Storytelling is in the spotlight.
More than ever the non-profit sector is reflecting on ways to elevate voices and experiences in the countries and communities where aid and social impact work take place. Communications is an essential but often overlooked component of a successful transition.
Because of the wider impact of communications, the sector is now at an impasse, having to confront and change practices that were once considered standard, without always having a clear roadmap for a better way forward.
This guide was created to meet that moment.
We brought together experts and people with lived expertise to create a different type of guide. We’ve sought to de-center the conversation from higher-income countries (the so-called ‘Global North’) and partnered with contributors from a wide range of backgrounds.
This guide is the product of a series of rich and engaging conversations between the authors and contributors – all of whom are navigating the challenges of ethical storytelling every day.
Better Conversations about Ethical Storytelling
Download the Full Guide
Chapters.
Why do we tell ethical stories?
Kuloba-Warria draws from her memories and experience growing up in a culture steeped in traditional storytelling to reflect on the way colonialism has shaped communications in the social impact space, and propose a different way forward.
+ Learn more
How can we make the case?
Nderitu and Verga draw from their respective roles at PATH to offer practical advice to those wanting to initiate change from within. They introduce three different ways to engage team members and senior leadership in the process of implementing ethical storytelling practices.
+ Learn more
How do we build trust?
Moodley and Dwiandani draw from personal experiences to offer helpful insights on how donors, NGOs, media agencies and communications professionals can build processes that uphold the safety and dignity of the people whose stories are told, and enable stronger relationships to take root.
+ Learn more
How should we measure success?
Koech, Casati and Muwanguzi make the case for redefining the sector’s definition of success, and argue that centering the voices of communities in storytelling ultimately leads to better outcomes for all.
+ Learn more
Practical recommendations
While each chapter takes a deep dive into the different steps of the storytelling process, the following tip sheet sums up the practical advice shared by authors throughout this toolkit and beyond in a format that’s easy to use, share and adapt.
+ Learn more
How do we take this forward?
Saltmarsh offers inspiration from recent initiatives that have crossed the threshold of traditional mediums to tell stories of change in a novel way.
+ Learn moreAuthors.
Flavie Halais
Lead Author
Flavie Halais is a journalist and strategist based in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. Her work has appeared in WIRED, The Guardian, Le Monde Afrique, Devex, El País and Jeune Afrique among other publications. She has reported from various countries, diving into complex topics such as humanitarian issues, global health, cities and migration.
Chilande Kuloba-Warria
Chapter 1
Chilande serves as a founder and Director of a technical support facility called the Warande Advisory Centre based in Kenya; where she is active in promoting system changes that close the gap towards equitable multistakeholder relationships and solidarity that restores the sovereignty of global south communities.
Levis Nderitu
Chapter 2
Levis Nderitu is PATH’s Director of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Levis is responsible for leading, refining and implementing PATH’s DEI strategy. He serves as the primary DEI advisor to PATH’s executive team and board of directors.
David Verga
Chapter 2
As PATH’s Head of Brand and Creative, David Verga leads all writing, editing, and graphic design in support of the PATH brand and serves as the organization’s editor in chief, developing concepts and messaging for major initiatives, managing brand guidelines and updates, directing editorial priorities, and crafting communications for PATH teams around the world.
Josefina Casati
Chapter 3
Josefina Casati (she/her/ella) is a storyteller, an award-winning journalist, and social justice advocate committed to building bridges that uplift marginalized communities. Her interest in authentic storytelling was sparked when, as a teen, she saw how limiting narratives resulted in harmful treatment of Black and Latino students.
Denis Muwanguzi
Chapter 3
Denis is a Public Health Specialist and theater practitioner with 15 years of experience in community-led development. He’s the co-founder and director of programs at Budondo Intercultural Centre, a non-profit in Uganda. He previously worked as the Learning and Impact Lead at Mama Hope - US and an intern at WHO-Denmark.
Denis Koech
Chapter 3
An avid storyteller, Koech Cheruiyot Denis is currently the Senior Communications Coordinator at FIPS-Africa. Previously, Koech was a Communications Officer at Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), an organization serving urban slum communities in Kenya. Most recently, he was a Reporting Officer at Mercy Corps, where he has previously held different positions.
Diah Dwiandani
Chapter 4
Diah is a Communication Specialist with over 15 years of professional experience. Her expertise encompasses narrative building and campaigning on a wide range of critical issues, including climate justice, gender and diversity, tolerance and minorities, sustainable development, and human rights.
Shalini Moodley
Chapter 4
Shalini’s strong leadership skills and vast experience in Africa enabled her to lead MetroGroup from a 3-employee start-up to now one of the biggest digital advertising agencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Having been CEO of iBurst DRC and COO of iBurst Africa Group from 2009 up until 2014, gave Shalini the experience needed to manage and expand MetroGroup as a market leader in advertising.
Sarah-Jane Saltmarsh
Chapter 6
Sarah-Jane Saltmarsh has led initiatives within the Chief Minister’s Department, Northern Territory Government (Aus), Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services (Aus), International Labour Organisation - United Nations (Bangladesh, Thailand) and Better Work (Bangladesh). She currently heads thought leadership at BRAC, the world’s biggest development organisation, and is pursuing a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Sydney.
Production and Partners.
Devex
Devex is the media platform for the global development community. A social enterprise, we connect and inform over one million development, health, humanitarian, and sustainability professionals through news, business intelligence, and funding & career opportunities so you can do more good for more people.
