Make your Climate Strike story count
If we want to change the world, then we have to change the narrative, together. So, how do we do that?
On September 20, millions of people, us included, will be taking part in the Global Climate Strike. That’s millions of people standing in solidarity and demanding an end to the age of fossil fuels. That’s millions of people with their own reasons, their own stories, for why they’re striking for climate justice. That’s millions of stories that need to be told.
As part of our mission to create a better narrative for the world, we want to help as many people as possible to make and share their social change stories, and that includes the Global Climate Strike.
We created a special Make Your Climate Strike Story edition of our online DIY storytelling course *free* for anyone participating in the Global Climate Strike – if they answered one single question: Why are you striking for climate?
This is what we’ve heard so far…
“I am striking for climate change so I can take my nieces to all the incredible places I’ve been throughout my life. Without drastic change they may never experience the beauty of these wondering locations. The water, the people and it’s culture may just disappear, and I want to stand up for it to show my nieces that the world matters.” – Jake
“The more people who strike, the more politicians will listen. The more collective action we have, the greater the change we make. Systemic change, from the top policy makers to the grassroots folks, is needed, now. Everything needs to change. We can only do this together.” – Becky
“I have a nephew and I can’t look him in the eye and not be actively trying to ensure his future on this planet. It is as simple and terrible as that.” – Alys
So powerful and so necessary that we hear these stories.
Why did we ask for an answer to this question? It certainly wasn’t to make it harder for you to access the course, but rather it was to prompt you to start thinking about and articulating your story, your narrative, and why this is important to you.
We know that here in Australia, we are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Prolonged drought. Flash flooding. Catastrophic bushfires. Severe heat waves. Destruction of the reef. It’s terrifying.
But what starts to shift this narrative, and indeed the political and community will to take action on these pressing issues, is when we locate and share our ‘why’ – our reason for caring deeply about this issue.
Not to overstate it – but powerful storytelling could be the difference between failure or success of the Global Climate Strike. Almost every single one of us attending the Strike will have a smartphone in our hands – that means the power of story is in our hands.
It’s not too late to learn how to Make Your Climate Strike Story. Email workshops@digitalstorytellers.com.au and tell us why you’re striking, and we’ll send you a free link to the course.
Together, we can change the narrative of the future.