SESSION DETAILS
In the pursuit of raising money and visibility, nonprofits have historically caused harm in the communities and to individuals that they seek to serve. Stories of hardship and survival have been manipulated to increase donor engagement– often in ways that cause disrespect and harm. Many marketing professionals in the nonprofit sector are familiar with how storytelling can connect the organization’s work to the community in meaningful, transformational ways. When used appropriately, equitable, justice-aligned storytelling has the ability to not only honor the stories and experiences of those for whom an organization is set to serve, but also invite others into the movement or organization.
This 90-minute café-style panel discussion will explore community-centered storytelling, and what it takes to get there. Panelists Rachel D'Souza-Siebert, Ann Fisher-Jackson, and Monti Hill will share their own stories and present supportive ways for storytellers to honor the nonprofit’s community, while sharing marketing tools that embrace all intersections of storytelling.
This session is an opportunity to learn how to take a step back, listen, center and honor those with lived experience whose willingness to share their stories advances your organization’s mission.
Attendees should read the article, Does Your Organization’s Storytelling Perpetuate Harm? as pre-work before attending this session.
Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will leave this session with:
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Suggestions to amplify the voices of impacted communities members through storytelling in their organization’s marketing and communications strategy,
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Knowledge of harmful marketing practices such as and not limited to: tokenism, white saviorism, poverty porn, and coded language, and
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Awareness of the power of storytelling when done with community-centric, equity + justice-oriented lens.
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About Rachel D'Souza Siebert, MPPA
Rachel D’Souza-Siebert is the Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Gladiator Consulting in St. Louis, Missouri. She has built the company by combining her experience in resource development and organizational culture with her personal commitment to centering community, seeking justice, and creating belonging for those who have been disenfranchised. Rachel models collaboration from an abundance mindset.
In 2020, the St. Louis Business Journal honored Rachel with their Diverse Business Leader Award. She currently sits on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals St. Louis, the c4 board of LeadMO, and the Community Advisory Board of Nine Network. As a founding member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Speakers Bureau and a member of the CCF Transition Team, Rachel has shared her work with fundraisers and nonprofit professionals across the country. In 2021, Rachel’s perspective on systems change in resource development was featured in the Blackbaud Institute’s npExperts publication, The Great Reset.
About Monti Hill
Monti carries multiple hats in several spaces of her work. She is the founder and creator of Black and Brown Leadership in Politics and the founder of MH Designs.
As an organizer, Monti worked on State and Federal elections. She worked as a candidate recruiter for the Missouri Democratic Party and moved to the Democratic Congressional Campaign in Southern Illinois.
Her personal journey in obtaining skills, knowledge, and leadership has allowed her to work with some dynamic organizations like WEPOWER, Forward Through Ferguson, Generate Health, and the National Women’s Political Caucus- St. Louis Chapter.
Monti is a skilled photographer, painter, and graphic designer weaving art into social justice and change.