At Lore Storytelling, we’re passionate about the power of stories to spark real change, especially in public health. CSPI and Lore were connected during the 2023 Community Building grant when the owner of Lore participated as a cohort member through Co-op Dayton of Dayton, Ohio. 

During a recent Resource Hub event, we explored how creating your own platform using vivid details and capturing community stories can elevate your campaigns. Whether you’re working on food policy or health advocacy, here are five fun takeaways to help you harness the power of storytelling.

1. Create your own platform: Be the voice of your campaign 

Don’t wait for others to tell your story—create your own platform! Whether it’s a blog, podcast, or social media channel, owning your platform allows you to control the narrative and reach your audience directly. This is your space to share your message, build your community, and amplify your impact.

2. Use details to bring your story to life 

The magic of storytelling is in the details. During the session, we talked about how using specific, vivid details can make your story more engaging and relatable. Whether you’re describing a community garden or the challenges of food access, painting a clear picture helps your audience connect with your cause on a deeper level.

3. Capture community stories: Make it a collective effort 

Your campaign isn’t just about facts and figures—it’s about people. Capturing the stories of those in your community makes your campaign more authentic and powerful. Highlighting real voices and experiences not only humanizes the issue but also builds a stronger, more inclusive movement.

4. Keep it simple and clear: Clarity is your best friend 

Complex issues don’t have to be complicated stories. We emphasized the importance of keeping your narrative simple and clear. A straightforward story is easier for your audience to understand, remember, and share—making it a key tool in spreading your message and mobilizing support.

5. Share and amplify: Use your story to build momentum 

Once you’ve crafted your story, it’s time to share it far and wide! Use your platform, social media, and community events to spread the word. The more people hear and share your story, the more momentum you’ll build for your campaign. It’s all about turning individual voices into a collective call for action.

As you continue your work in food advocacy and public health, remember that your story is one of the most powerful tools you have. By creating your platform, using vivid details, and capturing the voices within your community, you can amplify your message and drive meaningful change. Every story you tell is a step towards a healthier, more equitable world. So keep sharing, keep advocating, and stay encouraged—because your voice has the power to inspire and lead the way. We’re all in this together, and together, we can make a difference.

About Lore Storytelling and Te’Jal Cartwright

At Lore Storytelling, we help organizations find and tell their stories to create meaningful change. Te’Jal is a story coach who specializes in helping public health campaigns resonate with their audiences. 

Interested in how storytelling can boost your public health campaign? Check us out at lorestorytelling.com!

Watch CSPI Resource Hub - Empowering Narratives with Te’Jal Cartwright of LORE Storytelling

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Te'Jal Cartwright has a strong background in media and journalism. In 2018 she created a digital platform called "What's the Biz with TJ", that tells the stories of Black-owned businesses in communities across the nation. Te’Jal has been a natural advocate for storytelling and joined the LORE team in 2018 as a digital marketing strategist. In 2023, Te'Jal accepted the role as Lore's co-owner and lead story coach. In 2024, she officially stepped into full ownership of Lore. Her mission is to focus on combining storytelling and media in the next Lore era!

She is a passionate community advocate and a true champion of community development in Dayton. With a B.A. in English from the University of Dayton and a professional track record of implementing digital media to execute innovative, high-yield fundraising and community outreach strategies, she is committed to using her skills and talents to uplift Dayton as well as the global Black community and creating a better world for her children.

Te'Jal Cartwright

Te'Jal Cartwright

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