Can stories have the same power as speeches when it comes to fighting for an issue

Yes, often more power actually. When you’re trying to convince someone of something the most powerful and swaying argument is one that includes a certain amount of emotion (pathos). So for example, instead of just speaking about dying animals to argue for climate change, it is much more effective to tell a personal or emotional story involving the effects climate change has had a you or other real people. Hope that helps :)