Shifting the Narrative: Exchange Activate Session

Shifting the Narrative

How Common Poverty Stories Keep Us Stuck and New Stories That Move Us Forward

We all make sense of the world through stories—but what happens when the narratives we rely on keep us stuck in unproductive cycles of thinking and action? In this engaging one-hour session, we’ll examine the limiting narratives that shape how we perceive poverty, why we all fall into these patterns, and how they influence policies, programs, and everyday interactions.

Through guided self-reflection, group discussion, and practical tools, we’ll uncover how deeply ingrained narratives shape our thinking—often without us realizing it—and explore how to adopt more productive, dignity-centered approaches.

No matter your role, this session will empower us to craft more authentic, inspiring narratives that drive action and help build stronger, more thriving communities.