Views on poverty in Calgary are as diverse as each individual. But how would that perspective appear through the lens of a camera?
The United Way of Calgary and Area’s 2335 group is inviting Calgarians in their 20s and 30s to explore their community through the Urban Exposure photography expedition that delves into poverty through imagery collected by participants.
“We take a few people and we give them a really deep and rich experience and opportunity … we push them outside their comfort zone and as a consequence they have stories to tell and things to say and they’ve learned and they can go on and engage their family, friends and colleagues,” said Rhiannon MacDonnell, co-chair for 2335 and project facilitator.
MacDonnell said photography is a great medium because the captured images can make communicating it to others much easier.
Participants volunteer with various social agencies and get an opportunity to visually capture how those organizations affect the lives of thousands of Calgarians every day.
MacDonnell said this age group is aware and engaged and needs an outlet to create change.
“The real opportunity for this generation is to start acting and to give our time money and spirit to actually creating positive change in the world we see around us,” said MacDonnell.
Today is the last day to apply — and if interested, Calgarians in their 20s and 30s can visit calgaryunitedway.org/volunteer.
