ABSTRACT VIEW
TELL THE STORY! CRAFTING NARRATIVES THAT INSPIRE COMMUNITY AND MEASURE IMPACT USING DATA VISUALIZATIONS
M. Carnahan, T. Crayton, K. Parsons
Harris County Public Library (UNITED STATES)
In current times where data is abundant and narratives shape academic and community understanding, the significance of a well-crafted data story is paramount. "TELL THE STORY! CRAFTING NARRATIVES THAT INSPIRE COMMUNITY AND MEASURE IMPACT USING DATA VISUALIZATIONS" presents an academically grounded exploration of the intersection between storytelling, community engagement, and impact measurement.

This session is designed for leaders, administrators, entrepreneurs, and educators interested in leveraging storytelling as a strategic tool for advancing organizational goals and fostering community connections. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the session will examine key theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies for creating narratives that not only captivate audiences but also serve as instruments for evaluating and demonstrating tangible outcomes.

Session Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will:
1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychological, social, and cognitive mechanisms that make stories compelling and memorable.
2. Learn strategies for utilizing storytelling to enhance community engagement, foster loyalty, and build social capital.
3. Acquire practical skills for integrating qualitative narratives with quantitative data to assess and communicate organizational impact.
4. Explore contemporary digital storytelling trends and understand how multimedia techniques can amplify the effectiveness of narrative delivery.
5. Develop techniques for crafting stories that authentically reflect an organization’s values, mission, and measurable impact, resonating with diverse audiences.

Presentation Sections:
- Storytelling: Participants will engage in a collaborative presentation applying theoretical insights to create narratives based on real or hypothetical scenarios pertinent to their fields of work. This will involve structured brainstorming, storyboarding, and peer feedback processes.
- Case Study Analyses: Participants will critically analyze case studies that demonstrate successful use of storytelling to achieve measurable community impact. Through group discussions, they will identify the key narrative elements that contributed to the effectiveness of these stories.
- Digital Storytelling Showcase: An interactive session focused on emerging digital storytelling tools and platforms, enabling participants to explore how digital media can enhance narrative construction and delivery.

This session will provide an academic framework for understanding the role of storytelling in social change, offering participants the tools to craft narratives that engage, inform, and demonstrate impact within their communities. Through a combination of theoretical insights and applied learning, attendees will be empowered to integrate storytelling into their organizational practices for sustained and measurable outcomes.

Keywords: Leadership, Technology, Education, Data Visualization.

Event: INTED2025
Track: Innovative Educational Technologies
Session: Technology Enhanced Learning
Session type: VIRTUAL