Our Impact
At Sojourner Truth House, our work is grounded in dignity, trust, and empowerment. Every woman and family who walks through our doors has a story that matters. We believe in walking alongside each person as they take steps toward stability, healing, and hope.
Storytelling is one way we honor the courage and resilience of our clients. When shared, these stories inspire others, build awareness, and show the real impact of our mission. But we also know that a story belongs first to the person who lived it. That’s why we’ve created a framework of rights and principles to ensure every voice is respected.
SOJOURNER TRUTH HOUSE BILL OF RIGHTS
When sharing or being asked to share my experience by Sojourner Truth House (STH), I have the right to:
- Choose when, where, how and if to tell my story based on the request, without any negative impact on my relationship with STH staff or participation in STH programming
- Ask for training and guidance before and after accepting invitations for speaking engagements
- Ask whom the audience is, how the story will be used, and the purpose of having my story told
- Answer only questions that I am comfortable with
- Use discretion in order to protect myself, my loved ones and my personal information
- Be recognized and identified as I choose
- Ask for editing rights over my story and how I am identified
- Share any and all aspects of my story
- Not be expected to represent experiences that are not my own
- Ask that my story not be shared without my explicit consent
- Opt out at any time
STORYTELLING PRINICPLES OF TRUST
When Sojourner Truth House (STH) asks people to share their experience, we promise to:
- Encourage and promote a wide spectrum of experiences and stories
- Frame stories from a position of strength not victimization
- Be transparent about why people are being asked to share their stories as well as any expectations and goals for their story sharing
- Be transparent about when and how the story will be shared and who the audience will be
- Request prior approval from story sharers before sharing their personal information and stories, and before referring to a third party
- Provide training in public speaking and/or interviews
- Respect story sharers’ right to say no or opt out at any point
- Provide ample support before, during, and after the story sharing process
- Encourage opportunities for healing through the story sharing process
- Stay faithful to our Storytellers Bill of Rights
Stories of Strength and Hope
The women and families who come to Sojourner Truth House are the true voices of our work. With their permission, we are honored to share their journeys—stories of courage, resilience, and transformation.
