Safety in Storytelling: A How to Guide from Leaders With Lived Experience
Purpose of This Guide
Time and time again, leaders with lived experience of forced displacement are proven to be the most powerful messengers for changing hearts and minds when they share their stories in a way that builds connection, empathy, and fills in critical knowledge gaps. Public opinion polling the Lab conducts annually affirms this – while 63 percent of Americans support refugee resettlement, that number jumps to 80 percent among people who say they personally know a refugee. Sharing your perspectives and experiences – through the media, events, and more – in ways that inform the public debate, challenge ideas around what it means to be a person who is a refugee, and advocate for change has the ability to redefine the narrative on welcoming.
At the same time, political environments and personal circumstances change, and there may be periods where publicly sharing your story may not be comfortable or safe. This guide, informed by seasoned leaders and storytellers who have experienced forced displacement, aims to walk you through the process of what to consider before, during, and after storytelling opportunities to keep yourself and your communities safe. Each section includes checklists with items to consider to help you feel prepared and safe at each stage, and first hand accounts from storytellers who have been through the process before so you can learn from their experiences.
Your story has the power to build bridges, inform and educate, and shape inclusive narratives, and it’s important that you keep yourself safe while participating in storytelling opportunities.
“Storytelling has been powerful for me, but also vulnerable. Sometimes it feels healing, other times it feels heavy, especially when the space isn’t prepared to hold difficult truths.”
Teddy Almuktady Wismoyo, Refugee Storytellers Collective Member
Your Storytelling Safety Checklist
1. You’ve been approached with an opportunity to share your story… Now what?
Before saying yes, it’s important to pause and consider a few key questions. Sharing your story can be powerful and impactful, but it should always happen on your terms. This section will help you understand the opportunity, ask the right questions, assess your comfort level, and know your rights throughout the process.
Get the Details of the Opportunity
Who is asking for my story—and why?
Research the person or organization making the request. Have they shared similar stories before? Do those stories align with your values and goals? Look into their past projects, mission, reputation, and audience. If possible, ask others who’ve worked with them what their experience was like.
Where will my story be shared, and who is the audience?
Knowing the platform and audience can help you shape your message in a way that feels authentic and effective. Ask whether you’ll be named or can remain anonymous, and if photos or videos will be included.
What’s the goal or angle of the story?
Clarify whether the intent of the storytelling opportunity is to inform, advocate, or raise awareness—or if the story is advancing a particular agenda. This helps you decide if the opportunity aligns with your values.
“I like to think about the impact the topic will have on myself as well as others before I agree to share my story. Especially with the media, the consequences can be very serious and have a wide impact. Media interviews really need the time and space to sit down and actually think about the questions and the answers. It requires a lot of preparation before agreeing to an interview.”
Juma, Refugee Storytellers Collective Member
Is compensation or future engagement offered?
Your story involves your time, labor, and emotional energy. Ask if compensation is provided, and whether there are future opportunities to stay engaged.
What am I agreeing to?
Before sharing your story, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you and what rights you have in sharing your story. Will you be able to review and contribute to the editing of drafts before publication? If at any point in the process you feel uncomfortable or decide you don’t want to share, are you able to withdraw your story? How will your name or likeness appear with the story? How will the outlet address concerns about risk to yourself or others in sharing your story? Organizations may be flexible in navigating these questions with you, but media and journalists may not always be able to depending on their editorial policies. If possible, have an informed consent document ready with agreed expectations and rights signed by you and the agency. If you’re still unsure, especially for sensitive topics or circumstances, consider seeking legal advice.
“I’ve had a negative experience with a reporter who took my responses to questions and misrepresented what I said, then edited my words and shared them with another publication I wasn’t expecting it to be shared with. That’s really inappropriate and unprofessional. I’m reminded that informed consent and permission is so important before speaking to the media.”
Qudrat Wasefi, Refugee Storytellers Collective member
Storytelling Readiness Checklist
Before you agree to share your story, ask yourself:
Do I know where and how my story will be shared?
Have I asked about the story’s purpose or angle?
Have I researched the outlet or organization?
Am I comfortable with the details being shared?
Do I feel emotionally and physically safe participating?
Have I reviewed any consent forms or agreements?
Is there compensation or future involvement offered?
Do I know my rights (e.g., review, edit, or withdraw)?
Have I spoken to someone I trust about this opportunity?
“It’s important to check in with myself and ask if I’m ready to share. A lot of times when we’re asked to share, we’re eager to do so, but we forget to check in to see if our nervous systems agree with whether or not we should share. It’s one thing to ask ‘Can I share?’ but it’s another thing to ask ‘What will happen after I share?’”
Aisha Koroma, Refugee Congress Delegate
2. You’ve said yes to the storytelling opportunity…Now what?
Now that you’ve agreed to participate in the storytelling opportunity, there are a few ways you can protect your safety while sharing your story. From knowing your boundaries to staying on message and navigating discomfort, this section will help you navigate sharing your story in a way that honors the heart of the message you want to share.
Know Your Boundaries and Your Power
As you begin a storytelling opportunity, whether it’s an interview with media, a keynote speech, or a webinar, it’s important to remember that you have the power – you are in control of what you share during the conversation. You can always bring the discussion back to what matters most to you.
To help you harness your power, write down the top one to three key points you want to make sure you get across (see our Building Blocks for Sharing Your Story: A Guide by Forcibly Displaced People for Impactful Storytelling guide for more on preparing to tell your story.) These should reflect your core values, your understanding of the topic, and the possible action or change you want to see as a result of sharing your story. Knowing what your key messages are will help you stay within the boundaries of what you’re comfortable sharing.
Additionally, it’s crucial to know what you do not want to talk about as you’re sharing your story. Reflect on what your boundaries are, including any aspects of your journey you don’t feel comfortable sharing. While it may be difficult to consider what would make you uncomfortable to discuss, setting boundaries before you enter into a storytelling opportunity can help to keep you safe in the moment and to remember your power as the storyteller.
“The emotions that come with sharing my story tend to make me very selective on what aspects of my story I want to share. I’m mindful about particular experiences or pieces in my story that I know will make me super emotional. It’s good to select stories that strongly align and support the message you want to convey, but it’s also important to make sure those examples don’t break you down.”
Bahati Kanyamanza, Refugee Storytellers Collective Member
Staying on Message
Once you have an understanding of what you do and do not want to talk about as you share your story, you can work to stay on message throughout the process by “pivoting.” “Pivoting” means taking the conversation where you want even if you’re asked a question you do not want to answer. You can “pivot” away from anything that may cross a boundary – if a question feels off or if you don’t know the answer – and towards the most important pieces of information you want to use the opportunity to share.
Examples of when and how to pivot include:
Did someone ask a question you don’t want to or feel comfortable answering? Respond by saying:
“That’s not something I’m in a position to answer, but I will tell you that…”
“The important thing here is…” and pivot to your message.
Did an audience member ask a question you don’t know the answer to? This is an opportunity to follow up with the person you’re engaging with. Respond by saying:
“That’s a great question — I’ll look into it and follow up. The important part is that…”
“I don’t have that information, but I can connect you with someone who does. What I do know is that…”
Are you participating in a live interview and feel stuck answering a question? Respond by saying:
“I want to give a more informed answer later. But what really matters here is…” and pivot to your message.
Do you feel that you misspoke or want to start again? Take a pause and a deep breath. Respond by saying:
“Let me start that over…”
How to Navigate Discomfort
Storytelling can be incredibly powerful, but it can also be deeply personal and emotionally taxing. It is important to be mindful of your mental and emotional health when sharing intimate details of your experience. If the discomfort and feelings become overwhelming, it is okay to stop and take a breath. Additionally, you can use grounding tools such as focusing on your breathing, mentally repeating affirmations, or even grounding yourself physically by moving or stretching your body.
Everything you’ve done up to the point of sharing your story – getting the details, practicing your story, and more – not only prepares you for the opportunity, but allows you to build confidence in sharing your story and empower you to take control of the opportunity. It’s important to always remember that you are in charge of your narrative, and it is not only okay – but encouraged – to do what you need to do to stay emotionally grounded and safe while sharing your story.
As You Share Your Story Checklist
What are the one to three key points I want to get across?
What are my boundaries?
Have I practiced and prepared for staying on message?
Do I feel prepared to take control of the opportunity in case I feel any discomfort?
Have I identified ways I can ground myself during the process?
3. You’ve Shared Your Story… What Comes Next?
Sharing your story doesn’t end with the interview. It’s an ongoing process, and you have the right to stay involved every step of the way. Whether you’re working with a journalist, nonprofit, or partner organization, this section will help you navigate what happens after sharing your story, and how to stay in control of how and where it’s shared.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
Don’t be afraid to follow up or ask for updates throughout the drafting process. You can check in about timelines, edits, or where things stand. Being part of the process shows that you’re actively invested in how your story is told. Even after your story is public, keep in touch with the interviewer or organization. This will help you know who to contact if there are concerns—or opportunities—after publication.
“I want to make sure I know who I’m talking to. I try to build good relationships with journalists who come to interview me and not just speak to anyone who wants a story. It’s about relationship building and mutual trust.”
Banza Mukalay, Refugee Storytellers Collective Member
Be Involved in Reviewing and Editing
Before sharing your story, you should have established what your role looks like and any expectations in the review process. This is your opportunity to confirm that you’re being represented accurately and with care. During this process, you can also reaffirm the boundaries you’ve set regarding your name, image, or specific details you do or don’t want to share.
“Sometimes because of language or emotions, we can say something that is misinterpreted or twisted to be used against us. Even before agreeing to share my story, I like to ask what my role in the review process can be and ask what edits can be done to make sure my message is represented accurately.”
Mariia Yatsko, Refugee Storytellers Collective Member
You Can Change Your Mind
You’re allowed to withdraw consent at any point before publication if the opportunity no longer feels right for you. You may change your mind because the framing is not in line with your goals, the editing doesn’t reflect what you said or meant, you feel misrepresented or unsafe, or your personal or legal situation changes. Remember, consent is not a one-time decision—it’s ongoing. You can always say, “I’m no longer comfortable moving forward with this story.”
How Will YOU Share Your Story?
Once the story is published, think about how you want to share it. You might want to promote it on social media, share it with your network, use it as part of a public speaking event or workshop, or save it and wait to share for another time.
When sharing your story publically, there is a chance that you may receive negative comments or feedback. If this happens, remember that you don’t have to respond at all; but if you choose to, you can do so on your own terms. You might redirect the conversation, correct misinformation, or lean on trusted allies to help respond, depending on what feels safest and most effective for you. If the comments are on your own social media or other digital platforms, you have the right and ability to moderate your own channels by deleting comments or blocking accounts with ill intent.
There is no “right” way to tell your story. Decide what feels empowering and most aligned with your goals.
“Give your story. Don’t read any comments.”
Tilak Niroula, Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate
Post-Story Checklist
Have I discussed my role and expectations regarding the review process with the outlet or organization?
Are my names, pronouns, and other details spelled and used correctly?
Does the final version appropriately reflect my story, tone, and intent?
Do I still feel comfortable with this opportunity?
Have I decided how (or whether) I want to share the story myself?
Have I asked about future uses of the story, photo, or video?
Do I know who to contact if I have concerns or want to pursue other opportunities after publication?
Additional Resources
Know Your Rights Media Guide (Multi-lingual, Welcome With Dignity)
Media Interview Best Practices & Media Interview Prep Template (Masa Group / MountainGem Advocacy)
Interview Tips (Center for Media Justice)
How to Give a Media Interview (Indivisible)
Media Inquiry Vetting Checklist (Masa Group / MountainGem Advocacy)
Finding Common Ground (Protecting Immigrant Families)
Other Best Practices Guides (Refugee Advocacy Lab / Refugee Congress):
Acknowledgements
This guide is informed by strategic communications research conducted by the Refugee Advocacy Lab and through consultations with leaders with lived experience of forced displacement from Refugee Congress and the Refugee Storytellers Collective. The Refugee Advocacy Lab would like to thank Refugee Congress Delegates, members of the Refugee Storytellers Collective, and Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) staff who contributed their expertise to this guide.
