The Power of Storytelling: My Reflection on Dr. Meghna Bhat's Workshop
The Power of Storytelling: My Reflection on Dr. Meghna Bhat's Workshop
"My organization comes from..."
Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool. It shapes identities, drives movements, and connects us to a greater purpose. As someone who has spent nearly three decades in the domestic violence movement and recently founded the TooREL Institute for Social Change (TooREL Institute), I’ve come to understand that the story we tell—both individually and collectively—has the power to create lasting transformation. It's not just about what we do, but why we do it. And that’s a question I’ve been deeply exploring: Why was the TooREL Institute created, and why now?
In my search for resources to help refine and sharpen our organization’s narrative, I recently had the pleasure and privilege of attending a virtual workshop led by Dr. Meghna Bhat. The session, titled “How to Pitch an Organization’s Strengths and Narratives Using Storytelling,” provided profound insights that illuminated our core message and purpose.
Though I already had a clear understanding of our vision and mission, Dr. Bhat’s thoughtful prompts took me on a deeper journey, helping me connect more meaningfully with our organization’s “why” and the urgency of “why now.” Her approach was simple yet transformative—providing the clarity I needed to articulate the story that drives the TooREL Institute.
A Journey of Deep Reflection
During the two-hour workshop, Dr. Bhat guided us through a series of reflective prompts to help us dig deeper into the essence of our organization’s narrative. Some of the prompts included:
- My organization is… [One sentence that encapsulates the nature of your work]
- We come as… [Identity, commitment, etc.]
- My organization comes from… [A value, a history, etc.]
The first two were relatively easy for me to answer. I already had a clear understanding of what our work entails, our commitment, and the core values that drive it. But the prompt “My organization comes from…”challenged me in a new way. It was a question I hadn’t fully considered before now, forcing me to think deeply about our origin story—about the lived experiences and values that birthed the TooREL Institute.
Dr. Bhat’s also encouraged participants to reflect on their organization’s history—whether it’s newly founded or well-established. We all reflected on significant moments or experiences that reinforced our core values and demonstrated the impact of our work. As I delved into these prompts, I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had with a Black woman who had been treated horribly by an organization she had long supported. Her experience—dehumanizing in every sense of the word—left a lasting impact on me. It was in that moment I truly understood why the TooREL Institute exists. This ongoing issue in the movement was taking Black women out—literally. What could we do? If the systems aren’t prioritizing change, how do we prepare and support Black women to lead with authenticity, boldness, and resilience? We belong here—and we are not going anywhere.
Uncovering Our “Why”
As I pondered Dr. Bhat’s question about where our organization “comes from,” the memory of that intense six-hour conversation with my siSTAR resurfaced. Halfway through the conversation, I had to step barefoot into my backyard—my happy place—where I could feel connected to the sun, earth, and water. Self-care while holding space for my siSTAR. This is what we do. I recalled how her pain and the injustice she faced mirrored the experiences of so many others—those whose voices are often silenced and dismissed, whose humanity is overlooked and dignity denied. This conversation was a turning point for me, solidifying my vision for the TooREL Institute and deepening my commitment to- go harder- and deeper!
In our first year of operation, we began to see how this broader vision was taking shape. Our team provided individual support to eleven Black and Brown individuals navigating oppressive work environments and dealing with abuse and harm caused by toxic workplaces. These stories are heartbreaking, and further demonstrate why we exist and why our work is so urgent.
Here are some of the reasons people sought our support, coaching, and therapy, expressed in their own words:
“Racist work environment”
“Oppressive work environment”
“Not able to accommodate Deaf LGBT Black staff”
“Unrealistic work expectations”
“Targets at work”
“Emotional harm caused by co-worker”
“Feels invisible and frustrated in workplace [and movement]”
“Unfair termination and discrimination in the workplace”
Self-identities of those seeking support are represented in the graphics below
After much reflection, and in response to Dr. Bhat’s prompt, I realized that the TooREL Institute for Social Change comes from harm, resilience, and healing. These words resonated with me. When I said them out loud, I felt it to my core. They not only reflected my personal journey in “the movement,” but also the collective stories of Black and Brown advocates who have been on the frontlines of social change.
Our work is about healing from past trauma—including abuse and hurt experienced “in the movement”—finding joy and strength in our resilience and using that energy to create a more just and equitable society. We are also forcing organizations to look inward before they turn their light outward.
That six-hour conversation, as painful as it was, helped me understand more clearly what the TooREL Institute represents: a space for healing, restoration, empowerment, and growth. The pain accompanying injustice and unfair treatment is met with resilience and an unwavering commitment to move toward joy, hope, wellness, and a sense of belonging. This is the story I now realize I’ve been telling all along—a story of pain, power, healing, and liberation.
The Urgency of “Why Now”
Black women are losing hope. We are being pushed out of organizations and stepping away from “leadership” roles. Black women are losing a sense of self. During these challenging times, we must anchor ourselves in the power of our Creator, the wisdom of our ancestors, and the beauty that lies within our communities.
Attending Dr. Bhat’s workshop reminded me that storytelling is not just about the past or present—it’s about the future we are building. When we tell our story, we not only reflect on where we’ve been, but also inspire others to join us on the journey ahead.
Our “why” is not just about understanding the past but recognizing the urgent need for change today. The injustices and unfair practices we see in our organizations, communities, and the movement, the deep wounds that need healing—these are the reasons the TooREL Institute was created, and they are the reasons our work matters now more than ever.
As we continue to build on our story, I am more committed than ever to making sure that our collective voices are heard, our vision and mission remain clear, and we continue to build a legacy of social change rooted in healing, hope, and resilience.
Conclusion
Storytelling has the power to connect, to heal, and to create meaningful change. By reflecting on our own stories, we can uncover the core values that drive our organizations and guide our work.
For the TooREL Institute, that story is one of harm, resilience, and healing—a story shaped not just by me, but by the collective experiences of those who have fought for gender equity, racial justice and social transformation.
As we continue our journey, I am reminded of the importance of telling our story—our “why” and our “why now”—in a way that honors our past and inspires the future.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Meghna Bhat for creating a brave space where participants could explore questions and prompts that led to a deeper understanding of our organization’s purpose.The journey continues, and with each story we share, we are one step closer to creating the world—and movement—we envision.
_ Arlene Vassell (Founding Director, TooREL Institute for Social Change)
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