At Ethical Storytellers, we believe stories should uphold people’s dignity and contribute to greater understanding and positive change. We help organizations communicate the impact of their work while ensuring that each story is gathered and told according to our five principles.
Our pledge
We never treat people as content. Their safety and dignity take priority over capturing an image or quote. No story is worth causing harm.
1. People come before stories
2. We tell honest, contextual stories
We are committed to accuracy and integrity. We avoid exaggeration and oversimplification. We present individual experiences within their broader social, cultural, and structural realities.
3. We respect agency and elevate people’s voices
Wherever possible, people shape how their stories are told. We aim to amplify voices, not speak for others, and to portray individuals and communities as active agents in their own lives.
4. We challenge stereotypes and unequal narratives
We do not reduce people to their hardship or present outside actors as “saviors.” We show people in the fullness of their lives, with sensitivity and respect.
5. We practice responsible and informed storytelling
We facilitate informed consent, protect privacy and handle stories and images with care. We explain how material may be used and clearly communicate people’s choices to the organizations we work with. We remain open to feedback and learning.
Ethical storytelling is not only about what we show. It’s about how we work with people, and the responsibility we carry when sharing their stories.