Before Your Screening Event: What to Know

Sharing #justB stories can be powerful and emotional. To create a safe, respectful, and impactful experience for everyone, it’s important to prepare thoughtfully. Here are key things to keep in mind before you host a screening:

Know When and Where NOT to Show Stories

These stories should be shared in closed, structured settings where the audience can fully engage and follow-up discussions can take place. Avoid screening stories at large, unstructured events or in public spaces without time for conversation. They are also not intended for viewers under age 12.

Know the Issues

Before you present the stories, take time to review current information about hepatitis B—including transmission, stigma, and prevention. The better prepared you are, the more confidently you’ll be able to answer questions and address sensitive topics. See the Appendices section for fact sheets and other helpful resources.

Know Your Purpose

Ask yourself: What are you hoping to achieve with this screening? Are you raising awareness, promoting testing, or encouraging advocacy? Understanding your goals will help shape your event’s structure, tone, and impact.

Know Your Agenda

Plan out how your event will flow. A typical agenda may include:

1. Brief introduction to the project and stories (4–5 minutes)

2. Screening of selected videos (we recommend no more than 5 at a time)

3. Group discussion and Q&A (20–30 minutes)

4. Call to action (share on social media, get tested, get involved)

Know Your Audience

Consider who will be attending. Are they community members, healthcare professionals, students, or policymakers? What is their level of knowledge about hepatitis B? Tailoring your approach to the audience will make your event more relevant and engaging.

Know Your Guests

If you plan to invite a storyteller, healthcare expert, or community leader to join your event, reach out early and maintain regular communication. Give them ample notice and let them know what to expect.

Know Support Services

Have a list of local health centers, testing sites, or support organizations available in case audience members need follow-up information, testing, or emotional support.

Know Your Equipment

Test your AV setup before the event. Make sure you have the right cables, speakers, power source, and a screen or projector. Sound quality and visuals matter—don’t skip the tech check!

Story Discussion Tools

The #justB stories are designed to spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and inspire action. This section offers tools to help facilitators lead thoughtful, inclusive, and respectful discussions following a story screening.

General Discussion Questions for All Stories

These prompts work across all #justB videos and can help audiences reflect on what they’ve seen:

1. What are your initial reactions to the story? Which parts (audio or visuals) stood out, and why?

2. What did you learn about:

   • The people in the story?

   • The setting or environment?

   • The health or social issues raised?

   • Yourself?

3. What challenges did the storyteller face? How did they respond, and how might others have responded? Can you relate any of these challenges to your own life or community?

4. What actions could be taken to address the issues raised in the story by:

   • Individuals?

   • Community groups?

   • Health or educational organizations?

   • Government agencies?

5. How would you respond if this situation happened to you or someone in your community? What steps could you take?

Individual Story Materials

For each digital story, the guide provides:

• A short content summary

• Key take-away points

• A full transcript of the story

• Story-specific discussion questions

These materials are designed to support deeper reflection and help audiences connect emotionally and intellectually with the storytellers.

Tips for Facilitating Discussions

• Create a welcoming space: Arrange chairs in a circle, remove tables, or offer refreshments to make participants feel more comfortable.

• Set ground rules: Encourage respect, confidentiality, and active listening.

• Vary discussion formats: Use small groups, pairs, or full-group conversations to help everyone participate.

• Involve relevant voices: Invite a healthcare expert or someone with lived experience to co-lead the discussion.

• Practice empathy: Be prepared to validate emotional responses and respond supportively to sensitive personal stories.

These tools are meant to help you guide conversations that not only raise awareness but also build empathy, reduce stigma, and encourage meaningful action.

Acknowledgements

The #justB digital storytelling project was first made possible through a collaboration between the Hepatitis B Foundation and StoryCenter, with support from AAPCHO (Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations).

We thank our funding partners for their generous support through unrestricted educational grants:

• Arbutus Biopharma

• Dynavax Technologies

• Gilead Sciences

• Janssen Pharmaceuticals

We also express our deep gratitude to the storytellers who shared their lived experiences to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire action around hepatitis B.