Eyes to See: 2010

Some discussion focused on navigating the photography and creative writing piece; particularly as the initiative focuses on relationship building, group coordination and personal safety. Originally, the plan was to identify several participants for the project; organize around a group model for the photography piece and focus on individual work and relationship building for the creative writing piece. Based on the original program model, group conversation and further reflection; I would suggest an alternative.

Instead of the photography piece being a group activity, and the creative writing piece being individually focused; we could switch the photography piece to be a one-on-one event and use the creative writing piece as a group activity. Select members of the core team ( I would suggest this be lead by Cheri Blair, supported by myself and Jason Richards) would begin identify two participants (8.15.10) to work with, speak with the participant a bit about the project and invite them to spend two hours with you in the coming week (8.15.10-8.15.22); this time would be used to foster one-on-one relationships, to take the participant for coffee or lunch and to take the photos. I would suggest working with one participant at a time. Participants could be met at St. Mark's, and another member of the Core Team could be invited to follow along. The creative writing piece and lunch would be provided on the date (8.27.10). By this time, I could have a few of the photos developed cheaply so participants can see the fruit of their work and have material for the creative writing piece. Due to lack of response from Sharon, it has been suggested that Noble Wiltshire would be a good person to lead the writing initiative. I will speak with him about this tonight. I would envision the creative writing piece to be more of a personal reflection of the participant on a given photograph, as opposed to a biography; perhaps generally guided by a few questions. The participants partner could write a brief bio based on one-on-one conversation. So the display foe each participant would have a brief bio, followed by three photographs with reflections. Kay has offered to provide lunch on this day.

I think this approach has several benefits, and reduces some of the conflict discussed earlier:

-It brings less visibility

-It provides an earlier opportunity for relationship building

-It allows the photography part of the project to to be completed rather quickly, not allowing for much time for word to spread in the community. Information about the closing event and lunch would be provided later.

-Allows for participants to gather at the end and see the fruits of their work while engaging in the creative writing piece.

-One or two cheap digital cameras could be purchased and kept at the church for the outings, saving the need for a camera for each participant.

A new Outline would look like this:

1. Three Photography team Leaders identify two participants to work with (8/15/10)

2. Photography team leaders meet with two participants for lunch and photo shoot (8/15/10-8/22/10)

3. Group gathers with participants at St. Mark's for lunch and creative writing portion (9/27/10)

4. Venue Team Leader explores venues and consults with Team Leader

5. Production Team Leader has photos professionally printed and is responsible for display.

5. Opening and reception at St. Mark's

Thanks,

Michael

Eyes to See

Friday, August 13, 2010

Venue Exploration

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Task & Contact List

Continuing Conversation for 8/9/10 Meeting