The Personal is Political

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In this week’s show, organizer Marshall Ganz explains the power of narrative in building movements — an idea he used to help propel Barack Obama’s historic 2008 presidential campaign. Here, some of Ganz’s students and Bill’s former guests share personal stories that moved them to political action.

Stories of Self

Nine organizers explain how their life experiences compelled them to take action.
  • Margaret Flowers
    Margaret Flowers
    Physician and activist
  • Art Reyes
    Art Reyes
    Student, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government
  • Rachel LaForest
    Rachel LaForest
    Executive director of Right to the City
  • Madeline Janis
    Madeline Janis
    Co-founder and national policy director of Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy
  • George Goehl
  • Michelle Castillo
    Michelle Castillo
    Student, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Each of us has a story that can move others. If there’s an issue you feel passionately about, the story of how you came to care about it could compel others to care as well. Consult our how-to guide for more on the art of translating values into action through stories, and share your own “story of self” below.

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