Ever felt like you're speaking a different language when advocating for ethical initiatives in your nonprofit? Maria Bryan will explore the all-too-common challenge of pushing for positive change when faced with resistance from team members, leadership, and board members who "just don't get it."

Drawing from behavioral science and organizational psychology, she'll unpack why change is hard—and, more importantly, how to make it happen. Learn practical strategies for transforming skepticism into support, building bridges instead of walls, and creating a culture where values-based leadership thrives.

This keynote goes beyond theory to provide actionable tools for implementing ethical processes that stick while maintaining your resilience, empathy, and effectiveness as a change agent.

Takeaways:

• Understand the neuroscience and psychology behind organizational resistance to ethical initiatives.

• Transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth.

• Learn the art of "strategic patience"—a practical technique for maintaining momentum and influence.

• Develop a concrete roadmap for scaling ethical initiatives across your organization.

Behind every nonprofit's mission is transformative work—but does their messaging reflect that? Too often, communications feel flat and uninspiring, programs seem disconnected, and the pressure to collect stories comes with the fear of unintentionally causing harm. This half-day storytelling retreat is designed to change that.

In this intensive 3-hour training, participants will learn how to effectively position their organizations, craft compelling, mission-driven narratives that deeply resonate with supporters, and uphold ethical, trauma-informed storytelling practices.

Takeaways:

• A clear positioning statement to differentiate your nonprofit

• A story-led messaging map that ties your programs into a powerful, unified narrative

• Practical tools for ethical and trauma-informed storytelling

• Confidence in crafting stories that engage, inspire, and drive action

Storytelling has the power to connect, educate, and inspire change. In the nonprofit space—where trauma is often at the heart of the work we do—how we tell stories matters just as much as the stories themselves. 

Without the right approach, messaging can feel exploitative instead of empowering, and the pressure to collect stories can lead to unintentional harm.

This hands-on training equips your team or members with the tools to share stories that resonate deeply while prioritizing safety, wellness, and ethical responsibility.

Takeaways:

• A deeper understanding of trauma, its impact on storytelling, and how to craft narratives that promote dignity and safety

• A structured workflow to gather sensitive stories with care, ensuring readiness, consent, and protection of vulnerable populations

• Guidance on language, media choices, review processes, and ethical considerations to share stories responsibly

• Strategies to recognize vicarious trauma and support storyteller well-being

• Practical tools to apply learnings with the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit, which includes a Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines template, Media Consent Form, Story Gathering Workflow template, and Body Scan Meditation for storyteller wellness

Nonprofit storytelling has the profound capacity to move your mission. Yet, traditional storytelling can inadvertently reinforce the very systems of harm we seek to dismantle. 

This groundbreaking session reimagines storytelling through a trauma-informed lens, offering tools that center agency and safety. 

Through real-world examples, we'll delve into the delicate ecosystem of storytelling—examining the intricate relationships between story owners, receivers, and witnesses. Participants will move beyond traditional approaches to discover how to gather, craft, and share stories in ways that honor both the story owner and the broader communities they represent.

Ideal for various nonprofit roles, including fundraisers, marketers, communicators, grant writers, researchers, consultants, and videographers.

Takeaways

• Understand the impact of trauma and why trauma-informed storytelling matters.

• Learn about the three kinds of people impacted by a story— the story owner, the story receiver, and the witness.

• Review and discuss real stories that got it right (and some that didn't) to see trauma-informed storytelling in action and learn how to use it in your own work.

• Gain simple and actionable steps to integrate trauma-informed practices in all aspects of storytelling, including story gathering, crafting, and distribution.

• Practical tools to apply learnings with the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit, which includes a Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines template, Media Consent Form, Story Gathering Workflow template, and Body Scan Meditation for storyteller wellness

Sharing our stories is a powerful act of healing, connection, and social change—yet for survivors, this journey can be as challenging as it is transformative.

Whether they are speaking on large platforms or intimate gatherings, this session will guide participants through crafting a trauma-informed narrative that inspires and motivates others and prioritizes their mental and emotional well-being. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with strategies to tell their story with confidence and care.

This training is designed for individuals who have survived challenging, deeply personal experiences—including but not limited to violence, health struggles, disability, trauma, loss, or any profound life journey that feels difficult to share—and who are seeking a supportive pathway to voice their story with compassion and strength.

Takeaways

• Learn techniques for crafting a powerful, trauma-informed narrative that inspires action and supports fellow survivors.

• Gain tools to evaluate your emotional readiness for sharing your story and recognizing when you need more time or support.

• Understand your rights as a storyteller to ensure you maintain full autonomy and consent over your narrative.

• Identify potential triggers, learn how to adapt your story for self-protection, and develop skills to handle unexpected situations while presenting.

• Create a personalized self-care routine to support your system before, during, and after sharing your story.