Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Life Through Their Lens: An Amish and Mennonite Photography Project
Session Abstract or Summary
In response to the increase in “docudrama” television shows that exploited the negative behavior and often imaginary stories of the Amish way of life, a community-led nonprofit called the Center for Appalachia Research on Cancer (CARE) embarked on a four-year journey to give Amish and Mennonite communities a voice in sharing their lives and stories with the outside world. Home to two of the world’s largest Amish settlements and dozens of other communities throughout rural and Appalachia Ohio, CARE worked directly with Amish and Mennonite members who gave unprecedented access to their daily lives to allow a photographer to capture the moments that told their stories. Thousands of photos were collected over a year, and members selected 50 photos and provided their own comments through oral interviews and written statements. After launching a successful fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, a photo book was created with all proceeds benefiting a community health program called Project Hoffnung (“Hope”).
The purpose of this panel is to share best practices and lessons learned of a community-led project that provided an innovative way to give an often misunderstood community a chance to share their lives from their point of view. Many books, videos and photos have been produced for profit by nonmembers from increased interest in these communities, often without permission and input from the very people depicted. Panel members will share the experiences that led to a framework for a community to decide and way “Here’s what we would like you to know about us.”
Presentation #1 Title
Life Through Their Lens: An Amish and Mennonite Photography Project
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
In response to the increase in “docudrama” television shows that exploited the negative behavior and often imaginary stories of the Amish way of life, a community-led nonprofit called the Center for Appalachia Research on Cancer (CARE) embarked on a four-year journey to give Amish and Mennonite communities a voice in sharing their lives and stories with the outside world. Home to two of the world’s largest Amish settlements and dozens of other communities throughout rural and Appalachia Ohio, CARE worked directly with Amish and Mennonite members who gave unprecedented access to their daily lives to allow a photographer to capture the moments that told their stories. Thousands of photos were collected over a year, and members selected 50 photos and provided their own comments through oral interviews and written statements. After launching a successful fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, a photo book was created with all proceeds benefiting a community health program called Project Hoffnung (“Hope”).
The purpose of this panel is to share best practices and lessons learned of a community-led project that provided an innovative way to give an often misunderstood community a chance to share their lives from their point of view. Many books, videos and photos have been produced for profit by nonmembers from increased interest in these communities, often without permission and input from the very people depicted. Panel members will share the experiences that led to a framework for a community to decide and way “Here’s what we would like you to know about us.”
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Melissa Thomas has worked on addressing health disparities through community-engaged research and outreach models for over 20 years with a specific emphasis in rural and Appalachia Ohio. As founding director of the nonprofit Center for Appalachia Research in Cancer Education (CARE), Dr. Melissa Thomas has led a number of research studies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer through culturally-competent health education programs. Thomas was born, raised, and still calls Appalachia her home.
Presentation #2 Title
Life Through Their Lens: An Amish and Mennonite Photography Project
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
In response to the increase in “docudrama” television shows that exploited the negative behavior and often imaginary stories of the Amish way of life, a community-led nonprofit called the Center for Appalachia Research on Cancer (CARE) embarked on a four-year journey to give Amish and Mennonite communities a voice in sharing their lives and stories with the outside world. Home to two of the world’s largest Amish settlements and dozens of other communities throughout rural and Appalachia Ohio, CARE worked directly with Amish and Mennonite members who gave unprecedented access to their daily lives to allow a photographer to capture the moments that told their stories. Thousands of photos were collected over a year, and members selected 50 photos and provided their own comments through oral interviews and written statements. After launching a successful fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, a photo book was created with all proceeds benefiting a community health program called Project Hoffnung (“Hope”).
The purpose of this panel is to share best practices and lessons learned of a community-led project that provided an innovative way to give an often misunderstood community a chance to share their lives from their point of view. Many books, videos and photos have been produced for profit by nonmembers from increased interest in these communities, often without permission and input from the very people depicted. Panel members will share the experiences that led to a framework for a community to decide and way “Here’s what we would like you to know about us.”
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Margie’s career as a senior leader and program manager spans over 30 years working with and in a variety of organizations – from Fortune 500 and small entrepreneurial business – to government agencies. She is a seasoned public speaker who has presented at numerous conferences and community events across diverse socioeconomic and cultural audiences. Margie served as the editor of Life Through Their Lens and led all aspects of the photo book project.
Presentation #3 Title
Life Through Their Lens: An Amish and Mennonite Photography Project
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
In response to the increase in “docudrama” television shows that exploited the negative behavior and often imaginary stories of the Amish way of life, a community-led nonprofit called the Center for Appalachia Research on Cancer (CARE) embarked on a four-year journey to give Amish and Mennonite communities a voice in sharing their lives and stories with the outside world. Home to two of the world’s largest Amish settlements and dozens of other communities throughout rural and Appalachia Ohio, CARE worked directly with Amish and Mennonite members who gave unprecedented access to their daily lives to allow a photographer to capture the moments that told their stories. Thousands of photos were collected over a year, and members selected 50 photos and provided their own comments through oral interviews and written statements. After launching a successful fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, a photo book was created with all proceeds benefiting a community health program called Project Hoffnung (“Hope”).
The purpose of this panel is to share best practices and lessons learned of a community-led project that provided an innovative way to give an often misunderstood community a chance to share their lives from their point of view. Many books, videos and photos have been produced for profit by nonmembers from increased interest in these communities, often without permission and input from the very people depicted. Panel members will share the experiences that led to a framework for a community to decide and way “Here’s what we would like you to know about us.”
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Jacob Beachy serves as an Amish bishop in the heart of Amish Country in Holmes County, Ohio. Jake and his wife Erma have served as volunteers and supporters of Project Hoffnung: The Amish and Mennonite Breast Health Project for 20 years and played a key role in developing Life Through Their Lens.
Life Through Their Lens: An Amish and Mennonite Photography Project
In response to the increase in “docudrama” television shows that exploited the negative behavior and often imaginary stories of the Amish way of life, a community-led nonprofit called the Center for Appalachia Research on Cancer (CARE) embarked on a four-year journey to give Amish and Mennonite communities a voice in sharing their lives and stories with the outside world. Home to two of the world’s largest Amish settlements and dozens of other communities throughout rural and Appalachia Ohio, CARE worked directly with Amish and Mennonite members who gave unprecedented access to their daily lives to allow a photographer to capture the moments that told their stories. Thousands of photos were collected over a year, and members selected 50 photos and provided their own comments through oral interviews and written statements. After launching a successful fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, a photo book was created with all proceeds benefiting a community health program called Project Hoffnung (“Hope”).
The purpose of this panel is to share best practices and lessons learned of a community-led project that provided an innovative way to give an often misunderstood community a chance to share their lives from their point of view. Many books, videos and photos have been produced for profit by nonmembers from increased interest in these communities, often without permission and input from the very people depicted. Panel members will share the experiences that led to a framework for a community to decide and way “Here’s what we would like you to know about us.”
