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Stories. Action. Change. Narrative 4’s 2025 Annual Report
Click to Read the 2025 Annual Report
A Note from Our Co-Founders
Maya Angelou famously wrote, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” When we founded Narrative 4 alongside a powerhouse group of global artists and activists over a decade ago, we wanted to create a global platform for young people to tell their stories — or, as Frank McCourt once said, to “Sing your song. Dance your dance. Tell your tale.”
We had proof that harnessing the power of stories could break down barriers and shatter stereotypes but wondered if it could create lasting change.
This year, in a landmark research project, we got the answer.
A 2025 study by the University of Oxford and The Ohio State University provided empirical proof of Narrative 4’s impact. Their research found that our programming actively changes how young people navigate the world by measurably reducing political polarization, strengthening emotional connection and social cohesion and driving active citizenship among high school students.
This data confirms what we instinctively knew: stories lead to action, which leads to change. The research proves that when you step into someone else’s boots, you change how you treat them and how you interact with the world.
Once again in 2025, we saw this evidence come to life across the globe. From classrooms in Kenya, Mexico and the United States to communities in Northern Ireland and the Middle East, our youth leaders used these tools to tackle issues in their communities. This year, 78,910 young people took part in a Narrative 4 program. Behind every number is a story, a life and a young person equipped with skills to forge a better tomorrow.
None of this can happen without the continued support of our extraordinary network of students, educators, artists, philanthropists, facilitators and partners.
Here’s to stories, courage and hope for a better tomorrow.
Colum McCann and Lisa Consiglio
Co-Founders, Narrative 4
Read Our Annual Report
Last year, we heard stories spark change across the globe. To learn more about our work in communities spanning five continents, dive into Narrative 4’s 2025 Annual Report here.
Find out more about how you can bring Narrative 4 to your community here.
Do you have a Narrative 4 story to share? Get in touch with us here.
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