Who Will You Gather Stories From?
Before you gather a single story, name who you're asking, and your relationship to them. Power dynamics don't disappear just because we mean well. In fact, the fawn response, where someone says 'yes' because they fear saying 'no' will cost them services, is one of the most important things to watch for in story gathering. Naming the relationship is the first step to protecting it.
The more clearly you can picture this person, the better you can care for them. Think about who has completed or nearly completed services, story readiness matters.
Consider: Are you their case manager? Do they receive services from your organization? A power imbalance, real or perceived, shapes how people respond to your invitation. Name it here so you can plan around it.
This helps you set a realistic pace. Remember: telling fewer stories more thoughtfully is always better than rushing.
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