Photovoice, developed by Caroline Wang, Dr. P.H., M.P.H. and Mary Ann Burris, Ph.D., supplies people with cameras and offers them the opportunity to photograph their lives as they see and experience them. Using a participatory action research strategy, Photovoice incorporates three goals that allow people 1) to document and reflect upon their personal and community strengths, 2) to engage in dialogue about personal and community issues through analysis and discussions of photographs, 3) to communicate with policy makers. First, this project will identify and recruit community leaders, health care workers, journalists and city council members to serve as a group with political power to advocate for the needs of adolescent girls. Second, a group of girls (16 –20 in Detroit / 12-15 in Ann Arbor-with perhaps more than one offered group) will enroll in the six week Photovoice program. Third, the group of participants will be introduced to the Photovoice methodology and themes: self-esteem, body image, relationships and substance abuse, which will guide their picture taking. Once cameras have been distributed and photographs have been developed, the group will come together and select and contextualize photographs and codify issues and themes that transcend individual photographs. Lastly, the participants will share their photographs and experience with local community leaders, health care workers, journalists, city council members, and other peers and adolescents in a photography exhibit. Issues depicted in photographs will be presented along with a discussion of ways pictures can be used to further impact local and regional health care policy.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify key issues impacting adolescent girls (9-14 years in Detroit and 14-18 in Ann Arbor) in urban and suburban settings. 2. Discuss policy changes that could help support the needs of adolescent girls. 3. Articulate the benefits and challenges of a participatory action research strategy.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.