Interviewing children for nonprofit fundraising presentations
Ordinary people do extraordinary things
“I gave her my phone number so that she could call me in the evening, and step-by-step I told her how to wash her own laundry.”
Years ago I had a pretty ordinary conversation with my daughter’s elementary school teacher. We spoke about a concerning dynamic and how it was impacting the little girls in the class, and the ways in which the teacher was addressing other specific issues to improve the overall learning environment.
But then the conversation got a bit less typical. (I’ve since learned that this happens often in the teaching world. Bless these heroes!)
This kind educator explained how many complex scenarios impact classroom behavior and that she, as the first line of defense, looks out for each student and tries to help them all in whichever way they need.
I smiled and nodded, seemed pretty noble... until she told me this anecdote, as one of many that occurred in her years of teaching.
A student was struggling and obviously needed serious help. Among many challenges that she faced in school and at home, this young girl regularly came to school in a uniform that was rarely laundered. Understanding how this was starting to impact her socially, the teacher kindly taught her student how to do laundry herself so that she’d always have clean clothing to wear in the future.
It was an easy fix that the teacher was happy to provide in a gentle and sensitive way so that her student would have an easier time socially and academically, in spite of whatever was going on at home. Student success meant classroom success, so it was really her pleasure to help out.
But, I have no doubt that there was more to the story beyond what was relevant to our conversation. This was only the tip of the iceberg in the help and advocacy that this teacher set in motion for her student to get whatever assistance she needed to succeed.
Fundraising for children? Handle with care
Teachers, volunteers, and non-profit leaders have their ears to the ground. They're that first line of defense. They aren’t therapists; they certainly aren’t billionaires. But they are the (extra)ordinary individuals who take note of others’ needs, and they are the ones who take action. They carefully collect information, advocate, and secure adequate funds so that a healing process can begin.
How can we make sure that the data they gather and the stories that they hear get translated into fundraising material that is sensitive, does no harm, and honestly conveys the needs in a most accurate manner? How can we, as creative partners, make sure that our copy, designs, and deliverables are created with thoughtfulness and integrity?
UNICEF developed a set of principles to assist journalists as they report on issues affecting children. They’re offered as guidelines that UNICEF believes will help media cover children in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. They’re meant to support the best intentions of ethical reporters, promoting the stories of children without compromising their rights, safety, or general wellbeing.
These guidelines are a fantastic resource for any creative storyteller. Telling stories is necessary for fundraising. It creates action, building bridges between those who need help, and those who can help them both physically, and financially.
But it must be done in a manner that is purposeful and ensures no harm.
6 steps for interviewing children, safely
Follow these steps compiled by UNICEF to help interview children so their stories can be told in a safe way, and they can get the support that they need.
No Harm
Do no harm to any child. Avoid questions, attitudes or comments that are judgmental, insensitive to cultural values, that place a child in danger, or expose a child to humiliation, or that reactivate a child’s pain and grief from traumatic events.
No Discrimination
Do not discriminate in choosing children to interview because of sex, race, age, religion, status, educational background or physical abilities.
No Staging
Do not ask children to tell a story or take an action that is not part of their own history.
No Deception
Ensure that the child or guardian knows they are talking with a reporter, copywriter, or other creative professional. Explain the purpose of the interview and its intended use.
No Opposition
Obtain permission from the child and his or her guardian for all interviews, videotaping and photographs. When possible and appropriate, this permission should be in writing, obtained in circumstances that ensure that the child and guardian are not coerced in any way, and that they understand how their story will be disseminated.
No Danger
Limit the number of interviewers (and photographers). Confirm that children are comfortable, and are able to tell their story without outside pressure, including from the interviewer. Consider what the visual or audio background choices might imply about the child and his / her life and story. Ensure that the child would not be endangered or adversely affected by showing their home, community or general whereabouts.
Present your nonprofit story and do no harm along the way
UNICEF developed these principles to assist those who are reporting on issues affecting children. They are offered as guidelines, to help ensure that interaction with children occurs in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner.
Storytelling is critical; it inspires action.
But, while we work hard to support those who are vulnerable, we must make sure to that no harm comes to those whom we are trying to help, and that every part of the narrative is obtained and relayed in a safe manner.
Photo credit: Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash