Collecting and sharing personal stories

Themes and types of stories

We know that the families who are most likely to experience oppression — and most likely to lack paid family and medical leave and paid sick leave that meets their needs — have come together often in the face of adversity and out of strength, creativity and deep commitment to one another. This is particularly true for LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. The This Is My Family campaign seeks to celebrate and reflect all families through warm and vibrant messaging and imagery that centers lived experiences. The personal stories we collect and share should do the same, representing a diverse range of family structures and relationships from a place of empowerment and agency.

Recruitment and informed consent

When identifying storytellers, seek help from organizations and individuals you have strong relationships with and who can vouch for you. Being interviewed and sharing your personal story can be a vulnerable experience, and trust will go a long way.

Because marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to paid family and medical leave and paid sick leave, the people you reach out to will likely have experienced systemic oppression in multiple ways. Take care to approach individuals who will be able to respond from positions of strength and agency, rather than pain and trauma. This will help ensure that the people you speak to are sufficiently weighing the risks and benefits of telling their story publicly and making the decision that is best for them.

You could ask the following questions as a guide:

• Is this individual currently navigating a crisis related to family and caretaking?

• If we’re asking them to retell a negative experience, have they had ample time and space to process the pain and trauma?
  

Relationship and trust-building

Build trust by providing clear and detailed information about the campaign, why you’re seeking to partner with them and how you plan to share their story. Share enthusiasm for the potential that their story could improve lives, but avoid “selling” the opportunity. Make sure they understand that telling their story publicly could come with rewards as well as risks, including scrutiny and bullying.

Ensure and re-evaluate at every step that this engagement is a rewarding opportunity for both your campaign and your storyteller. Make sure you are making space for collaboration, questions and input. If you have the budget, consider paying them a stipend for their time.

Continued negotiation

Review

Throughout the story development process, make sure to periodically check your assumptions and understanding of the person's story. Once you have a draft ready for review, prepare for a full range of reactions, from excitement to anxiousness. Again, hold space until the story is complete and released.