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.
Explore the narrative learning modules
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).
Featured Resource
Use this narrative overview as a reference guide while completing the modules and beyond.
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.
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.
ACTIVITY 1
Complete the worksheet by identifying a time of rapid narrative change, as well as the common messages during that time.
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.
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.
ACTIVITY
In this exercise, reflect on your own central values and pair those with action items that align with these values in your work.
More information on narrative
Wisconsin Discusses
Two previous Narratives for Health cohort participants share how they are implementing transformative narrative into their work.
Narratives for Health
A project based on the belief that we need to contend for power in order to shift narratives from dominant to transformative
Public Narratives
The Minnesota Department of Health explores public narratives, which are shared by many people and arise out of a shared history.
Applying the Narrative
A resource showing the use of transformative narrative in support of equitable, non-punitive commercial tobacco enforcement
Tell us about your experience
Please provide feedback on the Narratives in Public Health in Wisconsin Series.
Interested in going deeper on narratives?
Please reach out to UWPHI Training & Learning for more information or to request assistance.