The Toolbox

Storytelling

“Turn Off the Plastic Tap,” by Benjamin Von Wong. In February of 2022, the artist placed this mam‐ moth installation outside of the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program in Nairobi, Kenya. It served as an inspiration—and as a warning—for delegates working inside to negotiate a global plastics treaty.

All the world’s a stage

Tell all the truth but tell it slant —

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth’s superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind —

Emily Dickinson

Those who set the narrative set the stage for the actions of others.

In this chapter, we’ll explore two kinds of narrative that are essential for social change. The first form is deep in our bones: the story. A story usually traces the path of a protagonist who overcomes challenges. It is time‐bound, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

There is also a second kind of narrative that subconsciously explains a situation. It’s how people filter information and make sense of the world around them. I will call this the “invisible narrative.” An invisible narrative is not a single story, instead it is one way we collectively organize our understanding of the world.

Some ...