Ask An Oral Historian: Trauma-Informed Interviewing

Ready to dive into the intricacies of oral history? Voice of Witness is hosting monthly 60-minute working sessions where you can roll up your sleeves and learn alongside fellow storytellers!

Join Fanny García, VOW's Editorial Program Manager and Oral Historian, as she unpacks the ins and outs of methodology, ethical storytelling, and trauma-informed interviewing. Whether you're wrestling with a current project or just curious about the craft, these sessions are your space to grow and ask questions in an intimate, small-group setting. Fanny will share key insights and examples, then spend time answering your questions and providing project guidance.

So grab your notebook, bring your burning questions, and let's figure this out together. The oral history community is stronger when we learn from each other!

ABOUT THE SESSION

This time, we're exploring trauma-informed interviewing! It's essential, it's nuanced, and it's at the heart of ethical oral history practice. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of creating safe spaces for difficult conversations—and more importantly, how to support your narrators while gathering meaningful stories that honor their experiences. You'll walk away with concrete strategies for recognizing trauma responses, techniques for building trust and establishing boundaries, and the confidence to conduct sensitive interviews with both compassion and professionalism.

This session will not be recorded.

ABOUT THE HOST

Fanny García is an award-winning BIPOC oral historian whose published and acclaimed work centers ethical storytelling practices. She holds an MA in Oral History from Columbia University and has extensive experience documenting the stories of communities affected by government policies and crimmigration.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Voice of Witness is a nonprofit organization that advances human rights by amplifying the voices of people impacted by injustice through oral history, education and advocacy.

VOW has a proven track record in ethical, community-rooted oral history and a strong industry reputation. We are recipients of the Oral History Association’s Vox Populi Award and have been featured in NBC News, The Guardian, Ms. Magazine, and The Nation.

TESTIMONIALS

"The support Fanny provided for my book was instrumental in putting together proposals that resulted in getting a publisher. Fanny was deeply curious about my book, asking questions that helped pull out some details and angles that I needed to highlight more, while also drawing new connections and making insightful suggestions. Fanny's experience in publishing and specifically in oral history publishing made a huge difference for me as a first-time author of an oral history book, as she was able to help me understand how to effectively explain and market my project. I can't say enough how much she helped me get across the finish line, with so much generosity and warmth!" – Katie Miles, author and labor organizer

"I reached out to Fanny with a recruiting challenge for a new oral history project. She listened closely, asked insightful questions, and quickly offered sound advice that left me with doable and effective steps to follow. After our call, she followed up with helpful resources and a key introduction. Fanny has a real talent for transforming complexity into a clear and practical plan." – Sarah Bishop, author and professor in Communication Studies at Baruch College

"Fanny is an exceptional thought partner when it comes to exploring the complexities of oral history methodology. One conversation that particularly resonates with me was our in-depth discussion on the ethics and intricacies of compensation in oral history practice. Her extensive research and writing on the subject have expanded my understanding. I have found Fanny to be exceptionally insightful, offering advice that is not only rooted in solid oral history theory but also reflects a deep understanding of its diverse applications. With her wealth of experience spanning publishing, art, community service, and education, she brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the table. Furthermore, Fanny’s outstanding listening skills and her ability to provoke meaningful, thought-provoking questions make our discussions both expansive and highly productive." – Yolanda Hester, Project Director of the Arthur Ashe Oral History Project at UCLA