The Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit, by D-HUB
Volume 04 | Narrative

Tell the story of the people

Building connection through authentic narratives

The Play

To win the narrative battle, center your message on emotions, not policies or programs. Emotional connection is more powerful than any polished argument. But emotional appeal is not enough: real connection happens when emotion is paired with substance.

Instead of focusing on politicians or abstract ideas, emphasize real people facing actual visible problems. Telling the story of ordinary people and offering solutions to their struggles becomes a powerful resource.

How stories are told matters. The steps of classical storytelling are key. A compelling story first presents a relatable challenge, then politicizes the solution by illustrating how it can be addressed, and finally connects to action by positioning the movement or a specific leader as the vehicle for change.

Genuine stories foster empathy and trust. This approach requires honesty, steering clear of overly scripted messages. When voters see themselves reflected in a narrative, they become more engaged and invested.

Why it works

  • Real voices make politics more tangible. They turn abstract issues into real, lived experiences that are easier to understand and remember.
  • Personal stories build emotional bonds. They build empathy and trust, making political messages feel closer, more human, and relatable.
  • Testimonies inspire moral clarity. They draw a sharper line between what's fair and what's unjust, fueling righteous outrage and renewed hope.
  • People see their own struggles reflected. It feels like looking in a mirror—favoring engagement and belonging.
  • Recognition sparks agency. Seeing that their story matters—and that solutions exist—is a key mobilizer for many people.

How it works

1. Identify Key Stories

Identify individuals whose lives have been directly shaped by political decisions, good or bad. Reach into target communities and gather personal stories of either struggle, hope, resilience, or even success. These authentic voices, aligned with your broader message, will bring your campaign to life and show the real-world stakes.

2. Create a Story Collection Process

Set up a system—interviews, focus groups, or one-on-ones—to gather authentic stories in people's own words. Prioritize sincerity and openness over polish and correctness to keep the narratives real. In sensitive contexts, those sharing their stories might face risks when speaking out. Protect individuals by using actors to portray experiences, and always include a disclaimer to ensure transparency to maintain trust.

3. Integrate Stories into Campaign Messaging

Once you've collected the stories, weave them into your campaign to humanize it and create an emotional connection with voters. Use these personal narratives across multiple platforms—through video testimonials, written stories, and social media posts. At rallies and community events, feature these stories to show voters how political decisions have directly impacted people's lives.

4. Engage in Two-Way Dialogue

Make storytelling interactive by encouraging voters to share their own stories and perspectives. Use social media, community forums, and in-person events to create spaces where voters can engage directly with your campaign and feel heard. This two-way dialogue fosters not just engagement, but a sense of ownership and lasting connection.

5. Connect Stories to Solutions

A powerful story doesn't just expose a problem—it points to a path forward. After highlighting personal challenges, show how your movement or campaign offers real solutions. Link each story to actual and realistic actions, policies, or future change, so people see not just hardship, but hope—and know where and how to exactly channel their support.

6. Monitor and Adjust

Track how supporters respond to different stories and testimonies. Use feedback and engagement data to refine your storytelling approach, ensuring it continues to resonate with your audiences. Also, keep adapting new stories or emerging concerns with your values and with the vision of the world that you are promoting and striving for. This ongoing process will make your efforts dynamic and responsive.

Tips

A. Prioritize Honesty and Simplicity

Present stories as they are—honest, raw, and reflective of real life. Avoid overpolishing or scripting, as sincerity and authenticity build trust. Transparency means showing both challenges and successes, using clear, simple, and accessible language that resonates across groups. When people feel their experiences matter, they're more likely to see your campaign's vision as their own and engage deeply with your cause.

B. Turn Stories into Calls for Action

Every story should spark more than emotion—it should invite action. Show people how they can be part of the solution, whether by voting, volunteering, organizing, or amplifying the message. When stories end with clear calls to action, these next steps transform engagement into real-world commitment and build a movement that goes beyond words.

Who's done it well?

Guatemala: Indigenous Peoples

Reclaiming the Narrative of Democracy

In the wake of Guatemala's 2023 general elections, Indigenous communities became the moral voice of the nation. After Bernardo Arévalo's unexpected victory, the entrenched political elite—long referred to as "the pact of the corrupt"—tried to block the transition of power through legal manipulation and institutional sabotage. But it wasn't Arévalo or any political party who mobilized the people to defend democracy. It was the Indigenous communities who led, on their own terms, by telling their own story.

For 106 days, they blocked highways, held assemblies, and staged peaceful demonstrations. These weren't just protests—they were a powerful act of narrative reclamation. For decades, Indigenous people of Guatemala had been treated as marginal to the political story: overlooked, stereotyped, or silenced. In 2023, they flipped the script. They weren't protesting for a specific party—they were defending democracy itself, and they were the main leads.

Their message wasn't broadcast through TV ads or social media influencers. It traveled by word of mouth, in K'iche', Xinka, and other Indigenous languages. Local leaders shared stories in squares and communal spaces. Testimonies were passed from one household to the next. The story was simple and clear: this protest wasn't just about the elites trying to steal an election—it was about long-time stolen dignity, stolen futures, and a stolen voice.

When Arévalo was finally sworn in as president, the first thing he did was thank the organizations of Indigenous peoples. Through their actions, Indigenous communities didn't just protect the democratic process—they rewrote the national story, with themselves, the people, as the main protagonists.

"We told our people why we had to act: to end corruption, get proper healthcare, and ensure women's safety in our communities. Our fight wasn't for a party—it was for our homes, our water, our way of life, and traditions."

Learn more

Other Resources

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Volume 04

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Build a universal message

Crafting a Message of Shared Purpose

Fight back using humor

Challenge apathy and overcome fear through laughter