Narratives in Public Health in Wisconsin

In this three-part learning series, we’ll explore narrative in public health.

Learners can expect to gain an understanding of narrative basics in the first module, conduct a more thorough analysis of narrative’s relationship to power in the second module, and finally, review a case study in the third module. Each module includes a video and corresponding activities can be completed by individual learners or in a group setting.

By the end of this series, learners will be able to:

Identify and differentiate messages, narratives and values/worldviews.
Examine dominant and transformative narratives and the values that support them.
Identify conditions for narrative change.
Apply narrative concepts and values in strategy and practice.

Featured Presenter

Annie Rosemurgy
Narrative Coordinator,
Workforce Development Pathways
UW Population Health Institute

Interested in going deeper on narratives?

Please reach out to UWPHI Training & Learning for more information or to request assistance.

Introduction

Prior to starting Module 1, please watch the Narratives for Health Equity video below, which invites viewers to explore how dominant narratives have perpetuated health inequities, and how building transformative narrative power offers a pathway to creating a world that truly supports health.

This video was produced in collaboration with Narratives for Health, Health in Partnership, and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

Module 1

Narrative Foundations

Time estimate: ~20 minutes (10-minute video, followed by 10-minute activity)

In Module 1, we will learn how to identify and differentiate messages, narratives, and value/worldviews. This lesson will also help learners understand and identify where narratives come from, both within the context of both individual experiences and shared history or culture.

View transcript (PDF)

ACTIVITY

After watching the video component, download and complete the worksheet linked at the right. This exercise will explore where the narratives that shape our thoughts and actions originate.

Worksheet: Exploring Narrative Experiences

Module 2

Dominant and Transformative Narrative and Narrative Change

Time estimate: ~40 minutes (12-minute video, followed by ~30 minutes for activities)

In Module 2, we will examine dominant and transformative narratives and the values that support them, and identify conditions for narrative change.

View transcript (PDF)

ACTIVITY 1

Complete the worksheet by identifying a time of rapid narrative change, as well as the common messages during that time.

Worksheet: Narrative Change (PPT)

Worksheet: Narrative change (PDF)

ACTIVITY 2

Read the article — “Shifting the Narrative: What it takes reframe the debate for social justice in the US” — and complete the discussion questions.

Discussion Guide: Shifting the Narrative (Word)

Discussion Guide: Shifting the Narrative (PDF)

Module 3

A Case Study in Commercial Tobacco

Time estimate: ~25 minutes (13-minute video, followed by activity with options for individual and group learning)

In module 3, we will examine a case study in dominant and transformative narrative involving school policy for youth e-cigarette use. We will then translate narrative and values to your public health work.

View transcript (PDF)