the parable’s advice and clothe Braver Angels truths with authentic stories, we’ll find a lot more people who are hungry for what we have to offer.

You might be thinking, “That’s great, but I’m no writer!” or “I don’t have anything good to share. I’m just an ordinary person with no amazing stories.” Diantha said she has heard the same things from her college students for years, but she can promise everyone has a story worth sharing, and she can give you the tools to share yours.

Please join us for a two-part Braver Angels Creative Writing Workshop.

In the first session, Diantha will guide you through brainstorming exercises to help you find and shape your story. Then she will give you a set of short videos that you can watch after you write a first draft. The videos will help you craft the story into something powerful.

In the second session at 7 PM MST on October 13th, we’ll meet to give one another feedback on our stories. Sharing work can be scary, but she will give you specific guidelines so that it’s a positive, productive, and powerful experience.

At the end of the second workshop, it will be up to you to decide how to share your story. We’ll invite you to share it through the Braver Angels channels, but if you decide to just share it with one close friend or with a family member, that is still wonderful, too.