Photovoice Celebrates Another Successful Year
Youth voices were heard. Images of the community were captured. Actions were taken.
Seven photovoice projects across the Commonwealth (Old Colony YMCA, High Point Brockton, High Point Plymouth, Cambridge Health Alliance, NEW Health, Gandara Center, and LUK) successfully hosted community exhibition events to highlight and showcase photos the students captured of the risk and protective factors they observed in their communities. More than 150 community members attended community exhibitions and had the opportunity to view their communities from the lens of the young people in the room.
Together, they identified gun violence, media literacy, mental health, food quality in schools, environmental pollution, and problem gambling as issues in their communities. Each organization developed a community action plan to begin to address the issue as a team. Organizations carried out activities such as a community cleanup events, a community discussion about food quality, a media literacy workshop for middle schoolers, mental health stations with DIY activities, and a mental health field day for older adults. The end-of-year events brought young people and adults together to build better environments for themselves and their communities.
Keep reading to explore students’ Photovoice projects captured in FY25:
“The ceiling of the Boston Public Library is beautiful, just like the Earth's sky which people should take more time to enjoy. And I feel by not gambling, we can enjoy life more and look up once in a while.”
“This photo shows the illustration of a vibrant sunset over a horizon, sending a message to viewers to explore nature. It encourages people to choose outdoor exploration and personal growth over problem and underage gambling. Support local outdoor clubs and community hiking events as alternatives to problem and underage gambling.”
“The Bunker Hill Monument represents and honors the soldiers who died in the first major battle of the American Revolution & it's a good symbol for that reason and it feels like an honor to live near it and that motivates me away from bad behaviors or activities like youth problem gambling.”
“This image shows Malden City Hall, where all the decisions regarding our city are made. It is the heart of our community, where people's voices are heard, leaders are made, and civic spirits thrive. Here, ideas spark, voices rise, and the community connects. It is good to appreciate those who are a part of our community and their actions to help it.”
“This is a picture of a tree and some grass on the Northern Strand Community Trail otherwise known as the bike path. In the photo you can see it is a very clear nice day and the greenery in specific was very vibrant that day. I took this photo to show the beauty of Malden, especially in spots of nature. It also shows a sense of community as this spot is a popular one in Malden, and how beautiful a peace of community in Malden can look like. It shows how nice Malden can be when it’s litter free and away from the gambling addiction.”
“A board showing clubs made by students for students. A place to take advantage of extracurriculars within Fitchburg High School. A wall of opportunities, activities to engage in, take a healthy risk, and put yourself out there. These activities give students new and healthy experiences and keeps them busy, but the school must also do more to advertise these opportunities by doing things like posting about them on social media.”
Want to learn more? Check out our website at mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services
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