Forget sticks and stones. Storytelling is one of the most powerful weapons we have in our arsenal. Stories make the political personal; they shape what’s “common sense” and set the terms for how society engages with existential problems — from the affordability crisis to the climate emergency. And the stakes couldn’t be higher. The right wing and neoliberals have developed harmful narratives that helped shape policy — trickle-down economics…ever heard of it?

But how do we fight back? How do we tell more compelling, evocative, and even funny stories to captivate hearts and minds? How do we use stories to drive people towards collective action — from pushing for healthcare for all to debt abolition? How do we repeat the same story in different ways to drive home an important framework?

Join Ian Goldstein, writer, performer, and Webby Award-winning producer, in an introductory storytelling jam session. Learn the fundamentals of how to write a powerful story. Come with questions. Workshop your story ideas in breakout sessions and walk away with a firmer grasp of how to tell a tale. Maybe someday we’ll lecture future generations, “Back in my day, people went bankrupt because they couldn’t pay their healthcare bills. So glad we came to our senses!”

All writing levels are welcome. See you there!