Storytelling for Nonprofits
A HOW-TO FOR EFFECTIVE AND ETHICAL WRITING
By Laura Moody
Founding Partner, Marketing & Business Development
As a nonprofit organization, you have a powerful story to tell. Your work is dedicated to making a positive change in your community, and your supporters and partners want to hear about the impact they are helping to create. However, when it comes to talking about your work, it's essential to consider the ethics behind the story that you are telling and how it’s told.
Ethical storytelling means presenting your content in a way that respects the dignity and humanity of the people you serve. It means being transparent about your intentions and methods and ensuring that your content doesn't harm the very communities you're working to support.
Here are some tips for ethical storytelling:
Put people first: Nonprofits often work with under-resourced populations, so it's crucial to prioritize their privacy and dignity. Always ask for consent before sharing someone's story, and respect their wishes if they decline.
Empower the people you serve: Nonprofits exist to empower people, so it's essential to give agency to the communities you support. Incorporate ways for individuals to share their personal perspectives, and provide opportunities for them to participate in your storytelling efforts whenever possible.
Be transparent: Be honest about your intentions and methods. If you're using photos or videos, make sure that people know how they will be used and get their consent to use them. There are many free or low-cost options for stock imagery that can be used to illustrate your point without invading your constituent’s privacy.
Avoid stereotypes: it's crucial to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes or reinforcing harmful stigmas.
Focus on solutions: Your organization should position itself as a partner to its constituency and community - not as the “rescuer”. Explain the challenges that your community faces and solutions that you’re working on collaboratively.
Remember, ethical storytelling isn't just about doing the right thing—it's also about building trust with your supporters and the communities you serve. When you tell your story with integrity and respect, you're more likely to inspire action and create meaningful change.
To learn more about Ethical Storytelling visit www.ethicalstorytelling.com and take their pledge “to focus on the HOW not only the WHAT of the stories we may encounter – but maybe should not always tell – in the work we do.”