2025 PhotoVoices Call For Participants (Diaspora)

Atlantic Council International Cooperation (ACIC) is offering a program focused on youth of African descent in partnership with Connecting to Africa (CTA)

To apply for this program, participants will:

Be between the ages of 18-29
Be living in Atlantic Canada
Depending on the PhotoVoices program you are applying for:
- Be a person of African descent (Including, but not limited to Black Canadians, People of African ancestry living in Canada, People of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, People of Afro-Latino ancestry)
Be available for approximately 2 hours/week over the course of 10 weeks between February 9 to March 20th, 2025, for Zoom sessions and program work such as taking photos, connecting with group members, and reflecting on the program process
Show interest in learning from others and sharing aspects of their own lived experiences, communities, and analysis with youth from other regions of Atlantic Canada and other countries

About the Program

Racial inequality remains deeply entrenched in our society, limiting opportunities for people of African descent and other racialized communities to participate in decision-making and leadership roles. Systemic barriers perpetuate disparities across all social determinants of health, as research and statistical data consistently demonstrate inequities faced by racialized groups in every sector of Canadian society. These inequities are not abstract—they manifest in tangible, measurable ways that affect access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing. Racial discrimination is a persistent and pervasive force that undermines individual potential and stifles collective solidarity. Addressing these challenges requires not only recognizing the reality of racial injustice but also committing to meaningful action that promotes equity, inclusion, and justice for all.

Program Description

Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. This years PhotoVoice program has a specific focus on realities facing youth from African Diaspora and Black communities living in Atlantic Canada.

Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from our program partners abroad use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. The purpose of this program is to help budding photographers/journalists build their skills and portfolios while taking part in an intercultural program. The program will include youth 18-29 years from Atlantic Canada and youth from the partner organization/s country.

Important details:

All activities will take place online.
Participants must have access to a stable internet connection and laptop or desktop computer or tablet. If stable internet access or equipment access could be a challenge but you are interested in applying, please mention this in the application form below.
The program will run for 10 weeks from February 9 and March 23, 2025 (Sunday afternoons).
Upon completion of the program youth will receive a certificate of completion and a $150 honorarium for the time and commitment.

For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org

More information about the program:

To achieve program goals, the PhotoVoices Program uses Participatory Action Research and the process of photovoice as a visually effective and transforming process, which helps to communicate diverse understandings and needs. It is most useful in:

Empowering marginalized and underserved individuals & communities
Connecting disparate community voices
Raising awareness & action on community issues
Evaluating collaborative initiatives
Reaching and motivating decision makers

(McRuer, J (July 2020). Photovoice: A Basic Guide to Support Participatory Action Processes for Transformative Community Building)

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Demographic information is collected by ACIC to ensure we deliver programs that accurately reflect the needs of the communities we work with. In addition, it allows us to build and adapt our programs and approaches to create programming that contributes to more just, equitable and sustainable communities. Completing these questions is optional.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples of Turtle Island, are from communities that were the original inhabitants on the land now called Canada. *2SLGBTQ+ people.

2SLGBTQ+ is an acronym used to refer to people, as a group, who identify as Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer. The plus sign acknowledges the many sexual and gender minority people who don't see themselves in the umbrella acronym and prefer other identity terms such as Pansexual, Gender-Free, or Intersex.

Persons with disabilities include those who experience economic or educational disadvantage due to attitudes and barriers related to long term or episodic conditions, chronic illnesses, or physical, sensory, mental/emotional health, psychiatric or learning disabilities. It should be noted that the social model of disability recognizes that disability is not created by any medical or physical condition, but rather by societal barriers.

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Why are you interested in participating in this program?

This program will involve working with other youth, exploring potentially difficult and thought-provoking topics. What would you hope to add to these discussion?

What (if any) experience do you have taking photos? This can include anything from social media engagement for fun, to paid photography work.

Tell us something about yourself that would make you a valuable member of the PhotoVoice group (could be a special skill, talent, passion, characteristic, etc.).

Is there anything else you would like to add?