FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my organization sign the Dignified Storytelling Pledge?
You can sign the pledge through the Dignified Storytelling website by filling out the online form and checking the box to sign the pledge as an organization.
What does it mean for my organization to sign the pledge?
The Dignified Storytelling pledge is guided by the 10 principles of dignified storytelling which were developed through a consultative process with a diverse group of stakeholders from UN agencies, INGOs, local NGOs and civil society. Together, these 10 principles provide a framework for storytelling within development and humanitarian contexts that builds on existing standards and resources to unite all storytellers and those who work with them under one mission of placing dignified and ethical storytelling at the epicenter of knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and capacity development. Signing the Dignified Storytelling pledge shows an organizational commitment to ensuring that deep respect, full transparency, and social responsibility are at the core of all your policies, processes, and engagements with storytellers, content creators, and partners. This is also an opportunity for you as an organization to join hands with the global community and together reshape storytelling within development and humanitarian contexts.
Why is Dignified Storytelling relevant to my work?
Today, thousands of stories are being told regardless of who tells them and how they are told. Many of these stories lack authenticity, transparency, or are driven by ulterior motives which serve a predetermined narrative. These are just some of the few obstacles that get in the way of honest, wholesome and dignified storytelling, particularly within development and humanitarian contexts. Recognizing that there are gaps in advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and available resources, Dignified Storytelling is bringing together content makers, editors, journalists, photographers, filmmakers, storytellers, and contributors from various sectors to develop and agree on guidance on storytelling practices that upholds the dignity of all persons and creates a positive environment and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Who can sign the pledge on behalf of my organization?
Depending on your organizational structure, the pledge can be signed by the relevant decision-maker in your organization (CEO, Managing Director, Director of Communications, etc.) Anyone in the organization may sign on behalf of the decision-maker as long as they have been granted authority to do so.
Do you need a physical signature?
It is sufficient to sign the pledge through the Dignified Storytelling website.
How can we promote my organizations endorsement of the pledge?
Once you have signed the pledge as an organization, please upload your logo in the form on the pledge page or send an email to info@dignifiedstorytelling.com. The Dignified Storytelling team will add your organization’s name and logo to its Dignified Storytelling Pledge page. We will also ask you to share with us either a recorded video message a quote mentioning why you have chosen to sign the Dignified Storytelling pledge as an organization, why it matters to you and inviting others to do the same. We can share the video message and/or quote on your/our website and social media. We are also preparing a social media toolkit which we will share with you to help you advocate for Dignified Storytelling.
If I have signed the pledge on behalf of my organization, can I also sign as an individual?
Yes, and in fact we encourage you to share the pledge with colleagues to sign the pledge as individuals.
The Dignified Storytelling principles serve to complement and consolidate existing policies. This is an opportunity to reflect on how your policies and procedures align with Dignified Storytelling, but there is no obligation to remove or change these.
How can I use the Dignified Storytelling principles in my own work?
The Dignified Storytelling principles can be incorporated into your organization’s approach to reporting, project planning, publication and dissemination strategies, and communication with other organizations and individuals. You can start by looking at the overview of the Dignified Storytelling principles to learn more about each principle and how it can be applied. You may also review the Dignified Storytelling Handbook, which will be launched in December 2021.