4 Ways to Protect Your Community While Telling Their Story

The best storytelling partnerships are built on shared values — how stories are gathered, who's in the room, and what participants understand before they ever say yes. This approach doesn't just protect your community. It's what makes the content more authentic and more impactful, for your organization and for the people whose stories we're telling.

01

Recognize the power dynamic before you start asking questions

Power dynamics are at play at every stage of the storytelling process. Recognizing that is the first step to handling it responsibly.

02

Lead with strength, not suffering

People are more than their hardship, and causes are more than their problems. Lead with what's possible. That's what inspires people to give, to act, and to believe change is real.

03

Be transparent before, and check in after

People can't consent to what they don't know. And once the content exists, don't assume their comfort with it stays the same.

04

Make sure any outside vendors and their team know the context

Understanding the subject matter and the community you're working with isn't just courtesy. It helps everyone show up with the care the work deserves.

Make A Scene Media

Trauma-informed storytelling is restorative. It protects dignity, builds trust, and produces content that actually reflects the depth and humanity of the work you do.

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