photovoice

photovoice & oral history

Photovoice is a grassroots initiative aimed at empowering community members through photography and storytelling. The project aims to raise awareness about local issues, foster dialogue, and promote advocacy for community-driven solutions. 

Participants are provided with cameras and trained in basic photography techniques by a certified Photovoice facilitator. They are encouraged to capture images that reflect their daily lives, challenges, and aspirations. They’re also asked to consider themes relevant to their experiences, such as health, housing, education, or the environment. 

Through a series of workshops, the facilitator helps guide participants in crafting their stories and producing their photos. The workshops help foster a deeper sense of community and connection, by sharing and discussing the various themes represented in the work. 
 
Photovoice was conducted as part of the EDISON: EDucation IS ON Project. Edison Resident Scholars’ and English language learners joined workshops led by Jeri Love, a certified Photovoice facilitator. The workshops included an oral history component, where participants’ stories were captured to help promote their rich heritages and neighborhood roots. The final pieces serve as powerful visual narratives that challenge stereotypes, inform public perceptions, and inspire action on important issues. 

photovoice: scholars

Photovoice launched in two cohorts featuring a vibrant mix of perspectives, personalities, and life experiences.

This outstanding work was turned into a portable exhibit which allows audiences across the community to enjoy the art and creativity. It debuted at the KLC’s Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium at Western Michigan University and has been displayed twice at the Edison Neighborhood Association.  

photovoice: esl

A third Photovoice project included English as a Second Language (ESL) learners and was called “Welcome to Our World.” In it, participants shared heartwarming stories and photos that illustrated their lives in Kalamazoo and in some cases, glimpses of their home countries. 

Because so much of culture is shared through the love of food, this group chose to add their favorite recipes, which were printed with their stories as a souvenir booklet.