PhotoVoice is a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methodology based on the premise that people are experts in their own lives. It involves taking pictures and writing brief descriptions to document the realities of an environment and to identify opportunities to advocate for change. The Center for Closing the Health Gap (The Center) has used PhotoVoice to assess community needs and inform the delivery of our “Do Right! Campaign.” The perspective PhotoVoice provides has been instrumental in gaining insightful information that might not otherwise have been apparent, and then used to tailor the delivery of the program to each specific neighborhood. During this workshop, participants were given an overview of PhotoVoice and trained on its standard curriculum, which includes: (1) aims of the project and social action plan, (2) photography training, (3) facilitated group discussion, (4) plan for exhibition and (5) debrief. The training lasted approximately 30 minutes. Participants were then divided into groups, each led by a Center staff member. Using pre-printed photos, each group compiled photos into a resource guide with pictures and descriptions of supports and barriers to healthy living in the area. The groups then presented their guides to each other. Finally, each group presented their story to the others and engaged in discussion about why they chose the photos they did and what opportunities for advocacy they see represented in their photographs.
