At I Would Rather Be Reading (IWRBR), we believe stories are powerful tools to inspire, educate, and connect. Yet, with this power comes great responsibility, particularly when working with children who have faced significant trauma. As an organization trained in trauma-informed literacy support, we understand that the stories we share about our students and families must honor their dignity and celebrate their progress—not their struggles.
Our students come to us from varied backgrounds, some often carrying heavy burdens such as inconsistent parental support, homelessness, exposure to substance abuse, or even experiences of violence. These realities deeply affect how children learn, interact, and grow. At IWRBR, our educators are not just literacy specialists; they are also trained to help students unpack and cope with trauma. We teach coping strategies, build confidence, and foster resilience in a way that prioritizes both emotional and academic growth.
While the impact of our work is undeniable, we have made a conscious commitment to ethical storytelling. We choose to focus on what is going well—the victories, however small, that show how our methods are making a difference. For example, instead of sharing stories centered on a student's traumatic experiences, we celebrate their progress: how a child who once struggled to regulate their emotions now uses coping strategies to stay calm, or how a student’s literacy skills have improved alongside their self-confidence.
Ethical storytelling means respecting the privacy and humanity of the people we serve. It’s not about sensationalizing their hardships to prove a point; it’s about highlighting their growth and potential. By shifting the narrative away from “what’s wrong” to “what’s right,” we empower our students and families without compromising their dignity.
This approach not only aligns with our values but also resonates with the broader community. Recently, our commitment to ethical storytelling was recognized in a significant way: IWRBR was awarded the 2024 Ethical Storyteller of the Year Foxie Award by MemoryFox! This award is a testament to our dedication to using stories as a force for good.
After our Executive Director, Ashley Dearinger, participated in a panel on ethical storytelling, MemoryFox selected IWRBR as the inaugural winner of this honor. This recognition celebrates the care and intentionality with which we share the successes of our students and families. It is an affirmation that ethical storytelling is not only the right thing to do—it is a powerful way to inspire others to support our mission.
At IWRBR, we are proud to champion ethical storytelling as we continue to educate and elevate the children and families we serve. This award belongs not just to our team but also to the students whose resilience and growth are at the heart of everything we do.
IWRBR Team
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