379. Learning to be an Ethical Storyteller - Christy Kern

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
379. Learning to be an Ethical Storyteller - Christy Kern
Feb 01, 2023 Season 7
We Are For Good

Meet Christy. She believes words matter. As a communications consultant and ethical storytelling purist, she guides nonprofits through the process of creating storytelling that is both ethical and effective. She’s talking through how to bring humanity front and center as we collect and share stories. Her love of ethical storytelling is contagious - tune in for inspiration and practical tips.

💡 Learn

  • Four Keys of Communication
  • Ethical Storytelling: What is it and why it matters
  • The role of relationships in ethical storytelling


Today’s Guest
Christy Kern, StoryBrand Facilitator,  Ethical Storytelling Researcher

Episode Highlights

  • Christy’s story and journey to where she is today (1:50)
  • Tone setting - the keys of communication and how it relates to nonprofits (5:30)
  • Christy’s 4 Guiding Principles to Communication:
    1. To be clear is to be kind.
    2. Upholding dignity is paramount.
    3. Always anchor in value.
    4. Know what you are for.
  • Ethical storytelling and how you work with clients to tell their stories in a dignified way (18:00)
  • Story stewardship (21:00)
  • Relationship over commodity (23:00)
  • Christy’s research around ethical storytelling (27:00)
  • Do this / not that with ethical storytelling (31:00)
  • A powerful story of philanthropy in Christy’s life (34:00)
  • Christy’s One Good Thing: Find or create a space where you can be vulnerable and make mistakes. (38:00)
  • How to connect with Christy (42:00)

For more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/379.

About our Sponsor Neon One
Technology alone can’t solve the challenges nonprofits face. That’s why Neon One provides software that empowers you to manage constituents all while giving you the resources and support you need to connect to what matters most - your people and their passions. Learn more about how Neon One is helping nonprofits create stronger connections by visiting neonone.com/weareforgood.

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Big gratitude to our ecosystem partners at DonorDock, Feathr, RKD Group, and Whiteboard. They’re not just partners—they’re walking alongside us to build something better + more inclusive.

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