As researchers, members of NGOs, activists, and
artists, we often work with marginalised
communities. But how can we tell stories and work
with people without putting them at risk

Medrado, A.

Rega, I.

English

WestminsterResearch

WestminsterResearchhttp://www.westminster.ac.uk/westminsterresearchWorking With Marginalised Communities: Let’s talk about ethicsMedrado, A. and Rega, I.This is a copy of a report published by AHRC 2019.The WestminsterResearch online digital archive at the University of Westminster aims to make the research output of the University available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the authors and/or copyright owners.Working With MarginalisedCommunities: Let’s talk about ethics.As researchers, members of NGOs, activists, and artists, we often work with marginalised communities. But how can we tel stories and work with people without putting them at risk? 1. Be transparent and clear When you start a project, tel people exactly what you are doing and why you are doing it. Are there any risks? This is basic stuff, right? Yes!Stil, often, people from marginalised communities do not feel that they are being treated fairly. Depending on the project, we need to talk about risks. How can we share information online safely, for example? When we fight for our rights, we need to fight together. Together, we are much stronger. 2. Marginalised people should echo their own In Brazil, for example, favela residents refer to this as an “us by us” philosophy. They are tired of having their stories told by other people.   What can we do then? Prioritise situations and projects in which marginalised people can speak for themselves. 3. Be protective of each other’s identities and rightsMany inspiring people fight for the rights of marginalised communities al over the world. Some of them choose to remain anonymous. Some choose to go public. Their stories need to be told. Their causes need to gain visibility. But when visibility becomes vulnerability, we have a problem. Artists, for example, often use abstraction or fiction to portrait or tel real stories without putting people at risk. Always be protective. 4. Find a moral compass with empathy and care When people are facing marginalisation, we need to put ourselves in their shoes. But this is not just about compassion. It’s about seeking to understand the complexities of others’ lives. Don’t plan anything without taking into consideration people’s contexts and needs. And, yes, this often includes food and transportation. At the very least, compensate people for their time and investment in your project. 5. Where money is short, money mattersThe subject of money can become a taboo for people who work with marginalised communities.The reality is that people from marginalised communities face enormous chalenges to earn a living, even when they manage to achieve high qualifications. Whenever we get a chance, we should help provide them with paid work opportunities. Marginalised communities are home to amazing talent and great professionals in al fields. Learn who these professionals are, recommend, value, and pay for their work. 6. Help reduce physical and geographical marginsMarginality is a social and spatial concept. Who is inside and outside the margins?Ironicaly, many events that aim to discuss issues of marginalisation are hosted in places that are difficult to access for marginalised communities.Let’s host them in the communities. Let’s help create opportunities. We need to listen. We need to get closer.7. Unity of the communityAn action wil always be way more powerful if it is strengthened by a community. This should be a colective experience that entails diversity and plurality of voices. Work on identifying people who can help with building your network of protection.8. Create collectively with the communities Don’t just walk in and start a project from your perspective. Invite people to come in and be creative with you. Ask: what are people interested in? Include their views in your work.When creating artistic work, the communities must feel that they own the piece. 9. Remember marginalisation is plural and nuancedWhat does marginalisation mean to you? It might not be the same of what it means for someone else.Within marginalised communities, there are different levels of marginalisation. The contexts and issues that affect people can be very different. We should try to understand these nuances. Try to include the most marginalised amongst the marginalised. 10. Create an equal and diverse environmentWe should always bear in mind aspects like gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, religion, place of origin. Marginalisation is not created by just one factor. We need to look at al the aspects that create marginalisation. We must be prepared to treat al persons with equality and respect. And as advocates for inclusivity and diversity, we have to show others how to do this. We have to brave enough to speak out about why it is not right to target certain groups. By leading by example, we can stand for inclusivity and diversity. 11. Be accountable and give something back to the communityYou’re done with the project. Time to leave? No! What are the people you worked with get-ting in return? Can they easily access and read your article and reports? Have they seen the results of your artistic work? What are the best languages to share information?Use artistic languages, be creative, be consid-erate. Tel them what you found. Show them what you did. Ask: did I get this right? Did I get this wrong? Produced colectively by members of the eVoices network.Many thanks to al activists, art-ivists, and researchers who shared their insights. evoices.cemp.ac.ukwww.facebook.com/BUevoices@buevoicesIlustrations and artwork by Taynara Cabral.Layout by Fernanda Areas.Copywriting by Andrea Medrado and Isabela Rega based on insights from members of the eVoices Network.Credits

Working With Marginalised Communities: Let’s talk about ethics

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Working With Marginalised Communities: Let’s talk about ethics

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