Why Your Story Matters

As people of faith, we believe every person has a story worth hearing.

Throughout Scripture, God works through the stories of ordinary people. Moses shared his fears. Ruth shared her journey. Mary proclaimed God’s justice. Jesus taught through stories because stories change hearts.

When you meet with an elected official, send an email, testify at a hearing, or attend a town hall, your lived experience is one of the most powerful tools you have.

Facts inform.
Stories inspire.
Together they create change.

The 3-Minute Story Framework

1. Who are you?

Introduce yourself.

Share:

• Your name
• Where you live
• Your congregation
• Your role in your community

Example:

“My name is Sarah, and I’m a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Dayton. I’m also a nurse and the mother of two children.”

2. What happened?

Describe your experience.

Focus on:

• What you experienced
• How it affected you, your family, or your community
• Why it matters

Use specific examples.

Instead of:

Housing is expensive.

Try:

Last year my daughter and her family had to move three times because rent increased faster than their income. My grandchildren changed schools twice.

3. Why does this matter?

Connect your story to the policy.

Explain:

• What change is needed?
• Why should lawmakers care?
• How would this improve people’s lives?

Example:

“Policies that expand affordable housing would help families stay rooted in their communities instead of constantly starting over.”

4. Make the Ask

Always end with a clear request.

Examples:

• Please support this bill.
• Please oppose this proposal.
• Please protect SNAP.
• Please preserve Medicaid.
• Please invest in affordable housing.
• Please protect our public lands.

Connect Your Story to Your Faith

You do not need to quote Scripture, but it is appropriate to explain why your faith calls you to act.

You might say:

• “My Lutheran faith teaches me to love my neighbor.”
• “As Christians, we are called to care for creation.”
• “I believe every person is created in God’s image and deserves dignity.”
• “Our congregation sees these challenges every day.”
• “Serving my neighbors has shown me how important this issue is.”

Helpful Tips

Keep it personal.

Talk about your own experience rather than speaking for everyone.

Be respectful.

You may disagree with an elected official while still treating them with dignity.

Be brief.

Aim for two to three minutes.

Be specific.

Concrete stories are easier to remember than broad statements.

Be hopeful.

Advocacy is about creating solutions, not simply describing problems.

Questions to Help You Reflect

Consider these prompts:

• When have you or someone you love struggled because of a public policy?
• What ministry has changed your understanding of this issue?
• Where have you seen God at work in your community?
• What experience motivates you to advocate?
• Why does this issue matter to your congregation?

Common Advocacy Topics

Your story could focus on:

• Hunger and SNAP
• Affordable housing
• Health care and Medicaid
• Immigration and refugees
• Public lands stewardship
• Climate and creation care
• Democracy and voting
• Mental health
• Child care
• Education
• Poverty
• Disability access
• Aging with dignity

Before You Leave the Meeting

Remember to:

• Thank the legislator or staff member.
• Leave behind a fact sheet.
• Ask how you can stay in touch.
• Follow up with a thank-you email.

Remember

Your story may be the first time a policymaker hears how a decision affects a real person.

Advocacy is not about being an expert. It is about being faithful.

God has already given you the most important qualification:

Your lived experience.