Share your story.
Be part of the
global documentary on
facing racism & healing together.
*Submissions for the documentary are closed.
However, we’re still accepting stories for sharing on our social media platforms.
Truth & Reconciliation Conversations is a collection of stories from people like you who offer their own experience with racism as a way to help move the conversation forward. Participants are asked to submit their recorded stories and, if selected, they will be part of the TRC documentary that will premier globally at historic Nelson Mandela International Day (#NMID) 2021. Our goal is to ignite the power of citizen engagement, and in so doing build a global movement for justice.
The overlapping global crises of COVID-19 and civil unrest have focused new attention on the deadly impact of racism. For many people of color, George Floyd’s murder by the police is a poignant reminder of the tragic intersection between racism and injustice. It’s a topic that evokes anger, fear, guilt, as well as renewed commitment to reconciliation and systemic change.
“Our aim is to encourage people to start talking about ending racism, and in so doing build a global movement for justice.” Khalil Osiris, founder of RFN and host of the Nelson Mandela International Day 2020 (#NMID2020) documentary.
The #NMID2020 documentary featured leaders in education, criminal justice, civil rights, community reentry and journalism discussing their understanding of systemic racism, their response to George Floyd’s murder, and their hope for the future of race relations. Their stories evoked anger, fear, guilt, as well as hope for healing and reconciliation.
Nelson Mandela said, “In the end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of people.” RFN’s restorative justice documentary seeks to build on Mandela’s vision of reconciliation by celebrating the stories of individuals who are taking action to help change their communities and the world for the better.
Share your story with us and join our global movement on social media! Email us truthandreconciliationconversations@reflectingfreedomnetwork.com
- Compassionate Empathy
I am committed to being emotionally, mentally, and physically present to hear and help others. - Courageous Listening
I am committed to being open-minded and intentional about putting others’ needs to be heard first. - Painful Conversations
I am committed to being candid about my experiences with racism and curious about the experiences of others. - Social Reckoning
I am committed to understanding systemic racism and I will work to build equity and equality to redress this historic injustice. - Spiritual Reconciliation
I am committed to understanding others, their life circumstances, and discovering ways to heal and build better communities together.
Appearance releases
You will need to comply with the following conditions for your work to be considered for inclusion in the finished film:
When filming anyone other than yourself, such as your family, your friends, or even strangers, you MUST get them to sign an Appearance Release Form. This is essential, especially for anyone who is clearly identifiable, talks to camera or can be heard talking.
If you’re filming anyone under the age of 18 (or under the age of legal majority in the country where they are a resident), also get their legal guardian or parent to sign the Appearance Release Form. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. DO NOT FILM ANY CHILDREN WITHOUT SEEKING PERMISSION FIRST.
If you do not get permission from people to include them in your video, we will not be able to use it.
Note: If you are filming a crowd, or street scene, where people are mainly in the background, express permission may not be required, but rules vary country to country. Where possible, it’s best to be on the safe side and get releases signed by people who are identifiable
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Camera, then tap Record Video.
- Select from the list of video formats and frame rates that your iPhone or iPad supports
- Shoot with the phone held horizontally
- Record in a quiet space, and make sure your fingers do not cover the mic if handheld
- Record near a window for natural light, with the window in front of you.
- Remain eye level with your camera, instead of angling the phone above or below you
- Avoid distracting backgrounds or clothing
GET INVOLVED
Let us know if you’d like to get involved with the Truth & Reconciliation Conversations initiative or feel free to contact us if you need assistance with sharing your story.
We’d love to hear from you!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
