Great reminder of listening to and learning from those we serve. My own vocation journey follows this. 2005 I sold my home to create/facilitate a volunteer literacy program (upon invitation.) I spent the 1st 6 months listening to what locals wanted/needed while donating Storytelling programs. The project constantly evolved based on local needs and was collaborative with local teachers, librarians. The evolution included incorporating indigenous legends (gifted from locals) into instructional materials.
While working on this project and others in low/middle income countries i heard disparaging stories about World Bank, USAID, and other organizations.
So I made an intention, to "infiltrate" the World Bank and bring in better listening skills and Communication & Storytelling. Through a circuitous route, in 2015, I got an interview after a Consultant heard my healing Storytelling work at a networking event. 48 hours later I was hired and I serve as a Storytelling Consultant.
I work with staff on revising their presentations to include the human stories behind the data of those they serve.
But it's much deeper: it's really about asking: Are you listening to those you serve? How can you listen more to those you serve? What Story are you telling? Are you honoring those you serve? How might you honor them more?
This is to say, thank you for your work David Bonbright & for sharing your insights!
ORIGINAL COMMENT
Great reminder of listening to and learning from those we serve. My own vocation journey follows this. 2005 I sold my home to create/facilitate a volunteer literacy program (upon invitation.)
I spent the 1st 6 months listening to what locals wanted/needed while donating Storytelling programs. The project constantly evolved based on local needs and was collaborative with local teachers, librarians. The evolution included incorporating indigenous legends (gifted from locals) into instructional materials.
While working on this project and others in low/middle income countries i heard disparaging stories about World Bank, USAID, and other organizations.
So I made an intention, to "infiltrate" the World Bank and bring in better listening skills and Communication & Storytelling. Through a circuitous route, in 2015, I got an interview after a Consultant heard my healing Storytelling work at a networking event. 48 hours later I was hired and I serve as a Storytelling Consultant.
I work with staff on revising their presentations to include the human stories behind the data of those they serve.
But it's much deeper: it's really about asking: Are you listening to those you serve? How can you listen more to those you serve? What Story are you telling? Are you honoring those you serve? How might you honor them more?
This is to say, thank you for your work David Bonbright & for sharing your insights!