Telling Stories with Dignity
Stories help bring communications to life, connecting audiences to the very real children and families experiencing vulnerability and to the complexity of serving them well. Stories move people to action, but we do not exploit people’s stories. The guiding ethic in storytelling is that we “do unto others as we would have them do unto us” How would you want an organization to steward your story if you were in the shoes of this person or partner?
Use the below checklist when preparing to share a story to help ensure you are “doing unto others” well.
This resource was originally created as part of Making the Pitch, a communications course by More Than Enough, CAFO’s US Foster Care Initiative. If you are working to care for children and families in foster care in the US and would like to learn more about the course, explore the course page
The Legal Check
I’ve confirmed there are no legal limitations on sharing this story outside of procuring informed consent. (Remember: nothing can be shared about active child welfare cases.)
I have written, informed consent to share this story from all parties (This is required any time identifying info / story details are shared, but is advisable under all circumstances )
I’ve double-checked all the facts of this story.
If I’m using stock images and pseudonyms, I have noted that in a footnote, footer, or caption
Even with consent,
I’m only sharing one of the three: name, image, or story
I am not sharing location or identifiable photos of the location
I’m using pseudonyms and stock photos as much as possible
The Empathy Check
Even if I’m not sharing identifying details, I can confirm I’m not breaking confidence by sharing this story.
I’m treating all of the below stakeholders with dignity in my story, “doing unto others as I’d have them do to me” if I were in their shoes
Children
Biological Families
Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Families
Social Services/Government
Churches Organizations/Partners
Community Leaders
I haven’t made any of the above stakeholders out to be “villains” in the story.
I’m not leaving anyone out of my story whose work or contribution should be included.
I’m avoiding possessive pronouns that reduce others’ agency or reflect a territorial attitude (ex: our churches, our families, our kids, our donors).
The Humility Check
While I’m being honest about any brokenness in the story, I’m not speaking in a tone of judgment or shock toward biological families or the child welfare system.
I’m not communicating a “savior” or “rescuer” mentality.
I’m not positioning myself or my work as what saved the day or fixed everything.
I’m not motivating my audience by telling them that they can save the day or fix everything in stories like these.
I’m sharing credit with others, rather than taking credit myself for things in the story
I’m emphasizing collaboration and collective effort, and I’m inviting others to join that journey.
Data Checklist
Sharing Data with Integrity
Data helps us to understand what works and what doesn’t, and to move beyond good intentions to excellent practice. Highlighting data in our presentations and communications with stakeholders can be good, right, and useful, but we must follow key guidelines to maintain integrity and proceed in a manner that honors the Lord. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body" (Ephesians 4:25)
For more information how to collect, leverage, and report data in your organization or program, learn more from CAFO’s course on Monitoring & Evaluation
Data Do’s Check
I am presenting data to back up my claims or assertions.
I am being transparent about limitations.
I am discussing limitations honestly and even highlighting them.
I am avoiding unsupported conclusions or impressions of conclusions.
I am acknowledging the limitations of my own knowledge and my involvement in the data or research I am presenting
I am being clear and audience-focused in my presentation.
I am using clear, jargon-free language that will be useful to and comfortable for the audience of my presentation.
I am defining technical terms.
I am focusing on data and research that is relevant to the audience.
I am being honest and upholding integrity
I am giving the context for research and data and stating the sample, including mentioning ways this might differ from the population being served.
I am using appropriate, labeled visualizations that are not manipulated to serve my purposes
I am citing sources and giving credit where due.
Data Don’ts Check
I am not assuming I have a complete or unbiased understanding of the research or data I am looking at the data & research objectively, not falling prey to confirmation bias
I am not considering all sources equal
I am not ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence
I am not exaggerating, but am being as accurate as possible.
I am not over-representing my own knowledge or expertise, especially when referencing someone else’s research
I am not overstating findings or claiming causation or solutions beyond what the data supports.
I am not selling!
I am not misrepresenting the data.
I am not plagiarizing or misrepresenting others’ work.
I am not using misleading scales or visualizations.
I am not using research on adults in a presentation about children, or U.S. research in a presentation about international programs, without clearly acknowledging why those are apples to zebras.
Citation Check
I am citing…
Direct quotes and paraphrases
Statistics and data points
Images, charts, and graphics not my own
Theoretical frameworks and models
Previous research findings
Confirmation Bias Check
I am actively seeking opposing viewpoints
I am considering all relevant findings, including those that don't support my program hypothesis
I am questioning your sources
I am noting limitations and potential alternative explanations
I am using neutral, objective language
I am having colleagues review my presentation for bias
I am acknowledging uncertainty & complexity
