Regularly, we dive into co-learning sessions led by recognized experts on relevant topics in the realm of ethical storytelling. Together, we sensitize ourselves and develop the skills needed to become confident in creating compelling, creative, and fair communication. In these hands-on sessions, we empower participants to navigate topics like stereotypes, ethical fundraising, storytelling and communication in humanitarian and development cooperation.

Introduction to Ethical Fundraising:
Poverty, deprivation, suffering: they are real, and projects working for change require funding. And fundraising is a tough and competitive business. But: does fundraising really need to rely on stereotypical images of poor and deprived people? How can visual communication in campaigns and donation letters be more fair - to those depicted and those viewing the images? Align your visuals with your values. Strengthen the ethical substance of your fundraising campaigns to make them both: persuasive and ethical.

Recognising and Addressing Stereotypes in Your Visual Communication: 
One person’s stereotype might be another one’s experience. It is often difficult to judge whether an image reflects a stereotype or the reality of life. For fundraisers and communication officers in development organisations, this is a particular challenge, especially in their relations with donors or the public. How can stereotypical representations be avoided and why is this important for visual communication? This workshop provides basic knowledge on understanding and recognising stereotypes, and gives participants tools to avoid falling into most common traps. Approaches towards inclusive, diverse visual language will inspire participants to develop new stories and find new possibilities for their ethical visual communication.

Depicting Poverty in a Dignified Way: 
In communication and fundraising, most aid organisations are faced with the challenge of portraying aid recipients in a dignified way even in difficult situations. But portraying poverty and suffering without exploiting the pain of the people depicted is a tightrope walk. Accusations of «Poverty Porn» as an emotionalising form of communication weigh heavily. How can the dignity of people in the pictures be preserved? This workshop will show you problems and ways of handling them. It will enable you to better understand current debates on «Poverty Porn», sharpen your own position and draw on approaches for solution-based, balanced visual communication.

Picturing Tragedy and Trauma: 
Humanitarian and aid organisations are often tasked with visually representing tragic situations and traumatic events. Can you ethically photograph people when they are experiencing trauma? How can you portray people with dignity when they are suffering most? In this workshop, we will delve into questions like these. We will focus particularly on navigating the dilemmas of taking and publishing photographs of suffering, however the conversations will have broader applications to other situations. The aim of this workshop is to create a supportive and safe environment in which each professionals can unpack these discussions and improve their understanding of current debates.

Ethical Depiction of Children in Aid Communication: 
Children are the most depicted subjects in humanitarian and aid-related communication. Showing children in need arouses a strong emotional reaction in the viewer - yet might be prone to exploitation. Portraying children requires careful navigation to ensure their dignity is upheld and their rights remain respected. Join us in exploring ethical approaches to depicting children in difficult circumstances. This training equips participants with strategies to navigate the challenges of portraying children sensitively, avoiding exploitation, and contributing to respectful communication practices.