We pledge to:

• Tell others’ stories the way we want our story told.
• Always put people first.
• Explain to constituents the purpose of the story, where it will be used and answer any questions they might have before photographing, filming or recording.
• Find an able translator if we speak different languages.
• Ask the constituent if they wish to be named or identified and act according to their wishes.
• Use all images and messages with the full understanding, participation and permission of the constituent or the constituent’s legal guardian.
• Uphold the dignity of our constituents through empowering imagery and messages that motivate engagement and inspire hope.
• Truthfully represent a situation or story to educate our audiences of the realities, complexities and nuances of the issues we advocate for.
• Not use images, footage or words that sensationalize or stereotype a person or a situation.
• Ask for feedback from our constituents and incorporate this feedback into the final story.
• Abide by international law, standards and protocols related to vulnerable persons, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
• Listen to our constituents’ voices and respect their decisions, story and journey.
• Hold a posture of humility and learning, recognizing that failures can be our biggest educators.
• Seek advice if we question whether a particular story, message or image is not in alignment with ethical storytelling practices.
• Not tell the story, despite the resources invested, when the story cannot be told with the integrity of this pledge.
• Take ownership of our responsibility to uphold integrity in our storytelling and messaging.

As a community of nonprofit practitioners and storytellers we commit to learning from the past and integrating a new standard of storytelling as we journey together into the future.