Go Groups

Session Ten

Go Groups: Session Ten
Change Lives: Go Tell Your Story
Philip Harding

Session overview

In a time long ago, amidst a world filled with towering mountains, treacherous valleys, winding rivers, and deep canyons, a brave group of individuals embarked on a daring quest. They were destined to change lives, to reshape destinies, and to forge a new path towards greatness. The journey ahead promised new beginnings, unexpected challenges, and the arrival of new companions who would shape their story.

The call echoed through the land, reverberating in their hearts and souls. "Who will you bring with you?" This question marked the beginning of their epic adventure, a question that held the key to their destiny. Module four beckoned them to build upon the knowledge and experiences acquired in their previous quests. The data they had collected, the research they had conducted, and the interviews they had undertaken were the stepping stones that led them to this pivotal moment.

Yet, they knew that their journey was incomplete until they shared their discoveries with the world. They understood that their ideas, solutions, and hard work held no significance unless they were shared, unless they touched the lives of others. Their own dreams were intertwined with the dreams of those they aimed to serve, and they were prepared to live out their purpose by helping others fulfill their own.

Pitching became their weapon of choice, a tool they wielded with passion and precision. They learned not to be overwhelmed by the word itself but to embrace it as a means of storytelling. Within each of them, they held the power to inspire action, to ignite change, and to motivate others to reach their full potential. Their journey had equipped them with all the necessary ingredients—a wealth of data, vivid stories, and encounters with diverse characters.

As their quest progressed, they realized that everything they had experienced, everything they had learned, was interconnected. The image before them depicted the framework of their journey—a tapestry woven with each data point, each story detail, and each character they had encountered. Every step had built their credibility, showcasing their unwavering determination and their dedication to solving the grand challenges that lay before them.

They embraced the BHAP, the seed of awareness they had planted since the beginning. It had germinated into a profound understanding of the vast need and complexity of the world's challenges. Their journey had unveiled hidden layers, revealing not only the problem they initially sought to solve but also the other pressing issues that demanded their attention.

Their path had taken them to new places, where they combined their personal stories, their connection with the people they served, and their empathetic understanding of the challenges they faced. Real experiments and tests had become their crucibles, refining their solutions, and generating powerful stories. Each step forward added to their momentum, solidifying their determination and inspiring others to join them.

They had followed the process faithfully, from the introspective letters to themselves, the photographs of their footprints marking their progress, the chapters they wrote, and the interviews they conducted. Design sprints propelled them forward, each cycle leading to new insights and iterations. And now, the time had come to craft their ultimate story, to invite others into their narrative, and to inspire them to take action and join the cause.

Their hearts soared with anticipation as they prepared to embark on another revolution of the circle. The exhilaration was palpable, their spirits ablaze with the fire of purpose. They cheered, flying in circles, their X-shaped snaps resounding through the air. It was an exciting moment, one that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their epic adventure.

Amidst their anticipation, they delved into key aspects that awaited them. They discovered the art of building movements, drawing inspiration from the greatest example of all—Jesus.

His powerful ministry began with a single phrase, "Come and see." He understood the impact of inviting others to witness the truth firsthand, to experience the transformation that awaited them. In the same vein, they recognized the importance of creating a movement that would rally people around their cause.

Their storytelling took on a new dimension as they explored the power of visuals and aesthetics. They knew that a compelling narrative needed to engage not only the mind but also the senses. Through captivating imagery, striking designs, and thoughtfully curated presentations, they aimed to create an immersive experience that would leave a lasting impression on their audience.

But their quest extended beyond mere storytelling. They understood the significance of collaboration and community-building. They sought out partnerships and alliances, knowing that collective action was far more potent than individual efforts. They envisioned a network of change-makers, united in their shared purpose, supporting one another and amplifying their impact.

With each interaction, they refined their pitch, adapting it to different audiences and contexts. They discovered the importance of tailoring their message to resonate with diverse individuals, understanding that everyone had their own unique motivations and concerns. Their goal was to create a compelling narrative that spoke directly to the hearts and minds of those they sought to inspire.

As their journey progressed, they faced setbacks and obstacles. They encountered skepticism, doubt, and resistance from those who questioned the feasibility of their vision. But they remained undeterred, for they had witnessed the transformative power of their work firsthand. They knew that their mission was worth fighting for, that the lives they aimed to touch were worth every challenge they faced.

And so, they persisted. They refined their pitch, honed their storytelling skills, and embraced the lessons learned from their failures. They recognized that setbacks were not the end of their journey but opportunities for growth and improvement. They embraced a mindset of resilience, perseverance, and continuous learning.

Their story was not yet complete, for their quest was ongoing. They understood that the true impact of their work would be measured not only by the number of lives they touched but also by the ripple effect it created. They envisioned a future where their ideas sparked a chain reaction of positive change, inspiring others to take up the mantle and create their own stories of transformation.

As they prepared to take their final steps, they looked back at the path they had traveled—the challenges they had overcome, the lessons they had learned, and the lives they had touched. They marveled at the tapestry they had woven, a vibrant mosaic of data, stories, and human connections. Their journey had become a testament to the power of purpose, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world.

And so, with hearts full of hope and determination, they stepped forward, ready to share their story, their vision, and their passion with the world. They stood tall, confident in their ability to inspire, to ignite change, and to leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of human history.

Their journey had transformed them, for they had discovered the true power of storytelling. It was not merely a means of communication but a catalyst for action, a bridge between hearts and minds, and a source of inspiration that could move mountains and shape destinies. Their pitch was not just a presentation—it was a call to arms, an invitation to join the movement and be a part of something greater than themselves.

And so, their voices rang out, echoing through the land, carrying their message far and wide. Their pitch became a beacon of hope, a rallying cry for all who believed in the power of ideas, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless potential of collective action. Their story, their journey, their quest had become a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, reminding the world that change begins with a single story, and that together, we can create a future that surpasses our wildest dreams.

Module 4 Experiments

  1. Your story. Your pitch. (iterate based on feedback and reflection)

    Bring together all your learning, work, data, interviews, experiments, and feedback from the previous three modules. Tell the story of your journey, the characters you’ve met, their stories, and their adventures and learning you’ve had together. Get creative. Stay empathetic to your audience. Use the change lives pitch template to bring together all these elements. Try a few different ways to tell the story and iterate based on the feedback you receive.

  2. Feedback and Reflection 🫰🏼🫰🏼

    Get feedback / input from other people and reflect on your experiments. You are always pitching.

Reflection:

  1. Think about the story and how it can be shared with others.

  2. Use an empathetic approach when reaching out to people.

  3. Think of storytelling as a tool for communication.

  4. You have been gathering data, researching, and interviewing

  5. Stay focused on the problem you are trying to solve

  6. Innovation is a process

  7. Use the data points and interviews to tell your story

  8. Involve others in the story and invite them to see for themselves.

  9. Jesus used stories to communicate spiritual things

  10. Think of the journey so far as a story

  11. You have everything you need to tell your story and pitch

  12. Have fun. This is what you were made to do.

Notes:

  • We are in a new module, focusing on building a movement and telling a powerful story to inspire others.

  • The main question being addressed is "who will you bring with you?" by sharing your solution and living out your purpose-driven life.

  • You are constantly pitching

  • Stay focused on the problem rather than just falling in love with your idea for a solution.

  • Jesus used storytelling as a tool for change and as an example to follow. Overall, the module aims to provide participants with all the necessary elements to tell their story effectively and invite people into it.

  • Jesus built a movement through the example of "come and see." He invites people to experience things for themselves rather than just telling them about it.

  • The story of the woman at the well is an example of empathy and empowerment, where Jesus knew her deeply and equipped her to go reach others.

  • Storytelling is key in communicating spiritual ideas.

  • Know your audience, empower them with tools, and share your story.

Additional resources

HOW TO: Sprint Guide
Watch this step-by-step guide to running your sprints.

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Session Nine : Shameless Audacity

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Session Eleven : Storytelling for Action