Ethical, responsible, trauma-aware nonprofit videos.
I help nonprofits worldwide tell engaging stories that secure program funding while respecting and honoring the individuals they serve.
Love146 is an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation. I’ve working with them since 2018. This is a capstone film for the organization, intended to give you everything you need to know about the organization, and intended to last for a decade.
If a person participating in your program is going to share part of their story on camera, we want to do our best to ensure that this is something that’s truly good for them and their journey. After years of working in the non-profit world, I’ve compiled list of 5 best practices for creating ethical nonprofit stories videos.
Don't pressure participants: It should be an optional opportunity and they should not feel afraid to say no.
Get informed consent: Participants should understand how the final content will be used, where it will be posted, and any other relevant details before agreeing to participate.
Allow space for honesty: Craft open-ended questions that don't lead the participant to a predetermined answer. Encourage them to be authentic.
Offer anonymity: Participants should have the option to tell their story without showing their face or name, particularly if the topic is sensitive. If they do choose to reveal their identity, they should be advised of the potential long-term repercussions. All children’s identities should be hidden unless there is written or recorded verbal consent from their parent or guardian.
Involve the participant in editing: Participants should be given the opportunity to review and give feedback on the final video
Three Roots cultivates community development and economic capacity by empowering families through education, health, and income generating activities. I’ve been working the with Three Roots since 2017. Beliytu lives in rural Ethiopia. She’s connected with an international human rights organization called Three Roots International. I had the privilege of meeting Beliytu and collaborating with her to create this film about her experience with Three Roots.
Please note that if your organization works with people outside of the US, we encourage you to look for a videographer or filmmaker from the culture, and local economy where your work is happening.
APF promotes and protects the human-animal bond by providing resources to our community and humane care to companion animals. This film helped raise funds to launch their Pet Safety Net.
CONTACT JOSH
The photography on this page was taken by Josh Stasko in 2016 & 2017 at TEARS, a nonprofit organization in the Dominican Republic.