Sharing veteran stories is a powerful way to honor service and bridge the gap between military and civilian life. But how do professionals ensure these stories are told ethically, respectfully, and with maximum impact? Could your approach to collecting and sharing veteran narratives be unintentionally doing more harm than good? Let’s unpack how to get it right.
Key Takeaways
- Obtain explicit informed consent from veterans before recording or sharing their stories, detailing exactly how the story will be used and who will have access.
- Thoroughly vet organizations that collect and share veteran stories to ensure they prioritize the veteran’s well-being and maintain control over their narrative.
- When featuring veteran stories, provide context about the veteran’s service, including their branch, rank, and area of expertise, to enhance understanding and appreciation.
1. Earn Informed Consent: The Foundation of Ethical Storytelling
Before you even think about recording a single word, secure informed consent. This goes beyond a simple “yes.” It requires a clear, concise explanation of what the interview entails, how the story will be used (e.g., publication, website, internal training), who will have access, and how the veteran can withdraw consent at any time. I cannot stress enough the importance of written consent. Verbal agreements are easily forgotten or misinterpreted. Use a standardized consent form.
Pro Tip: Include a clause in your consent form addressing potential future uses of the story. For example, “I grant permission for my story to be used in future marketing materials, provided I am notified and given the opportunity to review the content.”
2. Craft Thoughtful Interview Questions
Your questions should guide, not lead. Avoid loaded questions or those that assume a particular emotional state or experience. Instead of asking, “How did it feel to experience the horrors of combat?” try, “Can you describe your experiences during your deployment?” Frame questions to encourage reflection and detail without imposing your own narrative. Remember, it’s their story, not yours to write.
Common Mistake: Focusing solely on combat experiences. Many veterans have valuable skills and experiences gained during their service that are not directly related to combat. Explore their leadership roles, technical expertise, and personal growth.
3. Record with Respect and Sensitivity
Create a safe and comfortable environment for the interview. This might mean conducting the interview in a private space, offering breaks, and allowing the veteran to decline to answer any question. Be mindful of non-verbal cues and adjust your approach accordingly. If the veteran becomes visibly distressed, pause the interview and offer support. Consider partnering with a mental health professional who can be available as a resource.
Pro Tip: Use high-quality recording equipment to ensure clear audio. A lavalier microphone, like the Rode SmartLav+ Rode SmartLav+, can significantly improve audio quality compared to using a built-in microphone.
4. Verify and Validate: Fact-Checking is Essential
While the emotional truth of a story is paramount, accuracy matters too. Whenever possible, verify details such as dates, locations, and unit designations. Cross-reference information with official records or credible sources. This not only enhances the credibility of the story but also demonstrates respect for the veteran’s service. However, be sensitive to classified information or details that could compromise operational security. If you are unsure about a detail, consult with a military historian or public affairs officer.
Common Mistake: Assuming all military jargon is universally understood. Clearly define acronyms and technical terms to ensure your audience understands the context of the story. For example, explain that “MOS” stands for Military Occupational Specialty.
5. Edit with Empathy: Preserve the Veteran’s Voice
Editing is a crucial step in shaping the narrative. Your goal should be to enhance clarity and impact without altering the veteran’s voice or perspective. Avoid sensationalizing or exaggerating details for dramatic effect. Focus on preserving the authenticity of the story and conveying the veteran’s message with integrity. Share the edited version with the veteran for their review and approval before publishing. This ensures they are comfortable with how their story is being presented.
Pro Tip: Use transcription software, such as Otter.ai Otter.ai, to create a written transcript of the interview. This makes it easier to identify key themes and quotes, and also provides a valuable resource for fact-checking.
6. Contextualize Service: Beyond the Uniform
Provide context about the veteran’s service. This includes their branch of service, rank, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), deployments, and any awards or decorations they received. This information helps the audience understand the scope of their contributions and appreciate the specific skills and experiences they bring to the table. It also avoids perpetuating stereotypes or generalizations about veterans.
Common Mistake: Failing to address potential triggers. Stories about combat or trauma can be triggering for other veterans or individuals with PTSD. Provide a disclaimer or warning at the beginning of the story and offer resources for mental health support.
7. Prioritize Control: Give Veterans Agency Over Their Narrative
The veteran should always have the final say in how their story is shared. This includes the right to approve the final version, request edits, and withdraw their consent at any time. Be transparent about the potential reach and impact of the story and provide them with options for controlling who has access. For example, they may want to limit the story to a specific audience or platform. Respect their decisions, even if they differ from your own. I had a client last year who initially agreed to share his story publicly, but later changed his mind due to concerns about privacy. We immediately honored his request and removed the story from our website.
If you are looking to capture veteran stories, remember to prioritize their agency.
8. Vet Your Partners: Who is Telling the Stories?
If you are partnering with an organization to collect or share veteran stories, thoroughly vet their credentials and reputation. Do they have a track record of ethical storytelling? Do they prioritize the well-being of veterans? Do they provide veterans with control over their narratives? Look for organizations that are transparent about their funding sources and governance structure. Consider organizations like the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress, which has a long history of collecting and preserving veteran stories in an ethical and respectful manner.
9. Share Responsibly: Consider the Impact
Before sharing a veteran’s story, consider the potential impact on the veteran, their family, and the broader community. Will the story promote understanding and empathy? Will it challenge stereotypes or reinforce them? Will it inspire others to serve or contribute to the community? Be mindful of the potential for unintended consequences and take steps to mitigate them. This might mean consulting with subject matter experts or conducting a sensitivity review.
Pro Tip: Use social media analytics tools, such as Buffer Analyze Buffer Analyze, to track the reach and engagement of your stories. This can help you understand what resonates with your audience and refine your approach over time.
10. Follow Up: Provide Ongoing Support
Sharing a veteran’s story is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires continued support and engagement. Check in with the veteran periodically to see how they are doing and offer assistance if needed. Provide them with resources for mental health support, career development, and other services. Stay connected and build a lasting relationship based on trust and respect. Here’s what nobody tells you: the act of sharing their story can be both empowering and emotionally taxing for veterans. Be prepared to offer ongoing support and connect them with appropriate resources.
We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when working with a Vietnam veteran on a documentary project. While he initially expressed enthusiasm, he later experienced a resurgence of PTSD symptoms. We immediately connected him with a therapist specializing in trauma and provided him with ongoing support throughout the project.
Sharing veteran stories ethically is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing learning, reflection, and a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the veterans whose stories we share. By following these steps, you can ensure that your efforts are truly honoring their service and making a positive impact.
It’s important to remember that are veteran stories helping or hurting veterans? Consider this before sharing.
Ultimately, veteran voices deserve to be heard, but with care and consideration.
What if a veteran wants to remain anonymous?
Respect their wishes. You can still share aspects of their story without revealing their identity. Focus on the lessons learned and the impact of their service without divulging personal details.
How do I handle conflicting accounts of an event?
Acknowledge the discrepancies and present both perspectives. Avoid taking sides or implying that one account is more accurate than the other. Focus on the subjective experience of each individual.
What if a veteran’s story is critical of the military?
Share the story as long as it is told respectfully and factually. Criticism is a valid form of expression and can contribute to important conversations about military culture and policy. However, be sure to provide context and avoid sensationalizing the criticism.
How do I compensate veterans for sharing their stories?
Compensation can be a complex issue. Some veterans may be uncomfortable receiving payment for sharing their experiences. Others may view it as a form of recognition or appreciation. Be transparent about your compensation policy and allow veterans to decline payment if they wish. Consider offering in-kind benefits, such as professional development opportunities or access to resources.
What resources are available to help me learn more about ethical storytelling?
The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma offers resources and training on ethical reporting on trauma. Additionally, many veterans’ organizations offer guidance on sharing veteran stories respectfully.
The most important takeaway? Don’t just tell the story. Facilitate the veteran’s journey of sharing it. Prioritize their agency and well-being above all else, and you’ll be on the right path.
