The Dignified Storytelling Handbook
Dignified Storytelling Alliance (2021), 119 pp.
Contains illustrations, acronyms p. 3, glossary p. 107, bibliogr. pp. 108-111
Other editions: also published in Arabic, French and Spanish
"Each of us brings our own perspectives, personalities, and cultural backgrounds to the stories we consume or create. The Dignified Storytelling Handbook is not intended to prescribe a “one-fit” point of view for everyone – rather it seeks to offer tips and tools to help thoughtfully and critically examine stories, particularly those told from development and humanitarian settings, and to offer suggestions to guide value-based decisions and partnerships in storytelling. Within this broader purpose, there are several ways in which you might use this Handbook as a reference tool for advocacy, for training, for policy development within your organisation, or for your own storytelling practice. For example, the overarching Dignified Storytelling Principles may be a useful reference point as you discuss values and expectations with external contractors. Or perhaps, as a content creator, you can gain inspiration from exploring the Story Spotlights found throughout the Handbook. If you are writing a Terms of Reference to hire an interpreter, see the section on Working with Interpreters or Translators. Or if you need to develop a Risk Assessment, you might consult the textbox under Principle #2 on “I do no harm”." (Page 17)
Story Spotlights: Mobile Stories (GSMA and UNHCR) -- Hear Her Voice (The Girl Effect) -- The Right to Be and Belong (GFC) -- Mama Kwanza (The Good Side) -- When Hunters Become Conservationists (Sacred Groves and India Story Agency) -- Imagine Peace (Ingrid Guyon and Mujer Diaspora) -- My Unique Story (I4D) -- Emarat Advertising Campaign (Waleed Shah) -- Voices from the Field (WaterAid) -- Weaving Recognition (UN Human Rights) -- Hyena (Gareth Benest, Transparency International, and Gambia Participates) -- Youth Storytelling Mentorship (NCGC and StoryCentre Canada) -- Where I Belong (The Freedom Story) -- Jamil’s Story (UNHCR) -- We have a Message for You! (IUCN NL, WWF NL, and BRANDOUTLOUD) -- Refugees are Essential (IRC) -- I Can Teach You Too (Dubai Cares) -- Children and Image Production (Lisa Atkinson) -- Catching Alices (Save the Children) -- Rise for Justice (BRANDOUTLOUD and OneFamilyPeople) -- Shamshad Begum’s Story (Hashoo Foundation) -- Batman (War Child) -- Stolen Lives (Smita Sharma)
Background on Dignified Storytelling, 7
The Dignified Storytelling Principles 11
Introduction to the Dignified Storytelling Handbook 14
GUIDELINES FOR DIGNIFIED STORYTELLING 18
Principle 1: It’s not my story, 20
Principle 2: I do no harm, 26
Principle 3: We are all multi-dimensional, 31
Principle 4: Consent is more than paperwork, 38
Principle 5: I am biased (repeat), 46
Principle 6: I do my homework, 52
Principle 7: I am empathetic, 57
Principle 8: I protect others’ data like it’s my own, 63
Principle 9: Truth over headlines, 65
Principle 10: A story can change the world, 70
FURTHER GUIDANCE FOR SOME GROUPS, 80
Children and Youth, 82
Girls and Women, 86
People with Disabilities, 89
People Impacted by Emergencies, 93
People Impacted by Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, 96
WORKING TOGETHER FOR DIGNIFIED STORYTELLING, 99
Within Organisations -- With External Partners -- With Interpreters and Translators
Advocating and Educating for Dignified Storytelling, 105
The Dignified Storytelling Principles 11
Introduction to the Dignified Storytelling Handbook 14
GUIDELINES FOR DIGNIFIED STORYTELLING 18
Principle 1: It’s not my story, 20
Principle 2: I do no harm, 26
Principle 3: We are all multi-dimensional, 31
Principle 4: Consent is more than paperwork, 38
Principle 5: I am biased (repeat), 46
Principle 6: I do my homework, 52
Principle 7: I am empathetic, 57
Principle 8: I protect others’ data like it’s my own, 63
Principle 9: Truth over headlines, 65
Principle 10: A story can change the world, 70
FURTHER GUIDANCE FOR SOME GROUPS, 80
Children and Youth, 82
Girls and Women, 86
People with Disabilities, 89
People Impacted by Emergencies, 93
People Impacted by Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, 96
WORKING TOGETHER FOR DIGNIFIED STORYTELLING, 99
Within Organisations -- With External Partners -- With Interpreters and Translators
Advocating and Educating for Dignified Storytelling, 105