Example Story Prompts
Below are simple structure examples to follow as you record your video. Don’t feel like these are a fit? Check out the ‘Freestyle” option.
YOUR IMPACT STORY
Intro (15–20 seconds) “Hi, my name is ____. I’m a proud alum of Public Allies [Site], Class of [Year]. I’m a [nonprofit founder / social entrepreneur / community leader], and I’ve been doing this work because…”
● Share one personal detail (e.g., hometown, cultural roots, passion, or identity)
● Name of your organization you served
● Impact you had on your community (e.g. we provided necessary resources to XX population…)
Video Opening (20–30 seconds) Prompt: How did Public Allies lead you to your community impact work?
● “Public Allies helped me understand the power of community, and now I lead with that value every day.”
● “Working at [a nonprofit] was hard work, and I’m proud of…” The Challenge (30–40 seconds) Prompt: What was the issue you were trying to address/change in your community?
● “Before PA, I had a vision for change but lacked resources and guidance.”
● “I wanted to address homelessness, but didn’t know how to turn my passion into action—I just knew something had to change.” The Outcome (30–40 seconds) Prompt: What was the impact that you made, and why does Public Allies still matter now?
● “Today, my organization serves [# of people, type of service, or community impact].”
● “My community service showed me how to effectively work at community work—and how I could lead one differently.”
Call to Action & Salutation (15–20 seconds) Choose your CTA and deliver it clearly. Then close with the community call.
● Tell your story and make your voice heard with policymakers.”
● “Keep the movement going—because we’re stronger together.” “This is my Public Allies Story. This is our Public Allies Story.”
YOU AS A FIRST-GENERATION LEADER
Intro: Share your name, PA site, class plus anything else you’d like to say about who you are
Video Opening: How was your decision to do Public Allies different from those around you? And why did you decide to do it?
““I cared about social justice, but never equated that to a job or career…I never saw myself as a leader before, but now I see my responsibility as a community leader to be there for others, because we are all connected…”
The Challenge: What was a personal or professional challenge you faced before or during Public Allies?
“I was at a point of transition and unsure of where to go next…There were so many things I learned and experienced that I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to do so… “
The Public Allies Experience: How has Public Allies helped you navigate through a challenge?
“Then I found Public Allies. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. They gave me the mentorship, skills, and community to grow into a leader.”
The Outcome: What did you take away from your PA experience, and why should others support Public Allies now?
“Today, I work in community development, creating opportunities for others like me. Public Allies changed my life—let’s make sure it keeps changing others.”
CTA & Ending Salutation:
[Insert your Call to Action (CTA) of choice] and state, ““This is my PA story, this is our PA Story.”
YOU AS THE ADVOCATE WHO FOUND THEIR VOICE
Intro: Share your name, PA site, class plus anything else you’d like to say about who you are
Video Opening: What about Public Allies helped you speak up for yourself and others? How has it helped you do that now?
“We can’t remain quiet, we must call out the injustices, our voice matters more than ever now because…”
The Challenge: What was a personal or professional challenge you faced before or during Public Allies?
“I saw injustices in my community but didn’t know how to advocate for change. I felt powerless.”
The Public Allies Experience: How did Public Allies help you navigate through the challenge?
“Through Public Allies, I learned to use my voice. I gained the confidence and skills to speak up and organize.”
The Outcome: What did you take away from your PA experience, and why should others support Public Allies now?
“Now, I’m working on policy changes that impact thousands. If you’ve ever felt unheard—this is your moment.
CTA & Ending Salutation:
[Insert your Call to Action (CTA) of choice] and state, ““This is my PA story, this is our PA Story.”
YOU AS THE SOCIAL IMPACT ENTREPRENEUR
Intro: Share your name, PA site, class plus anything else you’d like to say about who you are
Video Opening: How has Public Allies led you to pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors, and how does it inform your decision making?
“Starting a nonprofit/business was hard work and I won’t be shut down by extreme actions from DC. The values I learned as an Ally, I carry with me when it comes to…”
The Challenge: What was a personal or professional challenge you faced before or during Public Allies?
“I had a vision for change but lacked resources and guidance. I felt like I was alone against the waves.”
The Public Allies Experience: How did Public Allies help you navigate through the challenge?
“Public Allies gave me a support system and community that helped me turn my ideas into action and build something that lasts.”
The Outcome: What did you take away from your PA experience, and why should others support Public Allies now?
“Today, my organization is serving hundreds of people. We got here together, and together we can do more.”
CTA & Ending Salutation:
[Insert your Call to Action (CTA) of choice] and state, ““This is my PA story, this is our PA Story.”
YOU AS __________ (FREESTYLE)
If the examples above don’t fit you exactly, you can use this more simplified version of the structure.
You are also welcome to format your story in a way that feels true to you. For example if you’re a poet, write and recite a piece. If you’re an artist, show us something that resonates with your PA experience.
Intro: Share your name, PA site, class plus anything else you’d like to say about who you are
Video Opening: How has your experience with Public Allies helped shape your life and/or career pathway?
The Challenge: What was a personal or professional challenge you faced before or during Public Allies?
The Public Allies Experience: How did Public Allies help you navigate through the challenge?
The Outcome: What did you take away from your PA experience, and why should others support Public Allies now?
CTA & Ending Salutation:
[Insert your Call to Action (CTA) of choice] and state, ““This is my PA story, this is our PA Story.”
Public Allies is dedicated to disrupting systems that impact communities, while listening, learning, and working together across differences to build the common good. Join us.