Personal stories influence public perception and behavior through several psychological processes:
| | Best for | Example Use | |----------|--------------|------------------| | The Arc of Hope (trauma → healing → action) | Donor appeals, fundraising galas, general awareness | Domestic violence org’s annual report | | The Systems-Failure Story (“I reported. Nothing happened.”) | Policy change, legal reform, watchdog journalism | #MeToo legislation push | | The Preventable Moment (“If only someone had known the signs…”) | Training programs, school curricula, Bystander Intervention 101 | Campus sexual assault prevention workshop |
Guided prompts to help survivors share their journey at their own pace.
In April 1990, Carina Lau was driving to a friend’s house for a night of social games. During the drive, she was suddenly intercepted.