“As someone who works in the nonprofit world, I’ve taken a lot of courses — but this one stands out. ‘Voices for Change’ doesn’t just teach theory; it gives you real tools to turn your personal journey into advocacy. I used what I learned to revamp our community storytelling campaign, and the response has been incredible. Highly recommend to anyone working for justice.”
Jamal T.
Director of Programs, Justice Rising Coalition
What you will learn?
Stories are more than memories — they’re tools of transformation. They connect us, humanize issues, and drive action. From abolition to civil rights, the most powerful movements have been fueled by the voices of those who lived through injustice.
Lesson 1: Why Your Story Matters
· The role of storytelling in social change
· Historical examples of personal stories igniting movements
· Identifying your “why”
· Assignment: Write your origin story — what drives you to speak up?
In Lesson 2, we shift from raw reflection to purposeful storytelling. You’ll begin to explore the deeper meaning behind your experiences and shape them into a narrative that carries emotional weight and clarity.
We’ll guide you through the process of discovering the central themes in your story, such as resilience, justice, healing, or transformation. You'll also learn how to balance vulnerability and privacy, sharing what empowers you without feeling exposed. Finally, you’ll explore the story arc — beginning, struggle, and transformation — to organize your experience into a message that moves people to care, connect, and take action.
By the end of this week, you’ll have a draft of a defining story moment that reflects not just what happened, but what it means — and why it matters.
Key Skills You’ll Learn:
✔️ Identifying key emotional and thematic elements
✔️ Ethical and empowered storytelling
✔️ Structuring your experience into a compelling narrative
Assignment:
✍️ Draft a 500-word story using the story arc format:
Beginning → Struggle → Transformation
Turning Your Experience Into Impact
This week, we take your personal story and shape it into a strategic message that moves people and drives change. You’ll learn how to align your narrative with a broader cause — whether that’s immigration reform, mental health advocacy, racial justice, education equity, or another issue close to your heart.
You’ll also explore how to adapt your story for different audiences, from local leaders to community members to the media, and craft a call to action that invites others to not just listen — but act. Plus, we’ll dive into the principles of ethical storytelling so that your voice uplifts, protects, and empowers.
By the end of this week, your story will have more than meaning — it will have mission.
Key Skills You’ll Learn:
✔️ Connecting your story to a cause
✔️ Tailoring your message for specific audiences
✔️ Adding a clear call to action
✔️ Practicing ethical storytelling
Assignment:
✍️ Revise your personal story to reflect your message, audience, and call to action — turning your experience into a tool for impact.
Choosing Where and How to Share Your Story
You’ve crafted your message — now it’s time to amplify it.
In Lesson 4, you’ll learn how to choose the most effective platform for delivering your story based on your audience, your goals, and your natural communication style. Whether you feel most powerful speaking on stage, writing from the heart, posting on social media, or recording a video, this module helps you find the space where your voice can thrive.
You’ll explore strategies for public speaking, digital storytelling, podcasting, op-ed writing, and more — all while learning how to write and speak with clarity, persuasion, and emotional impact.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a clear plan to deliver your story in a format that feels authentic to you and reaches the people who need to hear it most.
Key Skills You’ll Learn:
✔️ Choosing the right storytelling platform
✔️ Writing and speaking with clarity and purpose
✔️ Connecting emotionally with your audience
✔️ Practicing public speaking techniques
Assignment:
🎥 Record a 2–3 minute video or audio of your story or write a 600–800 word blog/op-ed version to share publicly.
From Individual Voice to Collective Impact
In Lesson 5, we explore how storytelling becomes a movement. You’ll learn how to go beyond personal testimony to inspire connection, collaboration, and momentum for change. This week is all about aligning your voice with others who share your cause, engaging media and policymakers with clarity, and creating a simple yet powerful strategy to amplify your message.
You’ll also reflect on how to protect your energy, avoid burnout, and build support systems that allow you to lead from a place of strength. Because advocacy isn’t just about speaking out — it’s about staying in the fight long-term, with your well-being intact.
Key Skills You’ll Learn:
✔️ Collaborating with others to amplify your message
✔️ Engaging media and decision-makers effectively
✔️ Planning your story’s launch and communication strategy
✔️ Setting boundaries and sustaining your voice over time
Assignment:
🛠️ Create a basic communications plan that includes your platform, audience, collaborators, timing, and self-care strategy.
You’ve done the work — now it’s time to let your voice be heard.
In Week 6, you’ll take your refined, purpose-driven story and prepare it for release. Whether you're writing an op-ed, recording a video, speaking at an event, or pitching to a podcast, this module walks you through the process of publishing, presenting, and stepping into your role as a narrative leader.
You’ll also explore how to craft a speaker bio, pitch yourself to media or community spaces, and build a sustainable advocacy plan. This isn’t just about sharing your story — it’s about owning your platform, leading from your truth, and continuing your journey as a changemaker.
Key Skills You’ll Learn:
✔️ Publishing your story across platforms
✔️ Crafting a speaker pitch and bio
✔️ Presenting your message with impact
✔️ Creating a sustainable advocacy plan
Final Project:
🎤 Deliver your complete story in a written, video, or live format — including a clear message, call to action, and strategy for sharing it with the world.
About the course
This course empowers participants to transform their lived experiences into powerful tools for advocacy, influence, and systemic change. Through writing, storytelling, and strategic communication, learners will develop a compelling personal narrative and learn how to use it in civic and political spaces.
What if the pain you've survived… the injustice you've witnessed… the courage it took to keep going — could become the spark for real, lasting change?
🧠 Voices for Change is a self-paced online course that teaches you how to turn your lived experience into a message that matters.
Whether you're an advocate, artist, parent, or community leader — this course helps you:
✅ Own your narrative
✅ Align it with a cause
✅ Speak out with purpose
✅ Build real impact
Whether you’ve survived injustice, overcome struggle, or simply want to make your voice heard, this course gives you everything you need to:
Write your origin story
Identify the issues that matter most to you
Share your message with purpose
Move from reflection to real-world advocacy
Because change doesn't start in politics.
It starts with you.
With your voice.
With your story.
🎓 Enroll now
💻 Self-paced. Accessible.
About the teacher
Jessica Sanchez
Author | Public Administration & Psychology | Advocate for Social Justice, Policy Reform &...
Jessica Sanchez is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in customer service, operations, and leadership. Currently pursuing dual degrees in Public Administration and Psychology, she is passionate about policy implementation, organizational strategy, and community impact. Jessica holds a Project Management Certificate, further enhancing her ability to drive efficiency and collaboration. Her expertise spans DEI advocacy, healthcare, compliance, and customer experience. With a commitment to learning and making a difference, Jessica brings a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and dedication to her work and writing.
Testimonials
"“This course gave me the courage to share my story in a way that actually made an impact. For years, I didn’t think my experience mattered — but now I’m using it to speak up about housing injustice in my city. ‘Voices for Change’ helped me find my voice and my purpose. I’ve already been invited to share my story at a local town hall. Thank you for creating this!” — Marisol R., Community Advocate, Miami FL"
Marisol R
Community Advocate
"“I never thought of myself as an activist… until this course. It helped me understand how my story — growing up with a parent who was incarcerated — could actually shift hearts and minds. I shared my experience in a class presentation and got standing applause. Now, I’m starting a student group to advocate for criminal justice reform. This course changed my life.” "
Alyssa M
Public Policy Student, University of Maryland
