Findings from this study point to a context in which digital storytelling works to cultivate this space of self-reflection and disclosure – a context in which facilitators explicitly recognize issues of positionality, representation and power in their work with storytellers. These findings suggest the art of digital storytelling practice is in how facilitators convey humility through their approach. As such, there are opportunities for unpacking this concept of humility, as well as further integrating this intention into the digital storytelling approach. Below are ways in which facilitators can work to extend our practice of humility:
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- By opening ourselves up to vulnerability as peers in the process – Practitioners can unsettle the facilitator/storyteller power dynamic by sharing in the experience of vulnerability alongside participant storytellers – for example, through sharing and vetting their own stories in the story circle.
- By preparing through self-study when working as “outsiders” – Whenever practical, include facilitators who reflect shared cultural experience. In other words, promoting diversity and bringing parity along ethnic, gender, regional and class lines among facilitators. Best practice also involves self-study that prepares facilitators to work with cultures other than their own. By working in this way, facilitators further extend their vulnerability by recognizing their positionality as well as the assumptions they may bring to this work.
- By taking a more hands-on approach when the goal is to foster understanding across ideological or cultural divides – In instances where the participant’s goal is to shift perception or inspire action among an unrelated audience, facilitators may better serve the storyteller by providing additional guidance on how to structure their stories to be relevant to the intended audience – for instance, by contributing our expertise related to narrative construction, multi-media design principles and production. Community members and cultural specialists can be invaluable partners in this effort to bridge understanding.
- By assuming a more supportive role in connecting storytellers who seek a platform with opportunities to be heard – Practitioners can further cultivate agency by having storytellers actively participate in designing the format for disseminating their stories, and by connecting storytellers with platforms for sharing their stories if they wish.
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| Gerhart_Partnerships in Meaning-Making.pdf |
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