In social impact, what we choose to say, emphasise, simplify, or leave out shapes how funders, partners, and the public understand both the problem and our credibility as organisations working in complex, high-stakes contexts.
This Learning Circle creates space to reflect on the judgement calls behind impact narratives in settings where trust, power, and public scrutiny are constant. From communicating crisis and displacement to engaging donors, communities, and global audiences, these contexts surface difficult questions about responsibility, legitimacy, and who stories are ultimately for.
Rather than focusing on messaging techniques, the session centres on strategic decision-making in communications:
- How do leaders decide what to include in a story – and what must be left unsaid?
- How does a deep understanding of context shape what responsible communication looks like?
- What kinds of stories resonate with donors, affected communities, and the wider public – and why do these differ?
Through facilitated conversation and shared reflection, participants will explore how strategic storytelling can strengthen trust, legitimacy, and long-term relationships – especially when progress is non-linear, outcomes are uncertain, and the cost of getting the story wrong is high.
The conversation is informed by insights from media and communications practitioner Malak Atkeh, drawing on experience across humanitarian response and social impact communications.
