The Storytelling and Communications Curriculum provides participants with instruction and resources in crafting and delivering effective stories about Wikimedia projects. It is designed for Wikimedia Community and Program leaders who can use the power of storytelling to connect with volunteers, donors, partners and community to advance Wikimedia Awareness and Engagement.
Course goals
Increase the ability of Wikimedia staff and volunteers to share their work and impact in order to engage more strongly with their communities. Outcomes of effective storytelling can include positive engagement of readers, funders, partners and contributors.
Target Audience
The intended audience for this workshop is program and chapter leaders who want their work to build engagement with their communities and partners. It is likely that participants will represent both volunteers and some chapter staff. Ideal for a group of 10 - 50 people.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
Define why stories are important to advancing Wikimedia’s work.
Identify different channels for effective storytelling.
Craft a Wikimedia story using an ABCD model and template.
Locate and use the storytelling toolkit.
Hosting and Activities Logistics
Audiovisual Equipment Requirements
Visual aids for this course consist of PowerPoint slides, video clips etc.. The following audiovisual equipment is necessary for delivery of this course:
Video projector compatible with a notebook computer and cables for proper connection (e.g., InFocus or similar make) with speakers.
Electronic remote device to advance slides in PowerPoint presentation, if available
Projection screen (at least 2 m x 2 m)
Seven meter or longer extension cord
PAPER CHARTS with markers
All equipment should be placed in the room for the instructors to check at least one hour prior to the course.
Room Requirements
The room should be large enough to accommodate workspace and chairs for the number of participants in table rounds seating 6 - 8 persons.
A presentation table at the from of the room to should be provided for the instructors. The room should be in a quiet area and have a lighting system that permits convenient dimming of the lights, especially where the screen is located.
The course is created with a dynamic principle: offer a frame of thought and engage participants in exercises. Storytelling is a skill that people can learn: find a way to get participants to feel comfortable sharing a story.
Send out the Welcome Letter and Pre-Training Assessment.
Use assessment response to customize learning examples.
Print/Obtain Learning Journals, Posters, and Reference Guides.
Before training event preparation list
Confirm the training dates, location, and number of participants. (Recommended not more than 50 participants).
Ensure you have the following materials:
Facilitator Guide, one copy for each instructor
PowerPoint presentation appropriate to the location of the course (reviewed for cultural references)
Learning Journal
Pre-Workshop Welcome Letter and Assessment
Attendance Sign-in Sheets
Session Evaluation and Follow-up Sheets
Read and study the Instructor Guide, PowerPoint presentation, and documentation pertaining to the local environment. If using case studies, review ahead of time and select the most appropriate cases studies and examples for your audience. Familiarize yourself with the Participant Workbook.
Be sure you have the following materials arranged with the organizer / host:
Video projector and screen
WIFI
Paper/flip chart
Presenter remote for slides
Speakers for audio with laptop. (Facilitator or venue may provide)
Large markers, assorted colors (one set for each table of 6-8 people)
Post-it notes
Box of black permanent markers (one for each person)
Masking tape
Any instructions on room location, parking, catering to be included in Welcome Letter.
Set-up
Arrive one hour before the training to set your room and equipment. Environment makes a difference.
Consider playing welcoming music for participants
Hang "Share Your Story" poster
Each table should have (one learning journal for each participant, post it notes and sharpies for the table, consider placing things to fiddle with on the tables for kinesthetic learners.
Start before you start. Meet and greet participants, including any welcoming activity to engage participants early.
During
Start on time and stay on track. Always start on time, even if only one participant is in the room.
Keep exercises within their time limit. Lead participants away from digressions via use of a parking lot for discussions outside of scope for other opportunity/follow-up.
Engage the group as active participants by asking for a volunteer scribe and/or leader in small group activities.
Use post-it notes to involve all participant and theme their input. This also provides opportunity for more introverted participants to share their ideas.
Seek to change/shift activity every 11 minutes. (Example group discussion, presentation, worksheets, video).
Be available for mentoring during breaks, after class and during activities.
Encourage active contribution during sessions including use of social media, creation of learning patterns, so participants are creating knowledge as the workshop develops.
Wikipedians love documenting their sessions. To reinforce the power of face to face connection, ask for a volunteer to document the session using notes captured in small groups.
Post knowledge from the session such as quotes in social media. Encourage participants to share what they have learned.
Practice active listening, reflecting your understanding of participant contributions.
Label and number paper charts. Use two different color markers for readability in the room.
Seek review questions every 6 to 8 slides for retention and encourage participants via pair shares, to discuss how the concept relates to their community.
Share learning objectives at the beginning of the session and ask participants for any other content/questions they would like answered.
Be sure to allow adequate time for reflection and evaluation.
Avoid jargon. Learning Journals contain a glossary of terms.
After
Send Thank You note with key learning points and encourage ongoing connection with community tools and resources.
Reflect on your own facilitation skills using the facilitator’s check list.
Celebrate that you helped our movement grow through sharing of your expertise.
References
↑Breaks may vary from site to site according to local guidelines or class preference.
Learning Journal
About this journal
Use this learning journal to capture your Ah Ha ideas and the next steps to apply course content to your Wikimedia community projects. Also write down community members you connect with on the topic for ongoing knowledge sharing. Document your experience
Module 1: Define why stories are important to advancing Wikimedia’s work
Questions for Reflection/Practical Application:
How do you currently use stories to engage others in your work?
Why are stories an important component of Wikimedia continued growth and impact?
Module 2: Identify different channels for effective storytelling
Where and through which channels can I use stories?
What channels haven’t we explored yet?
What channel has helped increased awareness of your Wikimedia projects?
Module 3: Craft a Wikimedia story using an ABCD model and template
Ah Ha’s & Notes
Questions for Reflection/Practical Application:
Identify how you can apply the ABCD model to telling your story.
Module 4: Story share
Questions and Reflections:
What are mechanisms which can be used to improve the impact of stories?
What stories and examples did you hear about worth noting?
Module 5: Reflections and next steps
Questions and Reflections:
What next steps will you take to apply this course to storytelling in your community?
What community members/staff do you want to connect with for ongoing learning exchange?
What tools and resources did you learn about that would be helpful?
