Mobile Image
Narrative Change Through Sports
As a major cultural pillar, sports serve as a unifier that transcends political, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic barriers.
RWJF is investing in the power of sports culture to amplify conversations about the impact structural racism and other forms of discrimination have on health and wellbeing.
Preserving the Homefront
A National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) panel pairs the power of athlete storytelling with subject matter expertise to talk about homeownership inequities as we are approaching the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and this year’s Superbowl in New Orleans.
Research
- How do people engage with sports in their lives as both fans and players?
- Are sports a good way for fans to learn about and engage on important issues in American society?
- Do fans think sports can bring about change in American society?
- What is the best way to reach fans? Who are their trusted messengers, particularly in sports?
- Are fans open to hearing athletes and others share their stories and personal experiences?
- When, where, and how should athletes and others share their stories? What kinds of stories work best?
- What issues do fans see as more or less appropriate for sports to address?
- Are fans open to learning about structural racism and health through sports?
- What underlying values or social beliefs relate to fans’ willingness to lean about different issues?
- What action will fans take as a result of sports messengers talking about an issue?
Storytelling
Opinion: I’m a former Olympic swimmer who almost drowned as a child. It’s a preventable danger
"Olympic medals might be for a privileged few, but everyone has a right to cool off and gain potentially life-saving swimming skills," says Cullen Jones, the first Black swimmer to hold a world record.
Champions of Change
RISE activates Champions of Change at sporting events around the country such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s and Women's Final Four, NFL Draft, NASCAR Ally400 Race, and WNBA All Star. Together, RISE and RWJF are partnering on storytelling moments at the intersection of health and racial equity in this fan experience.
Related Content
Game On! Using Sports Culture for Narrative Change
This webinar is for anyone interested in audience and message research, as well as narrative change strategy and working with influencers.
Sports Award
The RWJF Sports Award recognized those in sports who display an innovative and collaborative approach to making their communities healthier places.
5-min read
Policy Solutions to Advance Park Equity
Urban parks are a smart investment for health, but not everyone has one nearby. These local policy solutions can help bring parks to every neighborhood.
5-min read
Structural Racism and Health
We are working to dismantle structural racism so that everyone may have the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible in the place they call home.
1-min read