Storytellers Bill of Rights

When sharing or being asked to share my story by Immigrants Rising, I have the right to:

  • Choose when, where, how and if to tell my story based on the request, without any negative impact on my relationship with Immigrants Rising staff or participation in Immigrants Rising programming
  • Ask for training and guidance before and after accepting invitations, referrals, etc.
  • Ask whom the audience is, how the story will be used, and the purpose of having my story told
  • Ask for safety and physical security in an open environment when I speak
  • Answer only questions that I am comfortable with
  • Use discretion in order to protect myself, my loved ones and my personal information
  • Be recognized and identified as I choose
  • Build my own brand and promote myself
  • Ask for editing rights over my story and how I am identified
  • Share any and all aspects of my story
  • Not be expected to represent experiences that are not my own
  • Ask that my story not be shared without my explicit consent
  • Ask for fair compensation
  • Opt out at any time

 

Storytelling Principles of Trust

When Immigrants Rising asks people to share their stories, we promise to:

  • Encourage and promote a wide spectrum of experiences and stories
  • Frame stories from a position of strength not victimization
  • Be transparent about why people are being asked to share their stories as well as any expectations and goals for their story sharing
  • Request prior approval from story sharers before sharing their personal information and stories, and before referring to a third party
  • Provide training in public speaking and/or interviews
  • Assess and share any potential risks or safety concerns in advance
  • Respect story sharers’ right to say no or opt out at any point
  • Provide ample support before, during, and after the story sharing process
  • Encourage opportunities for healing through the story sharing process
  • Provide fair compensation
  • Stay faithful to our Storytellers Bill of Rights

Download the Storytellers Bill of Rights and Principles of Trust here.