Authentic Storytelling in International Development with Vila-Sheree Watson

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After my recent discussion with Vic Hancock Fell entitled  Shifting the Power to the People You Exist For I received a thoughtful email from a listener.

She wrote:  “It is so interesting to me that white, iNGO fundraisers are centered in this conversation.  As a black fundraiser and content gatherer for more than 16 years, I believe our viewpoint is not often a part of the conversation.  And, I know that some of us have different perspectives.”

I appreciated that response, and I wanted to give this listener a chance to share a different perspective about fundraising for iNGOs, one not focused on “white guilt” and “white saviorism”.

Vila-Sheree Watson is a multifaceted leader, fundraiser, and content creator, known for her dynamic and soulful approach to creativity and social justice. Born in the South and raised in Oakland, California, Watson's upbringing was deeply influenced by the vibrant arts and culture scene that surrounded her. From a young age, she was drawn to the power of words and storytelling and found solace and inspiration in poetry, art, and music.

In this episode, Vila-Sheree generously shares their perspective on the importance of including diverse viewpoints in the conversation around iNGO fundraising and storytelling.

We discuss the negative impact of focusing too much on "white guilt" and "white saviorism" and the need to move towards authentic storytelling.

Connect with Vila-Sheree: 

• Email: vwatson@corusinternational.org 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vilasheree/ 
• Inclusive Language Guide from Oxfam 

About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:

Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place.

She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements.

Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age.

Take Julia’s free nonprofit masterclass,  3 Must-Have Elements of Social Media That Converts

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