GivingTuesday is fast approaching, and even if you don’t want to raise money, you can always inspire!
In a year of unprecedented hardship and loss, storytelling connects us.
Since the dawn of time, storytelling has been used as a way for humans to comfort each other, debate issues, form social alliances
Great storytelling does more than communicate a message; it gets at the heart of how humans process information.
Stories help us visualize how we can improve our own lives and the world around us. Popular stories and narratives define our culture, our values, what we deem important.
The stories we share with our audience connect the dots for them, and hopefully, inspire them to be as passionate about our work as we are.
So we know about the power and potential of storytelling to influence audiences and persuade people to new ways of thinking.
Here are 10 ways you can use visual storytelling in your GivingTuesday and year-end campaign
1. Share a story that represents how this year has been… different.
We can’t shy away from discussing how the global pandemic has affected our organizations.
Have the Executive Director jump on FB and Instagram live and share a personal story of how the organization has changed, adapted, and “pivoted” (the dreaded word) during a year where the only predictable thing was unpredictability.
You can also celebrate your wins and accomplishments despite the odds – everyone loves a happy story!
2. Share a story about a unique challenge you faced this year.
What was especially challenging this year – something that you faced that others did not, or that many people might not know about?
Tell a story of how your clients and your mission were affected uniquely by COVID-19 – and what can be done?
3. Share a success story or a success story in progress.
Your story doesn’t have to be wrapped in a bow.
Is there a success story in progress? Is there a small win that you can share in the form of a story?
4. Tell a story from the staff perspective.
Staff members are stretched to the max, working from home, managing remote learning and more.
What are their stories? These can be on Zoom or via Instagram stories. The key is authenticity, not polish.
5. Tell a story of a donor.
Highlight people who continued to support you this year, even though they may have been experiencing economic hardship.
Even just a quote with a graphic and photo can be powerful!
6. Tell a story of a community partner.
Who are the unsung heroes that you work with to make your mission possible? What kinds of services do you provide to them?
7. Host an Instagram takeover.
The benefits of hosting a “takeover” – even if they send you the content and you post it on their behalf – is that it exposes you to a new audience.
It also gets you some fresh content to spice up your accounts!
8. Set up a storytelling landing page with Exposure.
Exposure.co is fantastic for virtual storytelling campaigns!
Use Exposure to focus donor attention on a specific story or campaign.
On World Food Day, Tetra Tech introduced us to five #FoodHeroes from Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Madagascar who exemplify determination, creativity, and commitment to their communities.
Exposure offers up to a 50% discount off of all their paid plans (Pro Plus and Business) to qualified charities and non-profit organizations.
9. Share story snippets via email.
Use GivingTuesday to send out your best stories and prime your donors for year-end – or just to celebrate your accomplishments!
Feature a short quote and a photo – it doesn’t have to be a novel.
10. Ask your audience for their stories and photos!
Sometimes the best visual storytelling lies in asking your community to share their stories.
GivingTuesday can be an opportunity to highlight them.
No matter how you tell your story on GivingTuesday, make sure it catches the eye, piques curiosity, and gets people to take action (if that’s what you want).
For more examples, go to GivingTuesday.org – they have TONS of free resources, guides, and examples from nonprofits small and large.