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Compassionate Communications: Storytelling and Marketing with a Trauma-Informed Approach

October 7, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (MDT)

Description

Stories are one of the most powerful tools nonprofits have to build understanding, strengthen relationships, and inspire support. With that opportunity comes responsibility. In this session, you'll explore how to create compelling fundraising, marketing, and mission-focused communications that respect the dignity, agency, and experiences of the people and communities you serve.

You'll learn practical, trauma-informed approaches to storytelling that help you build trust, deepen connection, and communicate with integrity, without compromising impact. Together, we'll look at ways to reduce harm, strengthen ethical storytelling practices, and share stories that reflect your values as well as your mission


Attendees will leave with:
  • Actionable frameworks for creating communications that are both compelling and compassionate
  • Tools and guiding questions they can immediately apply to their organization’s marketing practices to ensure their communications are ethical, respectful, and aligned with their mission and values.
  • Practical methods for evaluating the real‑world impact of your messaging, helping your team identify unintended harm, strengthen trust with your audiences, and continuously improve communication practices over time. 

Who Should Attend 

This training is ideal for anyone who shapes your organization’s voice—marketing and communications teams, program and outreach staff, leadership, and anyone responsible for storytelling or public engagement. 

When
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM MT

Location 
Online via Zoom | Will be recorded and shared to registrants following the event. Even if you can't make the live training, be sure to register so you can receive the recording! 

Cost
$45 for UNA Members
$90 for not-yet-Members

About the Speaker: Kearstin Fernandez 

Kearstin Fernandez is the Communications Director at Catholic Community Services of Utah, where she leads strategic marketing and storytelling efforts that amplify community impact while prioritizing dignity and responsible representation. She holds a Professional Certificate in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University and integrates trauma-informed principles into nonprofit communications and fundraising practices. With a background in mission-driven marketing, Kearstin is passionate about helping organizations share powerful stories in ways that build trust, honor lived experiences, and avoid exploitation. Her work focuses on equipping nonprofits with practical tools to communicate with both compassion and integrity. 




Pricing

$45 for UNA Members
$90 for not-yet-Members

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Contact Information

Name: Colleen Swagerty-Maher
Phone: (801) 596-1800 x107
Email: cmaher@utahnonprofits.org
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