Sometimes it is necessary to create your own opportunities for involvement in the issues that you are passionate about. Nonprofit organizations are looking for ways to get qualified intern and volunteer help. My last blog highlighted two students (Alisun Chopel and Suzy Messer) who worked toward their masters degrees while following their passion to do meaningful work in the developing world. They approached One HEART because of the work they are doing with maternal and infant health. In order to make their volunteer work support themselves they had to get creative and find the programs in their universities that would accredit their work with One HEART. They also had to find the scholarship money to support their travel and living expenses as they worked abroad. One HEART did not do this for them. They just gave them the platform to build their curriculum and scholarship requests around.
Mt. Nyiru, Kenya Sukulen, 37
As a social documentary photographer and filmmaker I typically have to suggest marketing ideas to the nonprofit organizations I work with. I find it important to get to know what the PR or marketing staff of the organizations are trying to accomplish and then brainstorm with them on projects that could accomplish their goals. For example in talking with Helen Garrett, the marketing director of Amnesty International, I learned that they wanted to conduct a multicity campaign in North America and Europe to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They wanted to collect 10,000,000 signatures of people rededicating themselves to the UDHR. In our conversations I suggested the signatures be collected in museums and galleries so there could be a backdrop of images at the events they staged. Of course it was my suggestion that I could supply the images and book that traveled with the events. As a result they accomplished their goal and I was able to create my Enduring Spirit series.
Willoq, Peru Lourdes 9, Benigno 18 mos.
Today many corporations are looking for ways to align their marketing efforts around social issues. ‘ Green marketing’ is a fast growing multimillion dollar business. This trend presents opportunities for the university student, retired baby boomer or documentary photographer who is passionate about an issue to find support. It just takes a little ambition and creativity to forge your own path.
Jinka, Ethiopia Buzayan 6
Hi Mr Borges, I am Paolo from Italy . . .
after reading your last entry in your blog I thought I might feel free to ask for a little suggestion.
I am currently working on a personal project focused on a small african village. I have already spent there almost 2 months and I am going to be there again in few days.
What brings me to take photos there is that this village can be considered as an example of multiculture society, as people with different roots (african, arabian, indian) live togheter in a pacific way, sharing tradition and beliefs, where also different religions can be followed and practiced without raising any problem.
Also I found the women to be a very present amd strong part of society.
Even though i am aware that this may be found in several metropolis around the world – Sydney for instance – I have been surprised to find such reality in an African village.
Obviously I support myself with my own money at the moment . . . so I would like to ask you where I can address my proposal for a project.
Thank you very much
Paolo
Hello Paolo, Your message slipped through the cracks and I sincerely apologize. You might see if the organization Blue Earth Alliance would be a good fit for you. Also, you could try searching the database on our http://www.stirringthefire.org website to see if there are any other organizations you could work with. To be honest, for the most part, my projects have been self-funded, hence I don’t have a lot of advice to offer. Best of luck!
Caro Phil Borges, eu sou padre da Igreja Católica Romano no Brasil, Vi a foto da menina Buzayan de 6 anos na Ethiopia. Caro Phil, também sou um BUZAYAN; eu solicito do senhor o endereço da familia na Ethiopia para poder conhecê-la e poder ajudá-la.
Parabéns pelo seu trabalho ao mostrar a realidade realidade do povo
tão diverso.
Saudações.
Pe. Rones
City: Telha
State: Sergipe – BRASIL
Dear Rones, I enjoyed receiving your message. I know that Buzayan is from Jinka, Ethiopia. Unfortuately I don’t have an exact address. Thank you for getting in touch! PS: I used google translate to read your message. Hopefully it translated correctly! http://translate.google.com/#auto|en|
I love your work. You capture what has quickly become extinct, people in true form, without the fancy clothing, cosmetics and/or alternations to the body.
Beautiful photographs, thank you!
Thank you Gabriela!
Thanks for providing this inspiring blog. View mine!