Arthur Brooks and the Power of Stories
Written by Megan Carson
Melissa Dalton-Bradford, co-founder of Their Story Is Our Story, had the opportunity while traveling through Utah last week to attend a reception and a lecture with Arthur Brooks, a prolific writer, remarkable public speaker, president of American Enterprise Institute, and a leading voice for caring for the vulnerable and needy.
It is a gift to connect with people like Arthur Brooks, to learn from the research and work that he is doing, and to share with him the important story-telling work we are doing.
Mr. Brooks recently shared a powerful and fascinating podcast on the power of stories. As you listen to this podcast, you’ll understand the reason for why this group of unpaid volunteers dedicates so many hours to trying to make these refugees’ stories heard.
The work of storytelling is the key to this crisis. Stories, told with the right balance, simply and truthfully, will change hearts. That is exactly what we aim to do.
Do yourself a favor and listen to Arthur Brooks’ podcast “Tell Me a Story.”
Summary: “The smartest person in the room doesn’t always win the debate — the best storyteller does. This episode explores the power of storytelling and how we can use stories to more effectively persuade, inspire, and unify others. We hear from sociologist Kathy Edin, neuroeconomist Paul Zak and Grant Gordon of the International Rescue Committee.”
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.