2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Recorded Annual Meeting Presentations (RAMP) are now available for purchase.
Only $90 for presenters, $140 for registered attendees and $200 for non-attendees.

Online Program

339749
Storytelling as a pathway to change and improved public health outcomes


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 3:50 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.

Kristen Joiner, President, The Representation Project, The Representation Project, San Francisco, CA
What happens when you bet on storytelling as a way for young people to explore a range of emotions, experiences, and perspectives underpinning their identities, attitudes and actions? Research suggests that narrative expression and critical thinking can lead to positive outcomes. Some researchers argue that a narrative - rather than a knowledge-based approach (what they call “an interpretive rather than an instrumental orientation) - is particularly important for sex education. Narrative and storytelling play a central role in The Representation Project and Scenarios USA’s approach and programs. The experience of these two organizations provides case studies on the power of personal reflection and critical thinking about one’s life and world as a pathway to change and better public health outcomes. 

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Diversity and culture
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
Describe the programmatic underpinnings, approach and evolution of Scenarios USA and The Representation Project Analyze the relative strengths and weaknesses of a narrative-based approach to public health Explore the role of storytelling in the field of public health and youth

Keyword(s): Adolescents, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Kristen Joiner is President of The Representation Project, a global nonprofit organization. Using film as a catalyst for cultural transformation, The Representation Project inspires individuals and communities to challenge and overcome limiting stereotypes, with a focus on gender.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4294.0: Raising Stories and Voices in Health & Development