Samah Elous

Tell us briefly who you are and what you do!
I am an organizer and trainer based in Sweden, who believes in people's power to create positive change in our communities. I’ve had the opportunity to teach and train organizers as part of the Ahel online course, supporting leaders across the MENA region, and as part of the teaching team for the Harvard Kennedy School online course on Community Organizing and Public Narrative. My work focuses on enabling leaders to achieve their shared purpose under uncertainty across diverse causes; from climate justice to women’s empowerment and children’s rights...etc.

Your session Public Narrative offers participants a guide to crafting a strong story of self… Can you share an example?
Organizing is rooted in relationships and in the understanding that we exist in connection with others. Our ability to achieve change is deeply tied to the ability of others to act with us. Public Narrative is a leadership practice that helps us articulate who we are, what we care about, and why it matters now. It invites others to connect their values to action.

A powerful way to think about it comes from Rabbi Hillel’s three questions:
If I am not for myself, who am I?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
If not now, when?

These questions capture the essence of Public Narrative linking values to collective purpose and urgent action.

What keeps bringing you back to the good fight?
What keeps me going is the belief that change starts with people, that when individuals find their voice and connect with others, they can create real impact. Being part of that process, and witnessing people step into their leadership, is incredibly energising.