The Power of Storytelling as a Tool for Positive Change

By Andrew Idoko

Storytelling has long been recognized as a form of entertainment and a powerful tool for driving social change. In a world inundated with information, stories have a unique power to cut through the noise and resonate deeply with audiences. Stories can be told on the pages of a book, the frames of a film, or the melodies of a song. Either way, it has been an integral part of human communication since the dawn of civilization. 

According to the US-based National Storytelling Network (NSN), storytelling is defined as the interactive art of using words and actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination. Storytelling is a timeless art form that can entertain, inspire, educate, and connect us fundamentally. This is why it plays a crucial role in raising awareness, challenging perceptions, and fostering empathy across diverse perspectives. Beyond the narrative charm of stories, they hold a profound power to incite change. This article aims to highlight the transformative potential of storytelling and how StepUp Nigeria is leveraging these potentials to drive social, cultural, and personal change.

Significance of Storytelling

The significance of storytelling cannot be overemphasized. Before the advent of written language, storytelling was the primary means of passing down knowledge, traditions, and values from one generation to another. Stories of early humans gathering around campfires, sharing experiences of their hunting exploits and survival strategies not only entertained our forefathers and us but also imparted essential wisdom for communal living. As humans, we are wired to respond to narratives because one of the most remarkable things about the human brain is the ability to recognize patterns. Stories, being a predictable pattern of a beginning, middle, and end, are extremely influential and engaging to us and it is this reason that makes storytelling an effective tool for conveying complex ideas and fostering empathy.

Effects of Storytelling

Creating empathy and promoting understanding: One of the most potent effects of storytelling is its ability to evoke empathy and promote understanding. When we immerse ourselves in the lives and experiences of characters from diverse backgrounds, we develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human condition. Through stories, we walk in the shoes of others, gaining insights into their struggles, triumphs, and aspirations. For instance, stories like “Emeka’s Money” and ‘Tosin’s Story’, both by Onyinye Ough invite readers, especially children, into a world shaped by corruption, to help them understand the impact of corruption on Nigerian society. By empathizing with the protagonists’ journeys, readers gain a heightened awareness of corrupt practices and are inspired to act against corruption and advocate for change.

Inspiring Action and Advocacy: Storytelling has the power to ignite passion and drive action. Whether through literature, film, or oral tradition, narratives have the ability to galvanize individuals and communities to stand up for what they believe in. By presenting compelling narratives of injustice, resilience, and hope, storytellers can mobilize individuals and audiences to become agents of change. Consider the impact of films like ‘Halima’s Vote’ and ‘Abike’s Story’ which shed light on the need for individuals and communities to advocate and demand improved service delivery from community leaders and politicians. These narratives not only raise awareness but also inspire individuals to take concrete steps toward addressing issues whether through activism or advocacy.

Reframing Perspectives and Challenging Assumptions: Stories go the extra mile to break boundaries as they could inspire the road not taken and reshape perspectives. By presenting alternative narratives and amplifying marginalized voices, storytellers can disrupt dominant narratives and foster critical thinking. Through the lens of storytelling, individuals are encouraged to question their assumptions, confront biases, and embrace new ways of seeing the world. For example, Halima’s Vote by Onyinye Ough offers a poignant portrayal of one woman who against all odds, chose to challenge the status quo of silence, intimidation, vote buying, and corruption. Halima sparked a change in how her community viewed vote buying and vote selling and secured a better life for her family and community in the process.

Through its initiatives, including Catch Them Young Initiative, Teacher’s Training, Parents Anti-Corruption Champions Initiative, First Time Voters Integrity Initiative and tools including Emeka’s Money, Tosin’s Story, Halima’s Vote, and Abike’s Story, Step Up Nigeria is harnessing the power of storytelling to promote understanding of impacts of corruption on society, create empathy among community leaders for better service delivery, inspire action and advocacy as well as challenge assumptions and change narratives. Some stories of individuals who have been inspired by Step Up’s storytelling approach include;  

Ruth Jonathan, a first time voter in Akeleku Sidi, Obi LGA of Nasarawa state was inspired to change the narrative of women voters in her community after participating in a VR film screening session of Abike’s story. Prior to the 2023 elections, she sensitized women against vote selling. She held sessions with them on how to vote, and how to identify as well as select candidates with integrity to vote for. As a result of her interventions, she won the First Time Voters Integrity Award at the Step Up’s Annual Anti-Corruption Star Awards.

Ekong Mary-Joan, a primary 5 student of Kingdom Heritage Model School Lafia was inspired after reading Halima’s vote to stand against all forms of corruption. In her resolve to fight corruption, she reported a case of exam malpractice involving a staff of the school and a pupil to the school authority. 

Conclusion

Link to Storytelling Resources

In a world rife with corruption, division, injustice, and uncertainty, storytelling cuts through the noise and offers a beacon of hope and possibility. Through the power of narrative, just like Step Up Nigeria is doing, we can foster empathy, inspire action, challenge assumptions, and promote healing. As storytellers and listeners alike, we have the opportunity to harness the transformative potential of storytelling to create a more just, compassionate, equitable, and corrupt-free world. In the words of Maya Angelou, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Let us unleash the power of storytelling to drive positive change and build a brighter future for generations to come.