The Timmins Youth Organization (Y.O.), in partnership with the Porcupine Health Unit, is hosting a PhotoVoice exhibit.
“Photovoice” is any creative form that tells a story prompted by photographs or that uses photography as a medium for a story. In a photovoice project the participant is given a camera and told to take pictures of their life in order to give an accurate account and perception of what is actually going on. Having technical photography skills is not required to achieve a desirable result in a photovoice project. Photos that don’t have as much technical composition, like being out of focus or blurred, are often the most compelling. The main component of a photovoice project is that somehow a story is created; either a photograph prompts a story or a personal life experience is told and shared through photos.
PhotoVoice is a fun learning experience that allows youth to have their voices heard, as well as to shed light on the issues that affect their day-to-day lives and on possible solutions to these issues. Participants have chosen bullying and vandalism as key issues they feel should be addressed. Along with their photos, they will have short descriptions of what the photographs mean to them.
The participants look to gain community support and capture the attention of municipal representatives, decision-makers and youth workers in order to advocate for positive changes in the community. When it comes to understanding community youth issues, local young people are the experts.
A free exhibition showcasing the photos and comments will be held in a classroom at the YMCA on November 21, 2013, from 4-6pm. The event is open to the public.
Reporters will be given an opportunity to interview the Youth Engagement Lead, as well as participants during the public exhibit.
