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The Value of a <br />Photo: <br />using pic. ures in <br />commu It <br />engogem t <br />Sometimes, the most effective way for community members to express their values, <br />priorities, and aspirations for their families and their communities is through pictures. <br />There are various ways to incorporate photos into community engagement. One of the <br />simplest is to provide a way for community members to submit photos on a particular <br />topic. For instance, if your city is doing a comprehensive plan, you might ask community <br />members to send in pictures of things that they like about their community and would <br />like to see more of. <br />A more intensive approach, photovoice, is a visual research methodology that is <br />particularly well suited to stimulating useful conversations around social concerns. Alyssa <br />Scott, who led a photovoice process in Long Prairie, Minnesota, shared fundamentals of <br />the approach: "There are three main goals... First, to enable people to capture and share <br />their perspectives on their community. Second, to promote dialogue in small groups <br />about community issues. Third, to take action on what is learned in a way that is <br />meaningful to the group." Some important things to keep in mind: <br />• Conversations about social issues can be tricky. Use a trained facilitator for <br />conversations. <br />• Trust is critical. Establish mutually acceptable ground rules for photographs and <br />conversations. In some projects, for instance, photographs may not include <br />recognizable people. <br />• People's time and perspectives have value. Consider providing stipends and/or meals <br />for participants. <br />• Follow-up matters. How would participants like you to use the information they have <br />provided? <br />For more information on Photovoice, see Creating a Welcoming Community: A Toolkit to <br />Support Immigrants, Refugees, and BIPOC. <br />IN <br />