Short Summary
If you watched the video before moving down the page to these words, you may be wondering what an interview with brothers in the jungle of Peru has to do with helping orphans in Iraq.
In 2012, I went to the Amazon jungle with Selva in Action, an American-Peruvian medical organization, and photographed their medical clinic in the jungle. Some of these images can be seen at this link. Additionally, I have an ongoing personal project about what it is like to be a teen around the world - click to visit this project site.
One organization I am currently volunteering for, the Alalusi Foundation, has invited me to accompany them to Iraqi Kurdistan in order to document their work with orphans. At this time, it is estimated that we will depart in late October 2017. This Indiegogo fundraiser is to ensure that I can fulfill my commitment to Hesham Alalusi and the many individuals who work very hard to provide for the care of now over 1,500 children orphaned by events - both violent and economic - in Iraq.
Now about the program that I will support with my photography in October:
Our signature program, the Iraq Orphans Project (IOP) works within – not against – cultural and religious norms for a working solution to one of Iraqs’ most intractable problems – an estimated 2.5 to 5 million orphans. Instead of adoptions or orphanages – frowned-upon last resorts – the Foundation supports families who have taken on the responsibility of caring for the children of deceased loved ones. Food, medicine, and material support reach the families through a network of on-the-ground distribution and validation partners, including three of the oldest and most respected charitable organizations in Iraq. Through them and others, we are supporting over 1,500 orphans (with one-year sponsorships) in locations from Mosul to Basrah, the Orphans’ Khayrat al-Mosul Village, the Dar Al Amin Iraqi Safe House for Orphans in Sadr City, and individual families of widows and orphaned girls.
If you've done this before, why have a crowdfunding campaign?
In 2009 I purchased my camera - the first generation Canon 5D - and I bought it second hand. In the eight years since, this workhorse has taken many wonderful images, but it also has shown its limitations and now is showing its age. To continue photographing for such organizations as the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation and Alalusi Foundation, it is time to repair and replace some of my gear.
So, to answer that question, with your support I will be able to create more films, like the one above, highlighting not just the problems that NGOs work to alleviate every day, but the people behind their work.
The results of my documentation work will be put on the Alalusi Foundation website both in still and video form. In addition to documenting the work of the foundation, I intend to interview some of the youth touched by the foundation's generosity so that we can bring their struggles and hopes to a wide audience.
The output of this crowdfunding will not end with Alalusi, but continue on with other organizations I work with currently, and ones that I plan to build a relationship with.
What I Need
Where will the money go?
- Canon 5D Mark III - This is not the newest generation, but is two generations better than the one I currently use. - $2,500
- Audio Recorder - While the 5D will replace my 11 year old video camera, but when filming a separate audio recorder is needed to ensure quality sound. - $250
Microphone - $250
Impact
Everyone has heard the expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words." In the NGO community, usually only the very big have the capacity to create professional quality visual documentation of the work they do, while smaller organizations often lack the resources to invest in it.
Volunteering to accompany and document NGO work is a valuable asset to the organizations and to the people they serve. With images I create, descriptions of their services come alive in the minds of potential donors, be they foundations or individuals. Photo and video productions have been shown to increase giving, allowing foundations to do more in their target communities.
What You Get
What you get are great perks including original prints from my art portfolio. Drop by TSP to see what you can get a copy of. Start off in the Shop and then mosey over to the Portfolio section. Pretty much any photo on my site is available to receive as a perk. Experiencing option paralysis? Let me know what you are interested in and I will propose some options.
Risks & Challenges
What happens if I don't make the goal before the Iraq trip?
I have committed to going and still will despite the result of this fundraiser. I simply will be forced to do less than I hoped for as my current equipment is not up to the task due to age and quality.
I see in the news reports about conflict between the government of Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. What happens if the trip to Erbil is cancelled due to instability?
This is unlikely. But, if the foundation cancels their aid trip to the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, they will divert their attention to other projects they have in the works and I will accompany them. This crowdfunding is not just for this one trip, but for many volunteer opportunities into the future where solid dependable photo equipment is needed. I will update on this page any changes to my plans as well as additions in the future.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute funds, that doesn't mean you can't help. You can still use Indiegogo’s share tools to get the work out!
Thank you for reading this far. I hope you will help me get the proper equipment so that I can continue supporting the work of great humanitarian organizations!
