Reimagining Your Narrative: Lessons in Ethical Storytelling with Pollen

Event Description
We’re headed into a collective rebuilding and recovery era. As fundraisers, our task will be to share a new vision with supporters. Now is the time to get clear and focused on your organization’s most powerful path forward. The story you tell right now will pave the way for what comes next. In this session, we’ll highlight two critical communication mindsets to keep centered as we all continue to move forward.

1. The importance of imagination in painting a narrative vision. Our audiences want to know how we imagine building a better future—let’s bring them along to see what’s possible.
2. Relevant, authentic, and ethical storytelling is deeply needed when imagining a new future and the steps toward that future.

There’s no time for bullshit, sector jargon, or vague impact statements. In this session, you’ll hear examples of how nonprofits are using these strategies effectively. You’ll also have space to think and process on how you can craft your own strong narrative and connect with others in small breakout sessions.


Speakers
Jerome Rankine (he/him)
Editorial Director, Pollen

Jerome Rankine, Pollen’s Editorial Director, finds ways to incorporate storytelling into every aspect of Pollen’s work. He helps to nurture all of Pollen’s stories from seed to flower, partnering with Pollen’s talented group of writers to help strengthen their voices and nudge narratives into place.


Julie Cohen (she/her)
Engagement & Advancement Director, Pollen

As the engagement & advancement director, Julie grows and nurtures the Pollen network and ensures the sustainability of Pollen’s mission work. She gets all her energy from connecting with Pollenites, cultivating donor and funder relationships, and being deeply embedded in community.


Cori Ertz (she/her)
Development Director, International Institute of Minnesota

Leads the fundraising, communications and volunteer program with help of a mighty team committed to Make Minnesota Welcoming to immigrants and refugees. That commitment includes celebrating New Americans for the contributions they bring to Minnesota.