Campus speaker events can be flashpoints for division—or opportunities for real learning. This playbook gives organizers practical tools to design events that bring people together across differences, even when discussing tough topics.

What You'll Learn

• How to design events that encourage dialogue instead of debates

• Ways to set the right tone before, during, and after controversial speakers

• Practical steps for choosing speakers who model good conversation

• Tools for creating safe spaces where all students can participate

• Methods for turning disagreement into learning opportunities

Who gets to tell the story of your community? For too long, outside voices have shaped narratives about Black and Brown neighborhoods. But a new wave of grassroots organizations is taking back the pen—and the camera, the podcast mic, and the social media account—to tell their own stories and drive real change.

Why This Matters for Organizers

• Stories Drive Change: Narrative power is as important as economic or political power

• Tools Are Accessible: You do not need Hollywood budgets—TikTok, podcasts, and community theater work

• Community Expertise: Those closest to the problems are best positioned to tell the stories

• Proven Strategies: Case studies show what works across different communities

• Funder Interest: Philanthropy is increasingly supporting narrative change work

In times of uncertainty and challenge, human connection becomes our greatest strength. StoryCorps brings together heartwarming stories that remind us of our shared humanity, resilience, and capacity for love and kindness.

StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind. Since 2003, StoryCorps has collected and preserved more than 75,000 interviews from people of all backgrounds and beliefs. These conversations celebrate the power of listening and remind us what matters most in life.