In the world we’re living in today, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. Stories help us make sense of crisis, connect across differences and reimagine what our shared future could look like. That’s why we are launching the Young person’s guide to storytelling — a new resource designed to help young people harness the power of narrative to build connection, navigate complexity and drive systems change.
For over five years, storytelling has been at the heart of The 50 Percent’s work. Through our Storytelling fellowship programme, hundreds of young people from across the world have explored how narratives shape our identities, influence political and social dynamics and contribute to peacebuilding, empathy and collective imagination. This guide is an extension of that journey.
Bringing together some of our core learnings, the guide offers an accessible introduction to why storytelling matters and how it can be used intentionally for social impact. It explores the ways narratives shape societies, the influence they have on conflict and cooperation and the power they hold in moments of transformation. It also helps young people recognise misinformation, polarisation and harmful narratives online — skills that are increasingly essential in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
Beyond theory, the Young person’s guide to storytelling is designed to be practical, reflective and deeply grounding. It includes prompts, exercises and real-world examples that invite readers to think critically, explore their personal narratives and develop their own storytelling practice. Whether you’re organising in your community, advocating for climate justice, or simply trying to understand the world around you, this guide offers tools to strengthen your voice and amplify your impact.
With this tool, we hope to support a new generation of storytellers who are ready to challenge dominant narratives, uplift unheard voices and inspire pathways towards a more compassionate and equitable world.