Skill Practice Session on Story of US (2026)

This session is part of a series of skill practice sessions on Story of Self (April), Story of Us (May), and Story of Now (June), within our broader lineup of skill-building sessions on organizing and narrative. For the full learning experience, we encourage you to join all three sessions.

In a time of rising authoritarianism, repression, and division, building a genuine sense of “us” becomes not just meaningful—but necessary. Imagine crafting a story that connects people, moves them through shared values, and strengthens their resolve to act together. That’s the power of a Story of Us—it can be one of the most profound experiences, but also challenging. Learn how and practice creating that moment of, “Wow… I feel why these are my people. I’m in, wholeheartedly”. Read more about the session here.

Join us on May 21st at 12pm US Eastern Time / 6pm Central European Time for our Skill Practice Session on Story of Us!

In this 90 min session, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your understanding of the craft, lean into the practice of empathic listening and observation, practice developing a unique story of us, and coach one another to improve our skills.

This session will be led by Phil Kohlmetz, public narrative trainer and coach.

This session is exclusive for LCN members and their guests (team members, etc.) who are looking for opportunities to grow their narrative skills, connect with others in the community, and be part of a transformative learning experience. If you are not yet an LCN member, we invite you to join our community here.

This session is most suited for those who have some foundations or practice in the craft of Story of US.

Facilitators: LCN Members Phil Kohlmetz

Date: Thursday, May 21st

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Eastern Time / 6:00 – 7:30 PM Central European Time / 7:00 – 8:30 PM East Africa Time (find your time zone).

Member-only

Start Date
May 21, 2026
12:00 PM ET
End Date
May 21, 2026
1:30 PM ET
Location
Online (Zoom)

Speakers and Presenters

Phil Kohlmetz

Phil is a trainer, coach, and public service professional who has spent decades supporting leaders and organizations working for social change. He works with leaders across the arts, environmental, and social justice sectors to strengthen their ability to create meaningful impact. Drawing on community organizing practices, alongside insights from psychology, sociology, and years of leadership and management experience, Phil supports individuals and teams to recognize and mobilize the resources they have, transforming them into the power and influence needed to achieve the change they seek. He believes the world urgently needs change that is both visionary and practical, and he is committed to helping leaders and communities move in that direction together.

Key Learning Points

In this session, you will learn how to tell narratives that enable your community to take action in the face of challenges and to identify sources of hope when there seems to be none

What is the Story of Us and why is it important
How to identify shared experiences that illuminate the shared values we have as a group
How to bring alive story moments in ways that makes us feel connected to each other (builds a collective ‘us’) and shows the hope we find in each other
What coaching questions we can ask to improve a Story of Us

Questions &
Answers

Story of Us is part of Public Narrative, along with Story of Self and Story of Now. An effective Story of Us builds a collective ‘us’ through making people feel connected to each other, lifting up the shared values, and inspiring hope for action.

This event is for LCN members who want to improve their ability to tell stories that connect with people and inspire action. This includes community organizers, activists, educators, artists, and anyone else who wants to use their voice to make a difference in the world.

If you are not yet an LCN member, we invite you to join our community here.

Yes please! We want our skill practice sessions to be a space where you can build the collective organizing capacity of your teams and organisations, because we know that is critical to the success of campaigns. Invite members of your team and community to practice essential organizing skills togetherーyou can register on their behalf by writing their names and emails on the registration form.

Yes, the space is limited to 28 seats. Please register early to reserve your spot. If you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can offer your spot to someone else.

Sign up

The member sign up form is coming soon. In the meantime, if you're a LCN member, please contact sachiko.osawa@leadingchangenetwork.org to access free tickets.

This session is exclusively for active LCN members and their guests. To access the registration form, please log in to your membership account or become a member.