By NANCY FARESE
As PhotoPhilanthropy completes its second year, we are excited and inspired by the results of our Activist Awards; by the breadth of the 405 non-profit programs represented in photo essays with operations in 86 different countries; by the power and quality of the photography that we have received in all 4 categories; and, by the generous nature of photographers to engage in the service of visual storytelling for organizations working daily to better the lives of others. The PhotoPhilanthropy concept grew out of my own work with non-profits. As a photographer, I wanted better access to socially-driven organizations, and I was often willing to donate my skills to enhance the work that they were doing. I wondered if other photographers would similarly engage in art for social purpose and I decided to create an organization that strategically inspired, rewarded, and facilitated this action – PhotoPhilanthropy.
Our organization is founded on the shared passion for change among non-profits, photographers and engaged citizens. We fundamentally believe in the non-profit model, and that we can help drive capacity in this sector by engaging photographers to create high quality photography to inspire people in a variety of ways. We also believe in people’s interest in knowing more, in understanding better, in seeing the story, which can then lead to action and involvement. We believe we can make a difference by bringing these communities together for social change.
We’ve spent time this past year solidifying the foundation of our organization, developing technology to support our Activist Awards and systems to support our programs. Going forward in 2011, we will work to give non-profits better communication tools to support the use of good images, to get more students involved, and to develop media and exhibition placement to support our photographers.
We are excited to be part of this new movement, existing as it does in a universe of evolving media use, changing roles for photographers, and funding challenges for non-profits. In this universe also lies compassion ignited by a powerful image, the human drive to connect with others in need, and the generous act of giving of our talents to effect social cause. This is our universe, and we intend to make a difference.
We encourage you to get involved with your camera, your intellect, your support. Join our movement. Become a PhotoPhilanthropist.
Thank you!
Nancy
View Nancy Farese’s Gallery here.
