WORKSHOP - We contain multitudes: an introduction to ethical storytelling in policy and advocacy (May 2024)

Overview

This workshop is for those who want to learn more about ethical storytelling for advocacy. It supports both advocates and practitioners to build their knowledge, skills and confidence in unpacking the ethics of representation and better understand the impacts of sharing personal experiences, stereotypes, and stigma.

We take a deep dive into how people with lived and living experience are often represented through storytelling, the impacts of these representations on people with marginalised identities, and the dangers of the ‘singular narrative’. You’ll receive guidance on ethical storytelling, including how to centre dignity and humanity in the stories we share and tell.

You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the risks of extractive and exploitative approaches to storytelling and be able to draw from foundational principles of informed consent and discernment when listening to and sharing stories for social change.

Date and time

Tuesday, 21 May, 1pm-4pm (AEST)

Times by States: (Please be aware of time differences for each state and session)

VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD & TAS | 1pm-4pm

SA & NT | 12.30pm-3.30pm

 WA | 11am-2pm

Format

This 3-hour workshop is offered online over Zoom.

This workshop is for those who are:

• Wanting to learn more about ethical storytelling for advocacy
• Needing support and confidence building when sharing their own personal experiences and understand the impacts of doing so
• Looking to build their knowledge, skills and confidence in unpacking the ethics of representation and better understand the impacts of sharing personal experiences, stereotypes, and stigma (e.g. those in the media, journalists etc.)

Testimonials

"I loved how the safe space was set up and thought the break times were set out well. I also appreciated being able to express how I was feeling each day. Morgan was a fantastic and engaging facilitator. The information learnt was invaluable and will enrich the core work that we do that aims to elevate the voices of women and gender diverse people as well as value those with lived experience." – Kathryn Evans, Women's Health Loddon Mallee

"Morgan's training is excellent. While I found the content to be incredibly rich and stimulating in ways that pushed my thinking and practice, it was the way Morgan delivered the training that took the learning to a whole other level. The training is so well held, deeply respectful and yet seemed somehow effortless by Morgan, which I know is not the case. Morgan truly lives and models how to work with people with lived experience." – Kerry Graham, Collaboration for Impact

"Morgan was the standout. The way she walked the talk, held space for the people in the (digital) room and made sure that everyone was supported through the experience was fantastic. Working with lived experience is [not just] about the theory, it's about who you are as a person in relation to and in relationship with other people, and Morgan really showed us what that was all about.” – Ryley Lawson, Victoria Legal Aid

"I highly recommend this thoughtful and practical course to anyone that wants to improve their approaches to engaging people with lived experience. Over four workshops, Morgan created a brave space for us to explore and understand the theory, examine our own practices, learn from each other and fill our tool belts with evidence informed tools and resources to utilise in our work. I will be consciously seeking opportunities to put them into practice. Definitely one of the best pieces of professional learning I've undertaken." – Simon Crabb, Social Ventures Australia

"This was one of the best workshops I have attended in years. Really loved Morgan's style and stories or yarns. I cannot express how valuable this series was to the work I am trying to do within my organisation." – Susie Flynn, Beyond Blue

“Without a doubt, Morgan gave one of the most insightful workshops I’ve had the pleasure of joining. Focusing on the multiple factors, and complexities a person with a lived experience of homelessness can face, she brought a unique mix of innate enthusiasm, storytelling skills, practical examples, and passion not only for social change, but a greater understanding of the power dynamic in a service/client relationship. I left her workshop with a changed perspective and a commitment to help empower people with a lived experience more through digital communications.” - Davida Aerlic, - Launch Housing

About the facilitator

For the past 15+ years, Morgan has been developing and advocating for participatory practice and peer education as essential levers for creating true, lasting, powershifting systemic change in services for historically excluded communities. Her commitment and passion stems from her own intimate lived experience of service systems.

Morgan is the Founder and Principal Consultant of morgan&co (‘co’ for collective), where she advises, coaches, and consults with organisations both in Australia and internationally. These organisations seek to understand the role of power in their everyday work, and how to design more meaningful policies, programs and services through partnering with people with relevant lived experience and expertise.

Morgan offers her workshop series, Working with lived experience: exploring practices, challenges and mindsets, publicly in partnership with For Purpose.