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At Sidekick, we believe in the power of storytelling to drive social change. Over the past four months, we have partnered with the USAID Thailand Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) project to conduct an in-depth Data-Driven Storytelling Training Program. The workshop series, aimed at civil society organizations (CSOs) working on issues related to human trafficking and migration, was designed to equip field workers with the knowledge and tools necessary to tell powerful stories backed by data.

 

Building Capacity for Impact

From July to September 2024, over 40 practitioners from 20 organizations across Thailand embarked on a storytelling journey. Participants practiced using Sidekick's Case Story Template, which helped them collect and organize their project data into clear narratives. Throughout this period, organizations learned how to document their successes, gather stakeholder interviews, and collect statistical data to demonstrate the impact of their work.

 

The training wasn't just about gathering data but about transforming that information into compelling stories for three key audiences:

• Media and policymakers to push for change.

• The general public, to raise awareness.

• Donor organizations, to build credibility and foster support
   

Workshop #2 Highlights: Crafting the Message

Held on September 17-18, 2024, the second workshop focused on refining these stories into targeted messages for each audience. Here’s a glimpse into the activities that participants engaged in:

 

• Messaging for Media and Policymakers: Using Sidekick’s Values-Based Messaging strategy and the VPSA framework (Value, Problem, Solution, Action), participants crafted impactful key messages and presented them in mock media interviews.

• Engaging the General Public: Participants explored audience segmentation and identified key groups, referred to as "Prospects," who would resonate with their stories. Through creative exercises, they developed messaging that was not only informative but also engaging for a wider, less specialized audience.

• Connecting with Donors: Effective communication with donors is crucial for long-term support. Participants learned how to present their work's value, highlighting their local impact and offering innovative solutions. Practical tools and examples from organizations like Winrock International demonstrated how to build credibility through transparency and compelling storytelling.

 

Practical Tools for Real-Life Application

A key takeaway from the workshop was the practical nature of the tools. Participants learned how to implement storytelling templates into their daily work. By the end, they had a systematic overview of the storytelling process, allowing them to clearly visualize the data, build their narratives, and engage audiences in a meaningful way.

 

The Outcome: Turning Insights into Action

The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve recognized the value of working systematically and have already started integrating the tools into their projects. As one participant shared:

 

“After completing the template, I could clearly see its impact and apply it directly to my work.”

 

Many have gained confidence in their ability to convey their stories to the public and donors alike. By the end of the training, participants said they had a clearer understanding of how to showcase their work, engage media, and communicate with donors to ensure sustained impact.

 

Looking Ahead

As the workshop series wraps up, we are proud to see the transformation in our participants. They now have the skills to use data to tell compelling stories that highlight their achievements in the fight against human trafficking and forced labor. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these organizations as they implement what they've learned to create greater awareness and lasting change.