There have been plenty of recent conversations — some passionate and contentious — about what it means to be an ethical true crime content creator and/or advocate. Once again sharing the #CAREChallenge model, created by @JulieMurray2_9 and outlined below in this lovely graphic by @shannonshaming. I propose we reference the CARE Model as a foundation upon which more formal guidelines for ethical advocacy and content creation are established. Each pillar of the model — Center the victim, Avoid harmful speculation, Research facts responsibly, and Engage with empathy — can be applied to every case. Within each pillar is an opportunity to expand on what achieves that particular goal. I believe that, if we had clearer guidelines about what constitutes ethical content creation and advocacy, we could see a positive impact across the community and for individual cases. To do this, we need to start having real conversations. Seek out people with different opinions and truly seek to understand one another. Discuss each pillar with a variety of voices at the table, from victims’ families to law enforcement members, legal experts, web sleuths, advocates, students and others invested in the effort. Talk about what each idea means, then share these thoughts across your platforms. At the end of the day, what matters most is getting justice for victims and families. But it also matters how we get there. There are brilliant minds on both sides of the table; we can do beautiful things if we work together. As Maureen Brainard-Barnes said and @Catch_LISK repeated, let’s make a new reality and pave a more promising road. #CAREChallenge #EngageWithEmpathy #EthicalAdvocacy #truecrimecommunity #makeanewreality