Is NGO storytelling unethical?
Bondcast episode 11
NGOs rely on the images and stories of the people they work with to communicate the importance and impact of their life-changing work.
These contributors generously share their images, experiences and perspectives to make our communications, fundraising and advocacy more powerful.
But many of the stories NGOs share perpetuate stereotypes about the developing world and portray these people as disempowered. Organisations are taking steps to source and promote authentic imagery from people in developing countries, but there’s still an imbalance of power between the NGO worker asking for a photo and the person having their picture taken.
This episode of the Bondcast interrogates how NGOs can gather and deliver content more respectfully and ethically. Bond’s Michal Blaszczyk talks to Ernest Randriarimalala, communications specialist at WaterAid Madagascar, Rachel Erskine, communications manager at Amref Health Africa UK, and Jess Crombie, senior lecturer at University of the Arts London.
Listen to the podcast below, on Apple podcasts or on your Android player.
Want to gather and create content more ethically?
- Access Putting the people in the pictures first: Ethical guidelines for the collection and use of content (images and stories).
- Learn the practicalities and processes of gathering and creating content from your programmes with our online training course on 8-15 October.
- Join the Bond People in the Pictures Group to discuss best practice with other communications practitioners.
