Project Overview: Photography for Social Change (P4SC) is a healing arts photography program offered through Optical Realities Photography in conjunction with Cabrini University.

The program was first offered as a course at Cabrini in 2012 though a partnership with Bethesda Project / Our Brother’s Place. Since its inception, students (and volunteers) have worked alongside homeless and formerly homeless (adult) residents sharing the role of learner and educator, supporting and mentoring one another. The focus of the 2014 program was homeless/at-risk youth, ages 13 -21 and in 2016 students worked with homeless single mothers at the Drueding Center.

In addition to teaching the fundamentals of photography, the program seeks to celebrate our differences and similarities and unlock hidden talents while providing job skills and building self-esteem. Through exhibits, documentaries, advocacy work and public engagements, participants help break down societal misconceptions about homelessness while developing a stronger connectedness to society.

In the early weeks, the program will teach basic camera techniques. Eventually participants will explore the city; travel to museums, visit cultural and sporting events as well as community gardens and other venues that will enable participants to advance the skills they are learning in the classes. As before, participants will understand that the role of student and educator will be interwoven so all can learn, grow and give back in their own unique way.

Program developer, Linda Panetta, is a photojournalist, human rights activist and adjunct professor at Cabrini College. For more nearly thirty years Panetta has worked in numerous conflict and socially and economically deprived countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti, El Salvador and Guatemala, to name a few. Panetta has over 25 years of advocacy and leadership experience as well as more than ten years of lobbying experience. Panetta will use this expertise to train participants to effectively lobby on issues pertaining to the health and safety of homeless/at-risk children and teens.

In a nutshell: Students and youth participants will write weekly blogs and do video diaries; they will work collaboratively on photo essays and short documentaries. They will also promote the project through social media including Facebook and Twitter, and redesign / update our current website. One of the project goals will be to raise enough money to install a photo exhibit at the shelters by the end of the semester. An opening for the exhibit will also serve as an educational fundraiser.

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