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As nonprofit storytellers, navigating the legal landscape of consent, privacy, and story ownership is daunting.

In this episode of When Bearing Witness, we sit down with attorney Allie Levene to answer your most pressing questions about storytelling and the law.

What elements should a media consent form include to truly protect both the storyteller and the organization? What should we keep in mind if we want to compensate story contributors? What rights do storyowners have if they want to edit or retract their story after it’s been published?

Allie tackles these critical questions and more, offering practical advice to help nonprofit professionals navigate the complexities of trauma-informed storytelling.

Listen in for actionable steps you can take to safeguard your nonprofit and honor the rights of story owners.

About Allie Levene

Allie Levene is a lawyer who helps clients understand their legal obligations and options without all of the confusing legal jargon.

After building her career as both in-house and outside counsel for various Connecticut businesses, with a particular focus on small businesses and nonprofits, Levene founded her own practice, Levene Legal.

Her extensive experience in litigation and administrative proceedings, especially in employment, civil rights, and general liability matters, led her to recognize the critical importance of preventative legal services—a realization that became the cornerstone of her firm's mission.

Connect with Levene

Levene Legal | LinkedIn | Instagram

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria

Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email