Ask an Expert:

Fundamentals of Storytelling for Advocacy

with John Capecci of Living Proof Advocacy

February 3, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM MST | CF Campus

Register Now

Fundamentals of Storytelling for Advocacy

A Presentation and Workshop with John Capecci of Living Proof Advocacy

In the currently challenging cultural climate, the ability for nonprofit leaders and advocates to speak clearly, powerfully and persuasively from lived experience is more important than ever.

In this 90-minute presentation and workshop, John Capecci will introduce Living Proof Advocacy’s “fundamentals of storytelling for advocacy”—a method that is both research-informed and road-tested, developed through years of coaching and learning alongside real advocates who are sharing their personal stories to humanize issues, influence policy, raise awareness and create change—whether those issues relate to health, housing, education, the arts, justice or any of the other vital missions nonprofits uphold.

In this session, participants will:

  • Explore the individual significance of going public with a personal story
  • Learn the Five Qualities of a Well-Told Advocacy Story
  • Understand how to connect personal experience to advocacy goals
  • Explore common pitfalls of personal storytelling—and how to avoid them
  • Begin identifying stories from their own lives that can advance their cause
  • Leave with practical tools, and learn about Living Proof: Telling Your Story to Make a Difference

This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders or advocates who want to tap the power of their lived experience to engage audiences. While this approach is helpful in organizational storytelling, marketing, social media and other nonprofit communications, the focus of the session is on how individuals can speak their personal stories authentically and effectively.

About the Presenter

John Capecci is a communication strategist, coach and co-founder of Living Proof Advocacy (LPA), a public benefit corporation located in Minneapolis and New York that helps people share personal stories to make a difference. LPA offers training, coaching and capacity-building programs designed to support individuals in using their lived experience to influence change.
With decades of experience in advocacy communication, John has supported advocates working across a wide range of causes—from health and housing to education, the arts, equity and community well-being. John is also co-author, with Tim Cage, of Living Proof: Telling Your Story to Make a Difference, now in its third edition. In addition to his work with LPA, John was recently the playwright-in-residence at The Rogue Theatre in Tucson.