Scheherazade and bathtubs
Scheherazade illustration by René Bull (Photo credit: Crossett Library Bennington College) When my oldest was just a little boy, he insisted that I tell him stories while in the tub. After a full day...
View ArticleTell me a story
Storytelling is rightfully getting lots of attention these days. After all, human beings communicate through stories – and always have. You probably know someone who is a terrific storyteller. I’ve...
View ArticleWhy we do it
A friend shared a video that I had to share with you. If you’ve ever wondered why donors donate, this might help. I hope it also reminds you of why you do this work. Enjoy!
View ArticleHow to move hearts with a great story
I might not have opened the letter yesterday. It’s from Covenant House, a charity I supported only occasionally and long ago. But I did open it. And though I planned a different post to share with you...
View ArticleHow to be heard in a noisy world
What does your attention cost? I was reading an article in Sunday’s New York Times about the cost of our attention. The author’s point was that in today’s world, our attention – our mind-space – has...
View ArticleWhy baby shoes knock the socks off basic facts
Joe Friday would make a terrible fundraiser. Joe wanted “just the facts, ma’am.” (For those of you who didn’t grow up watching Dragnet, here’s a taste.) That’s not to say fundraising communications...
View Article5 Simple Ways to Capture Stories and Produce Simple Videos for Your Nonprofit
Today’s post comes to you from Kristin Sukraw of Nonprofit Film School and Reliant Studios. Storytelling is at the heart of what we do – and we live in a visual age. I think you’ll find her post...
View ArticleHow to wreck your fundraising appeal
Or why your statistics don’t work There are plenty of appeals landing in my mailbox and inbox. I’ll bet it’s the same for you. I often open them, hoping to be moved, or learn something new. And you...
View ArticlePlease share a moment of humanity with me
Do you ever feel cynical about fundraising or even humanity? It’s a hazard of our age, I guess. I hope it’s not one of our profession, though. You’ve heard that storytelling is key to good fundraising....
View ArticleFundraisers: why you should use stories, not statistics
The human mind is a wanderer by nature. The daydream is the mind’s default state. Jonathan Gottschall What do you like to read? I read a scary book recently. Dystopic, feminist, infuriating. And...
View ArticleCreate a photobank this year
If you don’t already have one, put creating a photobank on your to-do list. Though it should pain me – a writer – to say this, it’s true: one great photo says more than words can. An image communicates...
View ArticleHow to tell me a story
If you’re a fundraiser, telling a good story is a skill you need. Why? The simplest answer is that stories – not facts – are how we make decisions. But there are lots of delicious layers to that...
View ArticleWhere are all my stories hiding?
So you’re (more) convinced that stories are the way to win over hearts. But now comes the big challenge. Where do I find our stories? I understand. It’s hard! We’ve all been carefully trained to judge...
View ArticleWhy your good story leads to a better world
If you’ve been wondering why I’m making such a fuss about stories, read on. Here’s the thing. Insiders (that would be you, nonprofit hero) understand all the details. We eat, sleep, and drink our...
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