Sentiment Into Action Series #3: The Power of Storytelling

Today, Up10 Solutions asked if we could share Kenia's story of racism and we are so glad we did. Kenia Thompson, founder of WordCrumbs, is a communication and marketing professional with a passion for all things communication and storytelling. Her love for education has led her to compile her classroom teachings and life lessons and use them as a vehicle to inform and educate others on the importance of communication.

We are excited to share our story of growth because we ASKED and LISTENED to hers. Now let's all do the same to better our organizations and our relationships!

Storytelling in the association business is more important than ever as we navigate and prepare plans for inclusion.

The importance of not only telling your member’s stories, but hearing their stories, is crucial to enacting a long-term plan that will resonate now and into the future. Plans derived for and from diverse members and diverse perspectives are what we should all be striving to implement to ensure measurable results. 

Case in point. I’ve known Kenia Thompson for many, many years, but never have I thought until now to ask her about how racism affects and permeates her world. I’ve never taken the time to sit down and really listen to the racism her and her family face – that they have sadly become “used to” – until now. 

First of all, shame on me for not checking in on her and taking the time to hear her story – until now. Secondly, how was I missing out on this raw and real side of Kenia’s world – until now. Listening to this story, to her story, I not only got a peek into her world, I reaped the benefits of learning and sharing a crucial lesson in empathy. Something we can all do with our staff and members, simply by ASKING and LISTENING. 

I am beyond thrilled to not only share this journey of growth for me, but sharing this example of powerful storytelling from Kenia. Stories can truly change our world, our perspective and ensure thoughtful implementation of DEI efforts for associations in the future. 

Join us in an effort to start ASKING and LISTENING!

Sonya Guthrie

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Empathy vs. Sympathy

Now let's take a minute to learn together through Kenia's story!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgv3dOvlXBw