Leveraging the Art of Storytelling for Social Impact in the Diaspora Community – WeDiasporan Volunteer Series 14/21
Have you ever read a story that moved you deeply, that made you feel connected to something bigger than yourself? Imagine if you had the power to write those stories—stories that could inspire action, connect a community, and amplify voices across the globe. What if your words could shine a light on the untold stories of the African diaspora, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, and sharing the work that’s happening to uplift and empower? This is exactly the kind of impact you could make as a volunteer storyteller at WeDiasporan.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.
Storytelling is more than just words on a page; it’s a tool for change, empowerment, and connection. At WeDiasporan, storytelling volunteers are helping to weave the narrative of the African diaspora, showcasing its strengths, its struggles, and its immense contributions to global culture. Whether you’re crafting a blog post, writing a newsletter, or developing promotional content, your words will carry the stories that matter.
These stories don’t just inform, they spark change, build bridges, and foster a sense of unity and pride within the diaspora.
Why Storytelling Matters in Social Impact
You have probably heard that stories have the power to change the world. But how does storytelling actually create change? It’s because stories have the ability to emotionally engage an audience, moving people to act in ways that data or facts alone can’t.
According to the Harvard Business Review, stories are 22 times more likely to be remembered than facts alone. This is crucial when it comes to social impact work, where influencing attitudes and behaviors is a key goal.
Obehi Ewanfoh, founder of WeDiasporan, understands this deeply. He champions storytelling as a powerful tool for connection, cultural preservation, and collective transformation.
Through his podcast, The Obehi Podcast and live events, Obehi curates conversations with diverse professionals from across the African diaspora. These aren’t just interviews, they are living archives of resilience, identity, and inspiration.
With over 1,000 episodes and counting, his work captures the stories that challenge stereotypes, ignite awareness, and mobilize communities toward meaningful action.
In the realm of social impact, stories do more than inform — they move people. They turn statistics into human experiences, causes into commitments, and moments into movements. That’s why storytelling isn’t just important — it’s essential.
For an organization like WeDiasporan, storytelling is the bridge between people who may not fully understand the challenges or opportunities within the African diaspora and the work being done to empower communities.
Whether it’s advocating for cultural preservation, promoting sustainable development, or supporting the empowerment of African descendants globally, storytelling helps to contextualize and humanize these issues, making them more accessible and compelling to a wider audience.
By sharing the stories of individuals and communities impacted by WeDiasporan’s initiatives, you’ll help build awareness, educate, and inspire action. Stories are not just about the work being done—they’re about the people behind it.
They highlight the resilience, creativity, and strength that exists within the African diaspora, reinforcing the importance of collective action and shared cultural pride.
How Volunteers Become the Voices of WeDiasporan
As a volunteer storyteller, you become more than just a writer—you become a voice that represents the mission of WeDiasporan. You’re tasked with creating content that connects with people across different countries, cultures, and experiences, all while staying true to the values and goals of the organization.
Whether you’re writing blogs, newsletters, or promotional materials, the role of the storyteller is essential in shaping how the organization communicates its vision. Every word you write serves a dual purpose: to inform and to engage.
Your words will help inspire action, encourage involvement, and create a stronger sense of belonging within the diaspora community. In a world where attention spans are shrinking and digital content is abundant, crafting compelling narratives that capture readers’ attention is a skill that will be vital to your success.
It’s not just about writing—it’s about telling stories that move people. You’ll be capturing the essence of WeDiasporan’s work, from community outreach projects to agricultural development initiatives, and transforming those stories into engaging content that resonates with people.
The narratives you create will help paint a picture of the powerful work that’s happening within the diaspora, while also highlighting the diverse and often underrepresented stories that need to be told.
Writing Blogs and Newsletters That Resonate
One of the primary tasks of a volunteer storyteller at WeDiasporan is to write blogs and newsletters that inspire, educate, and engage readers. But how do you make your writing stand out in the crowded digital landscape?
- Know Your Audience: Understanding the diversity within the African diaspora is key to crafting content that resonates. Whether you’re writing for someone in the U.S., Europe, Africa, or the Caribbean, each region has its unique experiences and challenges. Tailoring your content to these varied audiences helps ensure that your stories are relevant and impactful.
- Craft Engaging Headlines: A headline is often the first (and sometimes only) chance you have to grab a reader’s attention. Make sure your titles are clear, compelling, and spark curiosity. According to HubSpot, articles with compelling headlines receive 73% more social media shares than those with average titles. Think about how you can make your story stand out.
- Stay Authentic: Authenticity is key in storytelling. People connect with stories that feel real, that represent lived experiences. It’s important to remain true to the cultural roots and diverse identities of the African diaspora, ensuring that the content you create honors those narratives without oversimplifying or generalizing.
- Make It Personal: While facts and figures are important, people relate to personal stories. Share real experiences—whether it’s a volunteer’s journey, a community’s transformation, or an individual’s success. These are the stories that will resonate most deeply with your audience.
- Call to Action: Good storytelling doesn’t just inform—it inspires action. Whether it’s encouraging readers to volunteer, donate, or spread the word, include a clear call to action at the end of your blog or newsletter. Empower your readers to be part of the change they’ve just read about.
The Role of Multimedia in Storytelling
In today’s digital age, storytelling is no longer confined to words alone. Combining written content with visuals, videos, and infographics is a powerful way to enhance your message and keep readers engaged.
For instance, a blog post about a community outreach event could include photos of volunteers in action, infographics showcasing the impact of the event, or a short video interview with a participant. According to Forbes, content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without visuals.
As a volunteer storyteller, incorporating multimedia elements into your stories will help create a more immersive and compelling experience for your audience, making your narratives even more powerful and effective.
The Rewards of Volunteering as a Storyteller
Becoming a storyteller with WeDiasporan isn’t just about writing—it’s about personal growth and professional development. By contributing your writing skills to an organization with a purpose, you’ll gain valuable experience in content creation, digital marketing, and social media engagement.
See also Enhancing Connections and Impact Through Community Outreach – WeDiasporan Volunteer Series 3/21
Moreover, the sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing your words are helping to preserve and share the rich history of the African diaspora is immeasurable. You’ll be part of a global community working to uplift others and bring awareness to issues that matter deeply.
Your Opportunity to Make an Impact
If you’re passionate about the African diaspora and storytelling, this is your opportunity to join a movement that is changing narratives and empowering communities. The words you write can have a far-reaching impact, and your stories will help bring WeDiasporan’s vision to life.
Storytelling has always been a cornerstone of African culture, and now it’s your turn to continue that tradition in a modern context.
By volunteering with WeDiasporan, you’ll help craft the stories that need to be told—and you’ll do so with a purpose that impacts lives, strengthens communities, and preserves cultural heritage. Ready to start writing? Join WeDiasporan’s team of storytellers and make your voice heard.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.
