Upholding ethical standards in communications and marketing for international development and humanitarian aid
When: June 21 2023
Duration: 1.5 hours 12pm-1:30pm
Location: Online via zoom
Event overview:
There has been a growing awareness of the importance of ethics and dignity in international development, humanitarian aid, and charity communications and marketing. This stems from a recognition that the way organisations present their work and the communities they serve can have significant consequences on perceptions, fundraising, and ultimately, the wellbeing of those affected by crises and poverty. Misrepresentation, sensationalism, and the objectification of vulnerable populations in communications materials can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, undermine local agency, and compromise the dignity of individuals.
The Council for International Development will host a CID Talk Panel event to discuss ethics and dignity in international development and humanitarian aid communications and marketing, particularly around images.
This CID Talk will bring together CID members and people working in the charity/not-for-profit sector to discuss the challenges faced in this area, share learning and best practice, and identify ways to promote ethical communications that respect dignity. The dialogue will help to promote best practice and encourage organisations to develop, implement, and build ethical guidelines and processes.
Objectives:
- Facilitate the sharing of best practices, case studies, and innovative approaches to ethical communication - to encourage improved standards/processes across the sector.
- Create awareness about the ethical challenges in communication and marketing within the international development, humanitarian aid, and charity sector.
- Identify challenges faced by organisations in maintaining ethical standards in their communication and marketing strategies and tensions between organisational priorities.
- Provide a platform for CID members and people working in the charity/not-for-profit sector to engage in discussion, explore ethical considerations, and network.
Panelists
- Jo Dowling - Fundraising, Communications & Marketing Director, The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ
- Helen Manson - Creative and Communications Lead, Tearfund NZ
- Amie Richardson - Communications, Media and Campaigns Director, Save the Children
The discussion will be facilitated by Jaydene Buckley, Managing Director of OSACO Group
Target audience:
- People working in international development and humanitarian aid organisations
- People working in domestic charity sector
- Communication, marketing, and fundraising staff
- International programme staff
- Non-profit/charity leaders and decision-makers
- Academics and researchers in the field of development and communication
- Students and early-career professionals interested in pursuing a career in international development or humanitarian aid or comms and marketing
Registration:
Cost
CID members and students: FREE
Non CID members: $10
Image credit: Helen Manson, Tearfund NZ