On November 30, just 2 short months away, the world is again uniting for a day of sharing goodness. Every Giving Tuesday millions of people contribute, collaborate and celebrate generosity. Whether it’s giving someone a hug who needs it, helping a neighbor or stranger with a task, speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves, or gifting some of what we have to those who have not, every act of kindness counts, and everyone has something to give.
This Giving Tuesday 2021, we eagerly invite you to participate in an incredible day of exploration at Photo Start:
On Instagram and Facebook, you will be able to explore our world through our students’ eyes. From San Francisco to The Bronx and Nairobi to Cape Town, you’ll see how young people are telling their stories through some pretty awesome photography.
Here’s a sneak peek from one of our newest Partners…
Based in Kajiado, Kenya, Rebirth of a Queen’s mission is to mentor and support survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence. Photo Start’s goal is not only to teach basic photography skills, but also to help these youngsters heal by using the camera to tell their stories.
A recent assignment asked students to make a photograph with leading lines. Model and future art director, Jane, came up with a very creative solution, and photographer Zachary captured the scene perfectly!
- As we count down the days to Giving Tuesday, we will be exploring all the ways you can inspire and strengthen not only our students, but also individuals and local charities in your own community. One big hug and a helping hand may be all someone needs to change their life forever.
- Last, but not least, we will be raising money for our Explorer Scholarship Fund. Our innovative photography program encourages students to explore their world – to focus on the details, to shift their perspective, to always ask, “why?”. In this way, we are nurturing the vision and compassion of the leaders of tomorrow, who will impact their communities for generations to come.
While training is free for students, scholarships ensure our partners can provide the necessary facilities, equipment and infrastructure for our growing family. Consider one of the following options for Giving Tuesday or as a recurring donation.
- Just $18 gives one student access to digital photography lessons for two weeks and a memory card to store and share their images.
- $50 provides a photoshoot walk for five students to explore their community and interact with neighbors, business owners, and civic leaders.
- $100 ensures ten students receive one week of practical and theory lessons in photography and storytelling. They not only learn how to find and share stories of others, but also how to tell their own stories through pictures.
- $200 provides one week of learning valuable professional, social, and leadership skills for an entire class (typical class size is 20-24 students). They learn digital production technology, business software apps, data management, communication tools and so much more.
- With $300, you will change the life of one student forever with a full 24-week program and a memory card–ensuring a brighter future they can imagine, envision and create for themselves.
You don’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday to donate your old cameras and smartphones!
You don’t have to wait until the Big Day to show your support. Start right now by planning a charity donation drive at your school, workplace, or neighborhood. We have been receiving requests for more classes and have an urgent need for your old digital cameras, iPads, smartphones and other photography accessories like lighting, tripods, camera bags, and memory cards. It’s easy and fun to do:
- Decide where your collection will take place and if you want to collect on one day or over a range of days.
- Customize this event flyer, or create your own. On the Adobe fillable PDF form, add your event date/dates, start time –end time, street address, and city.
- Download and post it on your socials, text it, email it, even print it to hand out and post everywhere you go.
- Create a list of the donated items –brand, model, serial number, fair market value (search pricing for similar used items online).
- Go to photostart.org/donate and complete the form.
- Within 3-5 days you will receive confirmation of your donation and shipping information.
A donation drive is double the goodness: You’ll be helping friends and neighbors find new homes for their old gear, and giving our students the tools they need to succeed.
Photo Start is Silver-certified on GuideStar as a 501c3 non profit organization providing children’s education. We partner with youth charities, schools and NGOs in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and the United States, and with your help we’ll be expanding to more countries in 2022.
Don’t forget to show our students some love on Instagram and Facebook!
