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.
- Celina Barrios-MillnerCelina Barrios-MillnerStudent, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government
- Wendell Potter
- Ai-Jen Poo
- Margaret FlowersMargaret FlowersPhysician and activist
- Art ReyesArt ReyesStudent, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government
- Rachel LaForestRachel LaForestExecutive director of Right to the City
- Madeline JanisMadeline JanisCo-founder and national policy director of Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy
- George GoehlGeorge GoehlExecutive director, National People’s Action
- Michelle CastilloMichelle CastilloStudent, 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.