Inclusive Identity Storytelling, with Philanthropy Consultant Katherine Lacefield
What does it mean to tell stories that truly reflect a community? For nonprofit leader and philanthropy consultant Katherine Lacefield, it’s about far more than sharing information or raising funds. It’s about creating stories that build understanding, foster empathy, and invite people in as active participants.
In this episode of Storylinking, Katherine joins me to discuss her journey of using storytelling as a powerful tool to bring people together. She shares how moving from competition to collaboration in the nonprofit world has helped her build more inclusive communities, manage compassion fatigue, and drive sustainable change. Her approach is rooted in community-sourced storytelling: a method that reflects the diversity of voices and perspectives within a community and makes them central to the narrative.
“What is your objective in a nonprofit? Is it to win the argument or is it to get people involved? And I think that’s where we need to drop down our ego a bit and listen more, get the community at each different level. If you invite them in to share their stories, people feel more included as well.””
Whether you’re a community leader, nonprofit professional, or storytelling communicator, this interview with Katherine is full of actionable insights. Here’s a quick overview of what we covered:
Shifting from competition to collaboration
Katherine sees a unique role for nonprofits to move beyond competition and foster genuine collaboration. For her, the focus is on building partnerships that sustain long-term impact, rather than competing for attention or resources. “Partnering with other organizations and sharing resources, once again, collaboration versus competition, can be very useful,” she recommends.
Katherine and I both agree that the stories we tell should unite organizations around shared goals. By inviting each community partner to contribute to the narrative, we can create trust that drives lasting change. This runs counter to what some nonprofits might experience, competing for funding. But in our view, building trust through collaborative storytelling strengthens the impact of each partner, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and shared success.
Community-sourced stories are a tool for empathy and action
Katherine believes that the most powerful stories come from within the community itself. She uses community-sourced stories to highlight real, lived experiences, which dispel stereotypes and foster empathy across differences. “If you invite people in, if you invite them to share their own stories,” she says, ”people feel more included as well.”
I’ve seen this approach make a real difference in the communities I work with, too. When people feel they have a voice in the stories that represent them, those stories become more powerful tools for change. By allowing community members to share their perspectives, we not only create a narrative that reflects the community's diversity, but we build a deeper connection that has the potential to drive meaningful, sustained action.
Practical strategies for managing compassion fatigue
For those working in nonprofits, compassion fatigue is a common challenge, often intensified by the emotional weight of the work. Katherine’s strategy for managing compassion fatigue is to re-center storytelling as a source of resilience and connection. By grounding teams in the stories of those they serve, she reminds them of the purpose behind their work, helping prevent burnout and encouraging ongoing compassion.
This resonates deeply with me. I’ve found that when storytelling reconnects teams to the mission, it serves as a powerful antidote to burnout. Stories that elevate the positive impact of the organization create a space for renewal, reminding team members of the real people they’re helping. In my experience, building storytelling practices that reinforce the mission can help nonprofit teams stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges.
Building inclusive stories through active listening and authenticity
Katherine emphasizes that listening deeply to community members is essential for creating stories that feel real and inclusive. “I think that collecting stories can help to understand the context in which you're working, as well as understanding the blinders that you might have on and how you can improve,” she explains.
Active listening is essential, whether we’re developing a strategy or conducting an interview. We have to actually hear the voices of those involved—not just to understand what they say, but to uncover what they value. This openness to unexpected perspectives brings forward ideas and storytelling opportunities we might otherwise miss and creates a richer, more genuine approach to the work. When we listen deeply, we’re able to build stories and strategies that reflect the unique strengths and diverse viewpoints of the community, creating narratives that are inclusive and generally way more interesting.
Empowering community
Katherine Lacefield’s approach to storytelling is one rooted in empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. Her insights remind us that the best stories come from within a community, reflecting its diverse voices and values. By shifting from competition to collaboration, managing compassion fatigue, and practicing active listening, nonprofit leaders can create stories that inspire action and build a more connected, compassionate world.
In the end, inclusive storytelling isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about creating a space where every voice matters, where stories bring people together, and where communities can thrive.
Listen to the full episode above, or subscribe to Storylinking on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform for more conversations that explore the power of storytelling to build community.
