Collective Lens: Photography for Social Change

Photo by Santino Livoti

One face to a problem moves us, millions overwhelm us. Successful fund raisers for social causes have known that for a long time.   A recent series of studies by psychologists provides the research that proves it -- they have found that fund-raising appeals do best when they are crafted around a single gripping image. 

So, you can imagine my delight in discovering this fabulous photography site called Collective Lens: Photography for Social Change.   It uses images to promote social and humanitarian causes. The project's intent is to educate and inform the public on important issues around the world, and connect individuals to organizations.   

All of the photos on the site are submitted by the public. Individuals can upload photos that depict a social or humanitarian injustice, or charity in action. The photos are organized by category, and viewers can then quickly find out information about relevant organizations, non-profits, and NGOs. Likewise, organizations themselves can submit their information to our site in order to inform viewers on how they can get involved.

The photo above caught my eye.  It is a young Cambodian girl in Siem Reap near one of Cambodia's major tourist attractions.  The caption says it all, "This little girl is playing with the only toy she could find, a polystyrene, while tourists walk past her.  What can we do?."  There are links to several charities that provide support and assistance to children in developing countries.

Another contributor to the site is Natalia who has shared some compelling photos of children beggars in
from Afghanistan.  Or check out the photos from Kathy Adams who runs Empowerment International and has been sharing photos from Nicaragua and Costa Rica that show the impact of her organization's work.

Comments

[Michaela Hackner]

What a great idea. I'm definitely going to check it out. I'd love to use my photography to publicize causes.