Storytelling: Setting an Example and Building Understanding

At the LWV US National Convention, LWV Jo Daviess County was nominated for the Storytelling Award.   This category showcases how Leagues have harnessed the power of storytelling to promote League priorities and recruit members and engagers through projects focused on our history, fundraising, DEI, or the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®. This could include videos, social media campaigns, presentations, email campaigns, webpages, or other activities that were presented to members of their community.

LWV Jo Daviess County was nominated for a series of columns in their local paper on water issues.  The columns provided a way to express the League's gratitude to the many citizens who collaborated with us during the years of our work, as well as present continuing opportunities for others in the community to engage in the ongoing work. The columns also functioned as a tribute to the legacy of our LWV founders during this year of our 100th Anniversary.

Given this example, Lonni McCauley, LWV ABC (Minnesota)  member and LWV UMRR Action Chair, has worked with the local newspaper in Anoka, Minnesota, to publish monthly columns by local water experts.   The Anoka County Union Herald has now published two articles, with more to come.  The first was by Chris Lord, Manager of the Anoka Conservation District, and focused on how the Mississippi shaped his environmental consciousness as a child and eventually his career.    In the second column, published last week, was by Gretchen Sabel, Chair of the Anoka County Water Resources Task Force.  It covered an upcoming report on water resources in Anoka County and what work is being done to protect and restore them.   

Each article includes a lead-in from the LWV UMRR:  "This is part of a series of monthly columns by local water experts. These columns on local rivers and land use are a collaboration between the League of Women Voters Upper Mississippi River Region and other environmental groups in Anoka County. Learn more about the League of Women Voters at lwvumrr.org."  Through these articles, LWV UMRR is working to build understanding and appreciation for water.