1. Communications Creating a Storytelling Organization Stephen Padre Director of Communications RCAP National Office, Washington, D.C.

2. What this workshop will address What are stories? Where do we need to use stories? Why do we need stories? How do we get stories?

3. The Essence of RCAP’s Story Exercise: Write RCAP’s story in 6 words (the 6- word memoir) Famous example: For sale: baby shoes, never worn -- Ernest Hemingway

4. The Essence of RCAP’s Story No clean water. A community suffers.

5. Creating a Storytelling Organization Why do we need to tell RCAP’s story?

6.  Raises visibility  Builds trust  Improves RCAP’s reputation  Shows how RCAP is making a difference – raises viability in its sector and marketplace  Helps with funding flow

7. Why we need to tell RCAP’s story Not: But: Project cycle Funders Communications happens here or here RCAP communities Communications happens here Beginning End Other stakeholders

8. Creating a Storytelling Organization What are stories?

9. They should explain:  Who you are  What you do  Why people should care

10. What are stories? They are:  Engaging  Powerful  Memorable  Moving (to action)

11. What are stories? They should be both:  Informative  Persuasive The best stories have a face – they are personal.

12. What are stories? RCAP has all the elements for great stories:  Technical expertise  Identifying problems and solutions to them  Local presence – knowledge of communities  History and reputation  Communications skills  Communications vehicles and access to audiences

13. Where will we tell our stories? Our communication outlets:  Rural Matters magazine  eBulletin  RCAP national website  Regular reports to funders (case studies)  Legislative visits  Media (especially local)  Training materials (manuals being produced)  Brochures

14. How will we tell our stories? You… …and me

15. How will we tell our stories? A request:  Commit to writing for Rural Matters  Take photos  Keep your eyes open for stories to tell  Visit our funders – RD offices, etc.  Visit your legislators

16. Western RCAP Rural Community Assistance Corporation (916) 447-2854 www.rcac.org Midwest RCAP Midwest Assistance Program (952) 758-4334 www.map-inc.org Southern RCAP Community Resource Group (479) 443-2700 www.crg.org Northeast RCAP RCAP Solutions (800) 488-1969 www.rcapsolutions.org Great Lakes RCAP WSOS Community Action Commission (800) 775-9767 www.glrcap.org Southeast RCAP Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (866) 928-3731 www.southeastrcap.org