When I Tell My Story I'm in Charge: Ethical and Effective Storytelling in Advocacy

Abstract

Stories are powerful. They can cut through prejudice, build understanding and motivate people to challenge injustice. Storytelling can empower individuals and communities by recognising their experience and expertise and promoting their agency. Storytelling also gives rise to difficult ethical questions and risks for clients, communities, community legal centres and campaigns.

The challenge for progressive lawyers and activists is to develop a framework for storytelling that maximises systemic and sustainable advocacy outcomes and empowers participants while recognising and mitigating risks. The alternative is a policy and law reform agenda that relies on dry statistics and legal analysis and omits the insights and perspectives of people affected by injustice.

Keywords: storytelling, human rights, advocacy

JEL Classification: L30