Lesson 2: Choosing a Story – Theme, Change, and Purpose

Now choose one story from your story circle notes. Your story should have a clear theme and a clear change.

Think of a story as a journey: something starts one way, then changes. The change can be small (a new understanding) or big (a decision, conflict, or action).

The 5 story building blocks

• Character: Who is the story about? (You, a friend, a community member)
• Goal: What does the character want?
• Obstacle: What stands in the way?
• Change: What shifts by the end?
• Takeaway: What should the audience learn/feel/do?

Turn your idea into a strong logline

A logline is one sentence that explains your story. Use this format:

• When [situation/problem], a [character] must [do something] to [achieve/change], but [obstacle] makes it difficult.

Decide your message and audience

• Audience: Who needs to hear this story most? (youth, parents, leaders, community, online peers)
• Message: What is the one thing you want them to remember?
• Action: What do you want them to do after watching/listening? (think differently, talk to someone, share, join, protect, report, support)