storiesmatter

Storiesmatter is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of storytelling across cultures and disciplines. It appears as a general concept in academic and public discourse and as a branding slogan for programs that aim to develop narrative skills, promote ethical storytelling, and increase audience engagement.

Origin and usage: The phrase does not refer to a single organization or initiative; it has emerged in the 2000s and 2010s and has been used by educators, libraries, museums, media outlets, nonprofit campaigns, and corporate communications to signal that stories can influence knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.

Concept and principles: The core claim is that stories matter because they help people understand experiences different from their own, preserve memory, and motivate action. Effective storytelling typically emphasizes accuracy, consent, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility, while balancing narrative drive with factual grounding.

Applications: In education, storiesmatter underpins literacy instruction, research communication, and service learning. In journalism and media literacy, it advocates responsible reporting and diverse representation. In public health and social campaigns, narrative approaches can clarify risks and foster engagement. In archives and museums, it guides interpretation and curation.

Critiques and considerations: Critics warn against simplification, sensationalism, or exploitation of storytellers. Ethical storytelling requires consent, transparency about sources, and attention to power dynamics between narrators and audiences. Sustaining narratives responsibly can also demand ongoing collaboration and community verification.