In a world saturated with stories, narratives, and information, the need for ethical storytelling has never been more pressing. The way we narrate events, the pictures we use, and the voices we amplify all contribute to our collective understanding of the world.
Levis Nderitu introduced the Ethical Storytelling Toolkit, as an open, accessible resource for communicators, leaders and, well, everyone, to learn how to do this. Levis is the global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PATH, a nonprofit dedicated to health equity, and he had the honor of being part of the team developing this toolkit.
Better Conversations About Ethical Storytelling
A consortium of organizations and individuals has put together the Guide To Better Conversations About Ethical Storytelling. Hosted on the DevEx website, this free toolkit provides a guide to telling stories in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and does not inadvertently harm or objectify its subjects.
There are chapters dedicated to the intricacies of ethical storytelling. From how to select and use images, to ensuring diverse voices are captured, the toolkit is a comprehensive guide for anyone keen to bring a story to life in a manner that is sensitive and respectful.
Often, in the race to convey urgency or depict need, the media can sometimes rely on cliched images that can harm the dignity of the people they represent. Be it fundraising campaigns for refugees or crises, images are chosen that depict need in a way that can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes. This toolkit challenges that norm, pushing organizations to think more deeply about the narratives they are creating.
A Tool for the Future
Levis, one of the passionate voices behind the toolkit, shared during the podcast about the significance of this initiative in our digital age. Both from being under significant pressure with limited time and as we transition into an era of artificial intelligence (AI), we need to ensure that the stories, images, and data we produce are ethical and diverse. The hope is that as more and more people engage with the toolkit, the stories, and representations to amplify voices in the future to be more dignifying and representative of the diversity of human experiences.
Diving Deeper: Levis’s Insights on DEI
The toolkit was just one aspect of the insightful conversation. Levis further elaborated on his Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. He shared their experiences from PATH, illustrating the importance of inclusive storytelling both internally within companies and externally in broader narratives.
It’s evident that the journey towards achieving true diversity and equity is not a straightforward one. The stories we’ve been telling, as Levis pointed out, sometimes go unchallenged simply because they’ve been told for so long. To shift these narratives, organizations and individuals alike need to be ready to challenge the status quo and embark on conversations rooted in values, humanity, and dignity.
Levis’s passion for uplifting communities and ensuring they’re seen as collaborators and partners, rather than problems to be solved, shines through. It’s a timely reminder that the stories we tell shape perceptions and can either empower or disempower communities.
Wrapping Up
As the episode came to a close, the takeaway was clear: we need to be more intentional about the stories we tell and how we tell them. The Ethical Storytelling Toolkit is an excellent starting point for anyone keen to embark on this journey. With easy navigation, illustrative content, and chapters that resonate with real-world scenarios, the toolkit is an invaluable resource for change-makers.
Sharing stories is an age-old tradition, but in our modern world, where stories can reach millions in a matter of seconds, we must ensure they’re shared responsibly. Dive into the toolkit, challenge your perceptions, and let’s collectively ensure the stories of tomorrow uplift, empower, and celebrate the diversity of the human spirit.
To find out about the toolkit, visit:
To find about more about PATH and the work Levis Nderitu is doing, visit their: