Podcast Summary: What the Fundraising – Episode 231: The Power of Trauma-Informed Storytelling: A Guide to Ethical Storytelling with Maria Bryan

Introduction

In Episode 231 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Maria Bryan, a seasoned expert in trauma-informed storytelling. This episode delves into the intricate balance between leveraging powerful narratives for fundraising and ensuring ethical considerations that protect both the storyteller and the audience. Maria Bryan brings her extensive background in journalism and storytelling to illuminate how nonprofits can tell impactful stories without perpetuating trauma.

Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Misconceptions

Maria Bryan begins by clarifying common misconceptions about trauma, emphasizing that trauma is not confined to extreme events like war or violent situations. She defines trauma as the "natural internal body response...when our body feels threatened, when we feel that we are in danger" (04:48). Bryan explains that trauma responses vary among individuals due to factors like previous experiences and genetics, highlighting that "three people can experience the same thing and all three of us will have different responses" (00:38).

Trauma-Informed Storytelling: Ethical Considerations

The conversation shifts to the core of trauma-informed storytelling. Bryan describes it as "the practice of gathering and telling stories in a way that promotes safety and wellness and resists harm" (02:38). She underscores the ethical dilemma nonprofits face: how to tell compelling stories that drive missions without exploiting the trauma of those they serve or harming their audience. Bryan stresses the importance of giving control and agency back to the story owners, allowing them to decide how their stories are shared (06:10).

Practical Approaches to Implementing Trauma-Informed Storytelling

Bryan provides actionable strategies for nonprofits to adopt trauma-informed storytelling practices:

1. Trigger Warnings and Contextual Alerts: Before delving into sensitive topics, practitioners should provide brief warnings. For example, Bryan suggests saying, "I'm just about to talk about infant loss. If that feels upsetting, please feel free to pause the podcast" (09:33).

2. Media Consent Processes: Implement comprehensive consent processes that go beyond standard forms. Ensure that story owners have control over their narratives, such as choosing anonymity or excluding certain details (12:03).

3. Story Review Committees: Establish review teams that include individuals who can identify potential harm or blind spots in storytelling. Bryan highlights the importance of having diverse perspectives involved in the review process to maintain ethical standards (12:01).

4. Harm Repair Plans: Develop proactive plans to address any accidental harm caused by storytelling. These plans should include genuine apologies and steps to prevent future occurrences, reinforcing the organization's commitment to ethical practices (12:01).

Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector

Bryan acknowledges the significant challenges nonprofits face when integrating trauma-informed practices. Organizations often balance the need for impactful storytelling with the pressure to raise funds, sometimes leading to ethical compromises. She candidly admits, "There are really, really good stories that will raise more money that are not trauma informed and ethical" (19:08). This tension can create frustration among storytellers who wish to uphold ethical standards but feel constrained by organizational demands.

Building Resilience and Agency for Storytellers and Organizations

To navigate these challenges, Bryan emphasizes the importance of resilience and intentionality:

• Celebrating Incremental Wins: Organizations should acknowledge and celebrate small steps towards ethical storytelling, such as improving media consent forms or incorporating dignity into narratives (19:08).

• Modeling Ethical Practices: Leaders should demonstrate commitment to trauma-informed storytelling by adjusting interview questions and storytelling methods, setting a precedent for the entire organization (19:08).

• Patience and Persistence: Bryan advises that social justice and ethical storytelling are gradual processes, requiring patience and sustained effort. She encourages nonprofits to set realistic timelines and goals, such as reducing the number of stories annually while enhancing their quality and ethical standards (19:08).

Resources and Further Learning

Maria Bryan offers several resources for listeners interested in adopting trauma-informed storytelling:

• When Bearing Witness: Bryan's program provides team training, cohorts, and practical tools for becoming trauma-informed storytellers. She invites listeners to join her monthly storytelling circles to discuss nuanced aspects of ethical storytelling (24:36).

• Podcast and Toolkit: Bryan hosts her own podcast, When Bearing Witness, and offers a free trauma-informed storytelling toolkit on her website, providing essential tools to kickstart ethical storytelling practices (24:36).

• Power Partners Formula Collective: Through this program, Bryan shares methods and tools that have helped her raise millions while maintaining ethical standards. Interested listeners can learn more at MalloryErickson.com (25:29).

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, Maria Bryan provides a comprehensive guide to trauma-informed storytelling, emphasizing ethical practices that safeguard both story owners and audiences. She acknowledges the challenges nonprofits face but offers practical solutions to integrate these practices gradually. Bryan’s insights encourage nonprofit leaders to prioritize ethical storytelling, fostering deeper connections and more meaningful engagement with their communities. Mallory Erickson and Maria Bryan conclude by reinforcing the importance of honesty and alignment between fundraising strategies and organizational values, urging listeners to embrace trauma-informed practices as a pathway to more impactful and sustainable fundraising efforts.

Notable Quotes

1. Maria Bryan on Trauma Definitions:

   • "Trauma is the natural internal body response...when our body feels threatened, when we feel that we are in danger." (04:48)

2. Maria Bryan on Ethical Storytelling:

   • "We can't promise safety. We cannot promise not to do harm. What we are simply doing is giving back control and agency." (06:47)

3. Maria Bryan on Trigger Warnings:

   • "It's very, very simple. Right before you tell something, you can say like, 'I'm just about to talk about infant loss. If that feels upsetting, please feel free to pause the podcast.'" (09:33)

4. Maria Bryan on Organizational Challenges:

   • "There are really, really good stories that will raise more money that are not trauma informed and ethical." (19:08)

5. Maria Bryan on Incremental Progress:

   • "Social justice is slow. It takes time. It takes patience and resilience." (19:08)

Resources Mentioned

• Maria Bryan's Programs:

  • When Bearing Witness
  • When Bearing Witness Podcast
  • Power Partners Formula Collective

• Toolkits and Further Information:

  • Mariabryan.com/trauma-informed

• Host’s Offerings:

  • Visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast for additional resources and full transcripts.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a crucial guide for nonprofit leaders seeking to harness the power of storytelling ethically. Maria Bryan's expertise illuminates the path towards meaningful engagement that respects and uplifts both the storytellers and the audience. By adopting trauma-informed practices, nonprofits can foster deeper connections, enhance donor relationships, and ultimately drive more impactful change.