Mission
At The Narrative Transformation Lab, we are committed to building a creative community of thinkers and doers who are critical and curious about the narrative dynamics of social transformation.
Our mission is to create a unique space in the narrative change sector for professionals and scholars from every walk of life to reflect on and experiment with the kinds of stories that define our lives and empower our imaginations.
As part of this mission, our goal is to provide:
- A proving ground for cutting-edge and practice-oriented narrative theory.
- A resource hub for intellectual materials on the power of narrative.
- An educational setting for the study of narrative approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
- A base camp for practical engagement in the work and play of narrative transformation.
Why Narrative Transformation?
Vision
Why is narrative important?
Because stories are how we understand our world and find our place in it.
We believe our world is not a place where peace and justice are static states, but rather constant works in progress.
Thus, we seek a world where everyone has access to easy-to-use, theoretically sound, and deeply imaginative narrative transformation tools to help them be active participants in the pursuit of peace and justice.
We believe we can achieve a better world by allowing the best of what we can learn from stories and storytelling to guide us.
The Ternary Structure of Narrative
Values
At TNT Lab, we value…
Agency
We must always act to tell a better story, rather than letting the story tell us.
Bravery
Seeing the world as it is requires that we face our deepest fears and challenge our fondest hopes.
Reflection
Building knowledge requires us to take a step back and consider the big picture, even if it might not appear as we expect.
Perspective
There is no one way to see any event, which means that everyone’s testimony matters.
Respect
Even amidst violence, no point of view is irrelevant or unworthy of being heard.
Curiosity
The only way to understand is to ask questions—especially those we are not supposed to ask.
Trust
We can only find the path out of violence when we walk with those who have suffered along with us.
Development
The only thing more important than reflecting on the past is looking to the future.
Community
There is always a bigger we. The point is to find it—together.
We strive to embody these values in the work we do, and we’re not afraid to learn and grow when we fall short.
The imagination is an essential tool of the mind, a fundamental way of thinking, an indispensable means of becoming and remaining human.
URSULA K. LE GUIN
(“The Operating Instructions,” 2002)