Encouraging AmeriCorps members to write their stories

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Abstract

Motivating members to write "great stories" of service so that they are dynamic and compelling isn't always easy, but always well worth the effort. Great stories can be used in reports and in marketing, but perhaps more importantly, they enable members to reflect on and assimilate their experiences. This effective practice was developed from a discussion on ACList, the AmeriCorps e-mail discussion list, in November 2003.

Issue

Some AmeriCorps members are natural storytellers but others may be hesitant to write about their service experiences or may need some additional motivation to do so.

Action

According to program directors and members, the following effective practices aid in the writing of "great stories":

Make it a requirement that each AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps*VISTA member keep a service portfolio, of which an online or written journal can be one component. For instance, if members participated in any of the Service Days and there was a news spot in the paper or on television or the radio, these events would get recorded in the journal. Then when it comes time to write stories of service there will already be material to pull from.

[Above idea submitted by John Fayhee, 4-H/AmeriCorps*VISTA, St. Joseph, MO, fayheej@missouri.edu]

Program directors who know that some members have had exceptional experiences (either for themselves or know about others) but are poor writers can "interview" these members informally, having them tell about their service and its impact. Program directors should then document what the member has shared, show them the results (they are usually impressed that someone found it important or that it has so much impact when written down), sometimes share with other members as an example, and have it on file to use later. This may take some time but it really helps program directors to develop a closer relationship with members and to articulate more interesting questions to members about their service experiences.
This interviewing technique can also be used with site supervisors who may have questions about the information that really documents the impact the member is having on their ability to fill gaps in the communities.
At pre-service training or as part of a training hold a workshop on "story telling" to demonstrate the impact of a good story and let members practice telling their stories. Share examples of past stories to show the wide range of experiences other members have had so current members have an idea of how to think and write about their successes.

[Above ideas submitted by Janet Elder, Pittsburgh Health Corps, Pittsburgh, PA, JElder@achd.net]

Provide members with some concrete questions to answer, such as why did they join AmeriCorps, what have they enjoyed the most about their service, how have they benefited from serving, how has what they plan to do next changed as a result of being in the program.

[Above idea submitted by Adam Jagelski, adam.jagelski@tananachiefs.org]

Visit a local bookseller, either independently owned or a chain, and solicit a "great stories book" to use as a prize. Have a "Mini-Pulitzer" prize competition.
Encourage the members to write as if their story were a front-page newspaper article. One style of story that worked well for one program related to a local TV station which had a regular feature called, "You paid for it." This report usually highlighted some abuse of public funds. AmeriCorps members decided to write their stories with a slightly different twist — stories that could end with " . . . and you can be glad you paid for it!"
Follow the style of many newspapers and TV news shows: "If it bleeds, it leads." Challenge members to bring a tear to the eye of the reader.
Make it fun.

[Above ideas submitted by Tom Heavey, Washington Service Corps, THeavey@ESD.WA.GOV]

Letting members know how these stories will be used and who will be reading them helps. By knowing that there is a reason to write and share their stories, members usually put more thought into them.

[Above idea submitted by Marcie Sample, msample@communityyouthservices.org]

Context

"Great stories" can be used in reports to the Corporation, for website and other promotional material, and to stimulate and inspire members of your team.

Outcome

According to members of the e-mail discussion list:

It is always flattering to others to be asked questions and really listened to — to have someone care about the answers.
These moments help add motivation for members, i.e., "extra energy" that doesn't come in the form of monetary value.
The responses are often inspiring.
Writing their stories has also helped members decide where their passions are.
Documenting their work is very helpful in putting together a member portfolio.