In order to change the system, we were asked to change the narrative.
So we created a Trauma Informed digital storytelling program centered around the voices of Survivors to build movements of healing, hope, and prevention in action.
We built community. We increased campaign visibility. We supported change.
We developed a visual aesthetic and tone for creating video content that represented healing journeys, community activation, and individual ascension into leadership for Californians for Safety and Justice, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, and the Alliance for Safety and Justice. By translating issue driven talking points into visual narratives featuring survivor stories, research, and calls to action, we created a visual communication and media production model that continues to be used by these organizations in campaigns and digital content creation today.
COMMUNITY CENTERED STORYTELLING
Over the last three years, we created a video centered content program that embodied a Trauma Informed approach to digital storytelling.
– Produced over 100 videos for Social Media, Web Placement, Live Event Programs, Direct Email, and News Packages
– Filmed Interviews with close to 50 Survivors, Community Leaders, Policy Makers, Government Officials and Members of Law Enforcement
– Updated and Designed Visual Elements for Brand Ascension in Alignment with Community Ethos and Organization Goals
– Created Templates for Internal Systems of Content Production, Workflow and Management
SURVIVORS SPEAK
Every year, during National Crime Victims Week in April, Survivors come together for the Survivors Speak conference. More than 700 crime survivors convene at the State Capitol in Sacramento to turn healing into action. It is a time of healing, action, and powerful storytelling. Crime survivors from more than 10 different states have attended and carried the inspiration from Survivors Speak California home to help grow a national movement.
In 2018, Survivors Speak California attendees heard from a wide range of panelists and speakers, including #MeToo founder Tarana Burke and Parkland shooting survivor Sam Fuentes.
CARRYING CONNECTION FORWARD
For an event like Survivors Speak, it is important that the faces and voices of the Survivors be amplified and accessible. Shareable clips and content were key in helping attendees carry the energy and intention of the event forward, connecting survivor communities across the country, and empowering other survivors to tell their stories. Key campaign goals were to elevate the voices of survivors in public spaces, help individuals begin healing through action, and to spark local movement building and leadership across the country.
FOUNDERS’ STORIES
From the beginning, Survivor Stories have been the foundation for a movement for Healing Through Action. Transforming the wisdom of the people, who have experienced the complex journey of healing from violent trauma and loss, into policy change and community action has been motivation for a new phase of criminal justice reforms and initiatives providing services to under-served communities.
The Founding of a Movement video was part of the 5 Year Anniversary Gala Live Program as well as the #SurvivorsSpeak #FounderFriday social media campaigns and web presentation. It has also been used as a fundraising and community building tool.
TRAUMA RECOVERY CENTER MODEL
We articulated a vision. We wanted a trauma recovery center in every city, to create a web to keep people from falling through the cracks.
– Robert Rooks, Vice President, Alliance for Safety and Justice
The Trauma Recovery Center Model is the key to providing the services that survivors of crime need and want. We were asked to created a video to help policy makers, members of law enforcement, social officials, and service providers better understand and adopt the Trauma Recovery Center Model in communities around the country.
ISSUE EDUCATION + COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
We were asked to document moments of success and movement building for community members, legislatures, policy makers and donors. By joining issue education with the process of community mobilization and the stories of individuals and communities most impacted by violent crime and over-incarceration; we were able to translate these achievements into stories that continued to carry the movements forward through social media and digital channels.
