Six values
I believe that the process of storytelling is as important as the product; and that we have the responsibility not only to create beautiful and meaningful work, but transform ourselves, our communities and industries for the better in the process. With that in mind, I hold the following six core values central to the storytelling work I do in collaboration with organizations and with other artists.
Value #1
Deep Listening
I see my role as helping people and communities explore and express their own knowledge and wisdom; therefore, every storytelling project I’m involved in engages deep listening to make sure that it’s not assumptions but the most authentic, sometimes unpredictable—and always unforgettable—stories that drive the narrative. I work to understand people and stories in their depth and complexity, and I work with people both behind and in front of the camera to ensure the integrity of this process comes across.
Value #2
Co-creation
As a feminist, I believe that collaboration is key. To me, storytelling refers not just to a set of products, but to a powerful process. As a collaborative storyteller, I recognize, center and build upon existing capacities, and engage in techniques that support learning and healing for all involved. I understand that there are few things as sacred as one’s representation, and I believe that people should have power over how their stories are told. Storytelling should be a reciprocal process, where value is given and received throughout the journey by not just the “subject” but by all involved.
Value #3
Interbeing
I believe that people and the environment, are inextricable—and that the more deeply I can help people to see their place within an ecosystem, learn to love it and see how it supports and sustain us, the more transformative the story is. If we are to ever live sustainably, it cannot just be an externalized understanding of environmental challenges and solutions that we carry, but a new kind of relationship and relating. To change how we act, we have to change how see.
Value #4
Transformation
Storytelling is a dynamic journey, no one—whether filmmaker, interviewee or a viewer online—should start and leave at the same place. I embrace open-mindedness and vulnerability to help ensure I can communicate an authentic journey, and bring people into it with me.
Value #5
Regeneration
Regenerative Storytelling builds narratives that transform our sense of what is possible, through utilizing our creativity, cultures, and histories as resources—and by centering the joy and growth inherent in deep connection. It is critical to identify both the dominant narratives that hinder social change in different issue areas as well the new stories that can strengthen and propel individuals and movements towards resilience, sustainability and impact. I tell stories that put expose solutions and inspire personal and collective growth.
Value #6
Reverence
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
The greater our ability to deeply connect to our environment, not just academically, but through experiencing beauty, awe and wonder, the deeper our will is to work for its protection. Stories, movements, change itself, thrive on looking to not just what is broken, but on sharing the beauty that exists—that can grow—that is so worth protecting.
“Maggie has elevated the quality and impact of Ashoka's video productions with her exceptional artistry and leadership as a storyteller. She brings an unwavering commitment to making each production a collaborative effort with its subjects so they are empowered to tell the story they wish to share. As an accomplished oral historian, she approaches everyone in a production with a spirit of empathy and curiosity that expands the potential for storytelling through thoughtfully nurtured, trust-based relationships.”
– Kris Herbst, Editor-in-Chief at Ashoka
