A great story consists of visuals, heart-tugging details and answers to these questions…who, what, where, why and how? The details help readers connect to the story and take action. This exercise is being done with another staff, but it can also serve as template for interviewing clients. See directions below to use with clients.
Which sentence has more meaning to you?
1. A woman applied and went to school for education.
2. Catholic Charities staff helped a formerly homeless woman realize a lifelong dream of attending college. She is now attending Northern Arizona University focusing on studying early education.
Time for an Exercise
1. Interview: Take only five minutes to interview a fellow staff member asking the following questions (see below Questions to Ask) of who, what, where, why and how?
2. Photograph: After interviewing, take a photo of this staff member using your phone camera (take photo from above with your subject in 2/3 of the frame (on the left or right, no dead center shots) and make sure the photo is flattering and they have an expression that captures their personality).
3. Write: Write two sentences describing this person and summarizing the interview. Your third sentence should be a direct quote that captures your interviewee’s personality.
Example: Tami Bohannon, vice president of advancement, works at the Phoenix office and is celebrating her second anniversary at Catholic Charities. She says what inspires her every day to work at Catholic Charities is “blowing my competition out of the water and creating positive change that I can see on the job every single day.”
4. Email: Send your photo, two sentences and direct quote to Holly Yzquierdo at
Let’s Get Started
Questions to Ask:
Who is the person you are interviewing (their name and title)?
Where are they from (Prescott, Flagstaff and what program)?
How long have they worked at Catholic Charities?
Pick one question to answer:
What inspires you to come to work every day? And why?
What is the most meaningful aspect of the work you do? And why?
What has been your best day here? And why?
What makes our cause and organization worthy of support and donations?
When Interviewing Clients Use the Following Steps
1. Have client sign release form.
2. Interview client using who, what, where, why and how questions.
3. Take photo with phone.
4. Write 3-4 sentences and get direct quote.
5. Email to Holly Yzquierdo at
Your photos and short story will be used on social media, email or we will follow up to write a blog.
