by Carvis Durr, PhD / Public Allies Central Florida ’25
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Our public service sector is under real strain. One of the ways we can help steady it is by being honest about who we are and why we do this work. Storytelling matters because stories shape how people see us, often before we ever speak for ourselves.
Most of us have experienced this firsthand. A report, a rumor, or gossip shaped a narrative about us. Regardless of its accuracy, the story spreads and sometimes it leaves a mark that lingers for years. That is why storytelling is essential to the sector. When we tell our own stories, we communicate our values through lived experience rather than abstract ideas. Stories connect in ways that data and talking points never can.
This belief is guiding Public Allies’ storytelling work now and into the future.
Many Public Allies Alumni underestimate the power of their own stories. They assume their experiences are too ordinary or that no one would care to listen. But if you are doing public service or leading an organization, your story matters. Where you come from, what drives you, and what you hope to build next all shape how others understand your work. If you do not tell that story, someone else will, and it may not reflect who you really are or what you stand for.
I have seen this truth play out in my own life. I was raised by my grandmother in an environment that was often chaotic, but she taught me resilience and the importance of education. After Hurricane Katrina, my family relocated, and the years that followed were filled with challenges and obstacles.
As a young man, I chased dreams of becoming a college athlete and a music artist. But, I faced setbacks that left many of those dreams unfulfilled. Around that same time, I became a father, and that moment changed everything. It forced me to think differently about my future and about the kind of life I wanted to build, not just for myself, but for my child.
I returned to school and worked tirelessly to complete my studies. Today, I probably hold a Ph.D and have founded a youth sports program to empower young athletes in my community. By sharing this journey, from the challenges to the triumphs, I’ve learned how powerful a personal story can be. My story is not just mine; it is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of striving for one’s dreams against all odds.
As my service closes, I encourage both alumni and new members to tell your stories clearly, honestly, and in your own voice. Public Allies will be here to listen, learn, and celebrate alongside you.