Accountability Story Template (Free) – Scope, Sources, Limits

Privacy-first warning (read first)

Do not publish or send sensitive personal data.
Reduce identifying details by default (names, exact locations, unique roles, screenshots with metadata).
Publish what is necessary for public understanding; keep raw material private when needed.

What this is (and what it is not)

For: general public-interest writing where you want a disciplined, correction-ready structure.
Not for: legal advice, case strategy, case review, or outcome services.
Goal: publish only what you can support, and label limits clearly.

Why this exists

Most credibility failures come from structure failures: unclear scope, claims that expand beyond evidence, missing limits, and silent edits when facts change. This template forces a minimum standard that is easier to review and correct later.

Common failure modes (quick scan)

Vague headline that implies more than the evidence supports.
No scope boundaries (readers think you are covering everything).
Claims written as conclusions, not as supportable statements.
Missing “Limits” (uncertainty is hidden, not disclosed).
Screenshots/attachments that create privacy risk.
No correction path (updates become silent edits or confusion).

Minimum standard checklist (5 minutes)

If you only do one thing: complete these items before publishing.

Title: one sentence that matches what can be supported.
Scope: “what this is / is not” stated explicitly.
Timeline: high-level only (avoid unnecessary identifying detail).
Claims: each claim is one sentence with evidence + limits.
Sources: public links listed; private records noted (not published).
Corrections: clear update/correction route (no silent edits).

Copy template (free)

Paste into Notes / Google Docs / Notion.

TITLE
- One sentence that matches what can be supported.

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY
- What happened (general), why it matters (public interest), what is not being claimed.

SCOPE (WHAT THIS IS / IS NOT)
- What is covered:
- What is not covered:
- Why details may be de-identified (privacy-first):

TIMELINE (HIGH LEVEL)
- Date range (generalized):
- Key events (bullets, non-identifying):

CLAIMS (SHORT, DEFENSIBLE)
1) Claim (1 sentence):
   Evidence (Source IDs / links / file refs):
   Limits (what is unknown / cannot be proven):

2) Claim:
   Evidence:
   Limits:

3) Claim (optional):
   Evidence:
   Limits:

SOURCES (TRANSPARENCY)
- Public links:
- Private records kept (not published):
- Method (how sources were checked / dated / stored):

PRIVACY / SAFETY
- De-identification steps used:
- What was removed and why:
- What is intentionally not published (and why):

CORRECTIONS (VISIBLE UPDATES)
- How to request a correction:
- How updates will be logged (date + what changed + why):
- Next review date (update/retract/clarify trigger):

See all toolkits

Pro version includes formatted short/long variants, headline formulas, and filled examples you can reuse. It remains general education (not case handling).

Worked example (mini)

Before (over-claiming):

“They committed fraud and covered it up.”

After (defensible structure):

Title: “Public records and documented communications show inconsistent reporting.”
Scope: “This summary describes discrepancies and sources; it does not claim intent or criminal conduct.”
Claim 1: “Two public statements conflict on the same metric.”
Evidence: “P-001 (public link, date accessed), P-002 (public link, date accessed).”
Limits: “This does not establish why the conflict exists; only that it exists.”
Corrections: “If a source changes, log a dated update and what changed.”

Upgrade path (choose the right next step)

Buy Pro ($19): if you want formatted variants (short/long) plus ready-to-use examples.
Training: if you want habit-building discipline across sourcing, limits, privacy, and corrections.
Support (no influence): tips help keep the project running, but never buy coverage or outcomes.

Buy Pro ($19) Go to Training Send a tip

Reminder: purchases are digital goods for general education. They do not buy coverage, influence, or outcomes.

FAQ

Is this legal advice?

No. Education only — not legal advice.

Will WitnessBC review my draft or documents?

No. No case review, no case handling, and no guarantees.

Do I need to publish all evidence publicly?

No. Publish what is safe and necessary; keep sensitive material private and reduce identifying details.

What does “Limits” do?

It prevents over-claiming by stating what you cannot confirm or prove. Readers deserve to see uncertainty clearly.

Does buying Pro or tipping buy coverage or influence?

No. Support does not buy coverage or outcomes.

Internal links (pick by intent)

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Boundaries: Education only. Not legal advice. Not an emergency service. Do not send sensitive personal data. No case review. No guarantees. Support does not buy coverage or outcomes.