What We Do

At Stories Change Power, we equip people who want to make a difference in their neighborhoods, communities, and country with the tools, strategy, and network to be effective, empathetic, and trusted advocates.

Our approach harnesses the transformative power of storytelling, combining narratives, research, and data to drive change. We center those most impacted by the issues, engage decision-makers who can create solutions, and ground our strategies in today’s realities while envisioning a just and peaceful future.

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Why We Do It

We all deserve a world that works for everyone - no exceptions.

That requires just laws, policies, and systems at every level in our neighborhoods, communities, and country-wide.

Good ideas and smart research become good laws and smart policies only through effective advocacy.

Effective advocacy requires strategy, data, empathy, trust, resilience — and compelling narratives from passionate advocates to inspire action and drive lasting change.

That's why we created Stories Change Power.

How It Works

We make the invisible visible as we teach you the power of narrative with a blend of stories, research, and data.

We share strategies that center people who bear the brunt of a problem, understand the people who are in positions to create a solution, and account for our current reality while striving for a just and peaceful future.

Embedded in our approach is the power of storytelling to broaden cultural understanding, influence public policy, and create a world where everyone can thrive together - no exceptions. Underneath all we do is a celebration of our shared humanity.

Whether implicitly or explicitly, we grapple with questions like: How do we see, treat, and speak to each other? How do we respect others, even those with whom we disagree? How do we prioritize dignity over expediency and get ego out of the way to value humility?

In short, we help hearts and minds reach the hearts and minds with power to create a just and peaceful world.

Who We Are

Piper Hendricks, Founder

Our organization is led by Piper Hendricks, a former human rights litigator, documentary filmmaker, and recognized advocacy expert.

Piper has a passion for the power of story, a record of developing innovative strategy, and an eye for content that moves people to action. Two themes span her nontraditional career path: justice and storytelling. In a variety of formats, she's employed storytelling to inspire action; whether in the courtroom, on the silver screen, or on Capitol Hill, she champions change to promote opportunity for all.

She created Stories Change Power to help individuals and organizations claim their power, share their stories, and change the world.

Connect with Piper on Linked In.

Board of Directors

Jule Hall

Musician & Designer

Alexis Matsui

Professional Photographer

Jaime Werner

Digital Marketing Specialist

Our Core Values

Radical (răd′ĭ-kəl) adjective
1. Different from the usual; 2. Designed to address the root of a problem; 3. Relating to or advocating fundamental changes in current practices, conditions, or institutions.

Stories Change Power aims to live our values in all that we do. Inspired by work around Radical Candor and Radical Acceptance, we use the term "radical" to mean an approach that is courageous and goes beyond current norms with hope to help transform those norms.

1. RADICAL DECENCY

Above all else, we recognize and respect the inherent dignity in every person and the fact life is most fully lived in relationship with other human beings. We understand the harms of an individualistic, competitive mindset. Instead, we prioritize decency - respect, understanding, empathy, acceptance, appreciation, fairness and justice – in all we do at all times. We value relationality, a concept often celebrated in Indigenous cultures that recognizes the connectedness of humankind across history and geography and the complex and dynamic ways we impact each other as we live in community.

2. RADICAL INCLUSION

We recognize that groups of people are stronger than the sum of individuals, and know that the more diverse the individuals, the stronger we are as a whole. Across history, people have been - and continue to be - excluded based on race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and religion, among many other factors. Instead, we actively seek to hear all voices, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure everyone feels – and is – seen, valued, and appreciated.

3. RADICAL COLLABORATION

We recognize that everyone has gifts, but none have all the gifts. We understand many factors promote a sense of competition even among like-minded individuals and organizations. Instead, we embrace partnerships where we can combine our gifts of time, talent, and capacity to achieve a shared goal.

4. RADICAL CANDOR

We recognize the value of honest conversation and the peace of mind that comes with transparency involving individuals and an organization as a whole. We understand the harms of poor communication common in today’s workplaces. Instead, we share our thoughts and opinions honestly and directly while caring about the people involved. We endeavor to ensure that if something needs to be said and productively addressed, it will be, such that if nothing is being said, it’s because nothing is amiss. (This focus and term are inspired by the work of Kim Scott.)

5. RADICAL GROWTH

We recognize that with time and support, capacities can broaden and talents can improve. We understand the harms of expecting perfection in ourselves and others and of a "fake it till you make it" mindset devoid of a space to be vulnerable. Instead, we embrace a growth mindset, meaning we are human, learn from our mistakes, and create space to say “I don’t know – yet,” all while enjoying the process of reaching our goals, not just the destination.

6. RADICAL AGENCY

We recognize the responsibility of every individual to think and act for themselves, utilize their individual power, and shape their life trajectory to the extent of their ability. We understand that structures and dynamics in the workplace and society writ large often limit agency. Instead, we encourage embracing one’s power to determine one’s own balance of giving and receiving joy, care, and support in order to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.

7. RADICAL INTENTIONALITY

We recognize that time and budgets are finite, while also knowing that decisions have human consequences. We understand the probability of having more ideas and possibilities than there are hours in the day or funds to pursue them, and that decisions have a ripple effect. As such, we endeavor to be clear about our priorities and make decisions that maximize positive impact without causing or ignoring harm.

8. RADICAL CURIOSITY

We recognize that when it comes to shaping laws, policies, and systems, few things are certain and even fewer are simple. Effective advocacy accounts for a wide variety of viewpoints and requires understanding multiple perspectives. We gain that understanding through curiosity, or "filling in the gap between what you know and what you want to know." Radical curiosity means we actively and continuously expand what we want to know.