Hi, my name is Lauren Slagter.
I’m passionate about the power of storytelling to spur personal and social change.
I love working with words – as a writer, editor, and storytelling strategist – to help people make sense of social issues and better connect with themselves and each other.
Please check out my page for opportunities to write together and resources to help you share stories in ways that foster empathy and contribute to positive change in your communities.
Finding Your Voice Writing Group
Come write with me and Finding Your Voice Writing Group!
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or don’t consider yourself a writer at all, everyone can grow from this writing practice. This group is not about correct grammar or story structure or having anything to prove.
This group is for you if:
- You want to be part of a supportive group that allows you to come as you are.
- You seek a creative outlet that helps you to move past your inner critic and tap into your authentic voice.
- You’re willing to try new things and explore new ways of seeing yourself and the world around you.
Learn more and sign up to receive information about upcoming writing classes.
Storytelling for Social Change
I incorporate storytelling into communications strategies designed to enhance people’s understanding of social issues and drive meaningful action.
I specialize in stories that make “invisible” systems visible and asset-based framing, with an eye on how individual stories reinforce or challenge broader narratives. I combine leading research on persuasive communications strategies with literary devices to develop compelling stories that cultivate empathy and promote values related to justice.
More on Storytelling & Strategic Communications
How much is someone’s personal story worth?
Why Personal Narratives are so Persuasive — and How to Make Your Narrative Especially Compelling
3 Strategies for Using Personal Stories to Advocate for Systemic Change
What is ‘Strategic Communications’? And Why Do You Need a Plan for It?
More About Me
I am director of communications and public engagement at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. My reporting on poverty, education, and housing has been published by MLive, Stacker, Crain’s Detroit, Kokomo Tribune, Big Rapids Pioneer, and The Alpena News. My creative writing has been published by Flyover Country Literary Magazine and Great Lakes Review. I have received numerous awards for my reporting from the Associated Press, Michigan Press Association, and Hoosier State Press Association.
I have a journalism degree from Grand Valley State University, where I was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. I have a certificate in public interest communications from the University of Florida and a creative writing certificate from Wesleyan University. I am trained in Laurie Wagner’s Wild Writing® approach, which is the basis of the Finding Your Voice Writing Group.
I’m involved in community organizing for poverty alleviation through my local chapter of Circles, and I’m a member of Grace Church Ann Arbor. I’m an avid reader, 4x marathoner, and nature lover. I live in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with my husband.
Projects I’m Proud Of
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In my role at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, I worked with Groundcover News to produce a special issue on the gig economy that invited participants in Guaranteed Income to Grow Ann Arbor (GIG…
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In my role at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, I worked with the Detroit Phoenix Center to document contributions by DPC’s Youth Action Board to designing Detroit’s first rapid rehousing program aimed at youth.…
Kind Words
More of My Work
Contact Me
Ypsilanti, MI
© Lauren Slagter Strategic Communications
Lauren Slagter 