Trust is the very first foundation to any storytelling project. One way I foster a trusting relationship with a storyteller is through transparency and autonomy over what will happen to their digital story and who will be able to view it. Organisations I work with share this commitment to the Storyteller’s empowering experience and support the Release Form process. Storytellers are:
- given transparent access to Release Form and copyright options at the beginning of the storytelling process
(workshop or individual sessions); - encouraged to keep the ramifications of the release options in mind while creating their stories;
- only asked to sign the release form at the END of the process;
- provided with a copy of the release form which has been signed by Storyteller, Organisation and Engaging Solutions.
It has been my experience that when this control is given to the Storyteller they are then able to enter the story-creation phase with an openness and even risk-taking spirit. This openness enriches the story and enables me as facilitator to explore challenging story terrain in a way not possible when people fear what will happen to the information or feelings they share with you. It is also my experience that when this genuinely respectful process is followed through with each step toward the final DVD product, Storytellers are actually very happy to share their story with the world! While organisations who commission my work support the value in the process, obviously they would like all participant stories to be able to be shown at the end, as this is the most visible way to show the value or measured outcome of a funded project.
This is an excerpt of what being able to say ‘no’ meant to a recent Storyteller:
“Just a quick note to that making the DVD with you… was a positive experience for me.
I have decided not to make the DVD public for the reasons we have discussed and the reasons you have patiently and kindly explained to me.
I hope you do not consider this as a failure because I do not see it or experience it that way.
I had an unbelievably terrible experience which still has massive ramifications for me and this was brought about because the people involved put kudos, financial gain, agenda-setting ahead of my welfare. Everything was taken out of my control, everything was done covertly while being disguised as “concern” for me so the end result left me disempowered, lacking control, bruised and devastated.
The experience I have had with you is almost an exact opposite where you have given me control and empowerment over important and minor decisions. You have given me alternatives to consider and then allowed me to make the final decisions based on what is the best outcome for me.
If only I had had you and the others involved in this wonderful project. I am without doubt that I could have told my story and been able to make a massive difference and been able to have outstanding changes which would have benefited others in a similar position.
I think it is imperative that your ethical and empowering attitudes and methods are implemented when sensitive, personal stories are being told….”
The number of people who do decide to keep their story private is very small however the fact that their story is not freely accessible is an act of strength and empowerment worth celebrating! The above quoted participant benefited from the group process and has a DVD copy of their story to remind themselves of the articulated story created and have the option to share their story – how, when and if they so choose.
Three cheers for the wonderful organisations who honour the process and value the intangible outcomes!!
Sincerely,
Jennifer.
[Photo by Ian Lott]
