SYNTHESIS & STORYTELLING
Who
Clients who want to capture information from a diverse group, either during a gathering or throughout a process, benefit from this service. Past clients include networks developing foundational documents, organizations collecting stakeholder feedback, and universities gathering input to inform future publications.
What
Our synthesis and storytelling support integrates diverse perspectives to cultivate shared meaning. Examples of deliverables include network charters and formation plans, community values statements, participant agreements, meeting summaries, and first drafts of reports to be refined and published by clients or their stakeholders.
How
Through a process of deep listening, drafting, and refinement based on client feedback, we transform complex information into clear, actionable narratives. This service complements and amplifies design and facilitation engagements by ensuring the core insights and key outcomes are effectively captured, distilled, and communicated.
SYNTHESIS & STORYTELLING
SERVICES
Our storytelling and synthesis services work alongside design, facilitation, and network cultivation efforts, though they can also stand alone. By integrating diverse perspectives and ensuring clarity, we help transform complex information into actionable insights and compelling narratives. We capture, distill, and communicate core insights and outcomes to drive shared understanding.​
​
While every engagement is unique, you can typically expect:
​
-
Process Synthesis – We distill key insights from engagement processes to capture and communicate impactful ideas and conclusions.
​
-
Iterative Refinement – We provide drafts for client review and incorporate feedback throughout the engagement. This iterative approach helps verify assumptions, maintain alignment, and ensure the final materials resonate with the group's values and objectives.
​
-
Meeting Summary Development – We create concise, actionable meeting summaries that capture outcomes, clarify agreements, and outline concrete next steps.
​​​​
-
Framing & Communication – We draft materials that help you frame key messages, establish context, and communicate your story effectively to your intended audience.
​
-
Intentional Design – Our materials are designed with aesthetics in mind to draw readers in and make complex information more digestible. We focus on both form and function to create engaging, easy-to-understand content.
PROJECT
EXAMPLES
Evolution of Broader Impacts
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) proposals are reviewed using two merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Our team designed and facilitated a process to gather stakeholder input about the evolution of the broader impacts criterion that informed a written report and action plan. We designed and facilitated topic-specific listening sessions, synthesized input from diverse stakeholders across four gatherings, designed and facilitated a multi-day retreat, and developed the first draft of the final report and action plan.
View the Published Report: Evolution of Broader Impacts
​​​​
This project was hosted by the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS). The purpose of ARIS is to elevate research impacts by providing high-quality resources and professional development opportunities and by creating connections among researchers, community partners, and engagement practitioners. ARIS is home to a thriving global community of 1800. ​​​​​​​
Client Experience:
"Amelia is particularly adept at synthesizing complex discussions in meaningful and powerful ways. Her thought partnership and insightful questions encourage her clients to see beyond their own bias into the realm of innovation and possibility. ARIS has partnered with Amelia on several projects, and we look forward to working together in the future."
— Susan Renoe, PhD
Executive Director, ARIS
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Development & Strategic Partnerships at the University of Missouri​​
Strategies for Building Capacity Among Minority Serving Institutions
We led a process to engage leaders from a variety of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as experts in broader impacts and research development work, in conversations about innovative strategies among MSIs and systemic barriers to the inclusion of MSIs in the national research ecosystem. Our team designed and facilitated two participant listening sessions, developed a written synthesis of participant insights, designed and facilitated a multi-day convening of MSI leaders at Spelman College, and developed a summary of findings that informed a published report. This process was hosted by our partners at ARIS, NORDP, and Spelman College.
​
View the Published Report: Strategies for Building Capacity at Minority Serving Institutions for Advancing Research and Research Impacts​
Our convening was generously hosted by Spelman College, a historically Black college and a global leader in the education of women of African descent. Through diverse learning modalities, Spelman empowers the whole person to engage the many cultures of the world and inspires a commitment to positive social change. ​​​​​​
Client Experience:​
​​"What impressed me so much about the design of the workshop at Spelman was the wealth of information that was gained from the participants. This model may prove to be more impactful than any other in terms of creating real change."​
​
— Dr. Cheryl Talley
Professor, Virginia State University
Workshop Participant & Contributing Author