top of page

Empowering Change: How Groundwork Ohio’s Fellows Use Storytelling to Advocate for Children

By Te’Jal Cartwright, Lore Owner and Story Coach

Follow Te’Jal on LinkedIn.


Purpose Behind our Stories

When you bring together a group of people with passion, purpose, and a shared commitment to making the world better for children, amazing things happen. That’s what Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Fellowship is all about. This year, I’m thrilled to partner with Groundwork Ohio to help their Fellows find and share their stories, amplifying their voices to make real, lasting change for Ohio’s youngest children and their families.

 

About the Fellowship

The Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellowship is creating space for change-makers in early childhood policy and advocacy. This year’s cohort brings together passionate professionals from across Ohio—childcare providers, educators, health experts, and more—committed to giving every child a strong start in life.

These Fellows are already leaders in their fields, but this program is about amplifying their voices, sharpening their skills, and connecting them with others who share their vision for a better future. And that’s where storytelling comes in.


Early Childhood Fellows at the Ohio Statehouse, Nov 2025.
Early Childhood Fellows at the Ohio Statehouse, Nov 2025.

How Lore is Contributing

Lore’s Storytelling and Advocacy workshops are designed to empower the Fellows to tell their stories in ways that resonate and drive change. Here’s the heart of what we’re doing:

  • Unearthing Their Stories: Every Fellow has unique experiences that fuel their advocacy. We’re helping them identify those moments and craft narratives that connect deeply with their audience.

  • Turning Stories into Action: Advocacy is about sparking change. We’re teaching Fellows how to build a story that inspires people to listen, engage, and act.

  • Creating Community Through Stories: Sharing stories doesn’t just inform—it unites. Through this process, Fellows are forming stronger connections with each other and their communities.


Te'Jal Cartwright presenting a Storytelling and Advocacy workshop.
Te'Jal Cartwright

The Fellows are Leaders in Action

What stands out most about this cohort is their dedication. They aren’t just here to learn...they’re here to make a difference. One Fellow shared how their challenges as a parent navigating the early childhood system fueled their passion for advocacy. Stories like this remind us of the power in personal experiences to drive systemic change.

 

Moving Forward Together

At Lore, we believe that stories change lives. They connect us, inspire us, and move us to action. That’s why this partnership with Groundwork Ohio means so much to me. Together, we’re empowering a new generation of leaders to use their voices for good, shaping a future where every child in Ohio has the opportunity to thrive.

 

So, here’s my invitation to you: What’s your story, and how can it make a difference? Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to build a brighter future, one story at a time.

 

Te’Jal Cartwright is the owner of Lore, a storytelling company dedicated to building stronger communities by helping individuals and organizations share their authentic narratives. She has partnered with The Hope Center, Gem City Market, University of Dayton, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest to create connections and spark meaningful change through the power of storytelling. Through workshops, coaching, and creative programs, Te’Jal empowers others to transform their stories into tools for advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Comentários


Os comentários foram desativados.
bottom of page