As part of my dissertation research, I have been conducting a Photovoice project in Clarkston in order to study the communal dynamics in town and examine if the image- and dialogue based Photovoice methodology can be used effectively as a conflict engagement strategy in diverse communities.
CDF has been supportive of my efforts since I first came to Clarkston a year ago, and different members of the team have played important roles at different times.
When I first got involved in Clarkston, CDF invited me to co-facilitate the Community Trust meetings. This gave me an opportunity to get to know Clarkston residents, learn about communal dynamics and concerns, and build social capital. CDF team members helped me recruit project participants by sharing my information with individuals they thought might be interested, helping me strategically post flyers around town, and letting me host an informational gathering in the offices of CDF. They also introduced me to Lady A and Christin Taylor of First Baptist Church, who graciously made available a beautiful space at the K.D. Moore Community Development Center for me to hold the Photovoice sessions.
Once the project started, CDF team members were again most helpful. The project required participants to upload their images to the www.photovoiceclarkston.com website, which was tricky for some. Team members helped participants with the uploading process. They also gave rides to those who would not otherwise have been able to attend the sessions, and chauffeured CDF’s video camera around so I could tape the sessions and have an easier time transcribing our dialogues.
Now that most of the Photovoice sessions have been completed, CDF is helping me raise awareness of the great work the Clarkston residents have done and of the upcoming Photovoice exhibitions in Clarkston and at the Zuckerman Museum of Art at Kennesaw State University.
All of this is to say: THANK YOU, CDF! Without you, none of this would have been possible. J
Birthe Reimers is a doctoral candidate in International Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University.