Based on the photovoice model, Hunger Through My Lens is a new project to shed light on the reality of hunger in the Denver Metro area. The participation of experts—individuals who experience hunger—are the foundation of photovoice and this project. Following this model, Hunger Through My Lens is designed to provide a platform for Coloradans to share their stories.
Digital cameras are the main medium for participants to express themselves and put real stories to the overwhelming statistics surrounding hunger. The photographs will provide tangible evidence that there is a need to face the impacts of hunger on individuals, families and communities throughout Colorado.
Traveling exhibits will be created to display the photographs and stories at locations around Denver. Policy makers and stakeholders—including you—will be invited and called upon to engage in critical dialogue. There is a side of the story that we are not listening to, and it’s time our neighbors throughout Colorado know the truth.
Those who experience hunger know firsthand the hardships of not having enough food. They are the experts on the issue and have a voice, but we wonder—is anyone
really listening?
Hunger Through My Lens will begin Spring 2013. Check back soon for more information about the first photo exhibit. You also can subscribe to Hunger Free Colorado emails to receive updates about this project.
“Photovoice is a process by which people can identify, represent, and enhance their community through specific photographic technique” (Wang & Burris, 1997).
Photovoice is a form of participatory action research developed by Caroline Wang and Mary Anne Burris. The three main goals of photovoice are to enable people to record and reflect their community’s strengths and concerns, to promote discussion about important issues through group discussions of photographs, and finally to reach and influence policy makers (Wang & Burris, 1997). This model has the ability to empower participants and communities by enabling individuals to share their pictures and stories with decision makers.
Hunger Through My Lens is dedicated to achieving the three goals of photovoice, specifically related to the issue of hunger. The foundation of Hunger Through My Lens is based on extensive research of photovoice studies. In addition, this project has been inspired by Witnesses to Hunger, Kaiser Permante’s Community Health Initiatives, and multiple studies conducted by Caroline Wang.
For more information on Hunger Through My Lens, contact Lauren Flax, project coordinator, at (303) 228-7973.
