Amplifying and Supporting Community Voices

Our stories are one of the most impactful and effective assets the human services sector has when developing and advocating for key changes. However, meaningful, sustainable, and authentic storytelling requires thoughtful practices to safeguard participants’ agency and well-being. This webinar will focus on helping organizations build trauma-informed, empowering pathways for clients and community members to shape the narrative of central issues within and beyond our communities.

Participants will discuss strategies to cultivate supportive environments, prepare individuals to speak publicly, and ensure storytellers maintain agency and control over how their experiences are shared. The session will highlight ethical considerations, consent practices, and emotional safety planning strategies to promote dignity and mutual respect.

The webinar also will address challenges, including pathways to safeguard privacy and navigate organizational goals. Participants will leave with ideas for amplifying community voices while centering trust, safety, and respect.

Takeaways

• Strategies for empowering community members to speak with confidence while maintaining safety and agency
• Trauma-informed and ethical considerations for honoring the gift of receiving and sharing lived experience
• Approaches for preparing and supporting storytellers through every stage
• Pathways to ensure narratives strengthen advocacy while safeguarding privacy

Who Should Attend

• Members of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online
• Executive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders
• Advocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach
• Communications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media
• Program Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts