You can’t always feel a story just by reading it. But when you watch one unfold — when you see the faces and hear the voices— you understand what’s at stake. That’s the power of video storytelling.
For nonprofits, some of the most powerful stories aren’t about the organization itself. They’re about the people whose lives show us why the organization’s work matters.
A mission statement can explain what an organization does. Data can demonstrate the size of a problem. But a person’s experience can help an audience understand what that mission looks like in real life. The right story gives a face and voice to an issue that might otherwise feel distant or difficult to understand.
Finding the Story Behind the Mission
That’s why finding the story is just as important as telling it. Who has been affected by the issue? Whose experience demonstrates the impact of the work? And who needs to hear that story?
Where the Story Becomes Personal
For Pittsburgh Gateways and Action Housing, one of those people was Marianne.
Pittsburgh Gateways, an organization helping to connect upskilled tradespeople with contractors in need of residential weatherization skills (one of many incredible services they provide to support jobs in Western Pennsylvania), teamed up with Action Housing and local contractors. Together, they’re helping improve the aging housing stock across Pittsburgh. Homes in need of repairs, such as new roofs, insulation, and energy upgrades, are improved into comfortable, healthy homes.
We were given a front-row seat to Marianne’s story. Her roof was leaking, water was coming through the ceiling, and the basement was always wet. We were honored to get to know the challenges she faced and to have the opportunity to share the transformation she experienced.
After interviewing Marianne, we learned how federal funding brought a team together in essentially saving Marianne’s home, along with countless others in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Having the opportunity to get everyone’s perspective to tell the whole story, not just one character’s point of view, shows the real impact. That’s where thoughtful nonprofit storytelling can make a difference. It connects the individual story to the issue, the organization’s work, and ultimately its mission — helping an audience understand not only what an organization does, but why that work matters.
Connecting One Story to a Greater Impact
Through this video, we witnessed not just repairs, but renewal — of homes, of hope, and of community. Partnerships like this give people like Marianne a reason to stay, and a story worth sharing.
Watch the video to see the power of storytelling to spread and celebrate an organization’s mission.
We’re here to help you and your organization share impactful stories that inspire action. When you’re ready to create your brand story, Let’s Chat.