By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on storytelling for fundraising.
The workshop, held at the LNRCS headquarters in Monrovia brought together journalists, Red Cross staff, and volunteers to refine their storytelling skills to drive fundraising efforts.
Supported by the Swedish Red Cross, the training aims to empower participants to craft compelling narratives that raise awareness, change perceptions, attract supporters, encourage donations, build partnerships, and foster emotional connections within the society.
During the opening ceremony, Christopher Olue Johnson, Red Cross Program Manager, welcomed attendees and emphasized the organization’s significant contributions to humanitarian efforts across Liberia.
He reaffirmed the LNRCS’s commitment to complementing government initiatives in disaster response and emergency relief, highlighting the crucial role journalists play in developing engaging and impactful storytelling within Red Cross chapters across the country.
LNRCS Communication Officer Oniel Bestman underscored the numerous challenges faced by communities daily, stressing the importance of mobilizing resources to address these issues.
“As humanitarian needs increase, donor funding decreases. We brought you here, journalists, to help us develop compelling storytelling in your communities that will amplify the need for support mobilization—because every story counts, and every voice matters,” Bestman stated.
He also expressed gratitude to the Swedish Red Cross for supporting and facilitating the training initiative.
The workshop that began yesterday includes 12 participants from nine counties: Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe, Bong, Grand Bassa, River Cess, Grand Cape Mount, and Montserrado.
The training covers the fundamentals of fundraising content development, humanitarian storytelling, ethical considerations, photography, videography, and practical exercises on content creation.
As part of the program, participants were divided into two teams to work on assignments centered on Red Cross healthcare services and disaster response following recent flooding in local communities.
Facilitators reviewed and provided feedback on their content to ensure alignment with international fundraising standards.
Established in 1919 and reaffirmed in 2008, the LNRCS remains Liberia’s largest national humanitarian organization, dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities, particularly during emergencies and disasters.
With the increasing complexity of humanitarian challenges and the decline in donor funding, the organization is turning to innovative storytelling techniques to sustain its operations and support its mission.
The LNRCS extends heartfelt appreciation to the Swedish Red Cross for its invaluable support in making this workshop possible.
The organization also acknowledges the dedication of participating volunteers, staff, and journalists, whose contributions will enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian storytelling in Liberia.
Through collaboration and commitment, the LNRCS continues to strengthen its capacity to tell impactful stories that inspire hope, drive change, and mobilize resources for those in need.
LNRCS Hosts Storytelling Workshop For Fundraising
