This morning, while getting ready for work, I heard an audio storytelling segment on public radio. This piece was about a young woman who was born with HIVExit Disclaimer. It was an illustration of the power of storytelling through new media. Digital storytelling is the use of new media and technology to share everyday stories. It allows those who are affected by HIV to share their experiences, raise awareness, and help end stigma.I also read a quote on the impact of storytelling via new mediaExit Disclaimer yesterday. Sarah Wolozin, Director of the OpenDocLab at MIT’s School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, said: “We’re at a great moment of change, similar to when early cinema appeared on the scene.”

Clearly, telling stories is an important way of communicating across issues and populations. And that is why a growing number of Federal programs are using storytelling to extend the reach of their work. This includes the White House’s Shareables page, which features stories about issues like health reform, CDC’s Act Against AIDS campaigns, and HIV.gov’s own Black Voices series.

How are you using storytelling in your work?