AEA-Webinar: Using Photovoice to Engage Stakeholders September 30, 2010 Kimberly Kay Lopez, DrPH, MPH, BA

What is Photovoice? It is a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) method. Photovoice was developed by Caroline Wang and colleagues in the mid 1990’s Wang, Cash and Powers (2000) define it as “a process by which people can identify, represent and enhance their community through a specific photographic technique.”

Photovoice has 3 goals 1.“ to enhance people to record and reflect their community strengths and concerns, 1.to promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important issues through large and small group discussions of photographs 2.to reach policy makers.” Wang and Burris 1997

Photovoice

Photovoice Overview Wang and Burris Engage stakeholders 1. Define scope

Wang and Burris Participant training 4. Data (photo) collection Photovoice Overview Cont’d

Wang and Burris Data analysis 6. Photo display

Photovoice Overview Cont’d Wang and Burris Dissemination 8. Follow-Up

Example Photos This photo represents improved relationships. This photo represents being helped by the program.

Example Photos This photo depicts friendship. This photo represents improvements in school work. This photo represents pregnancy prevention efforts.

Phase One Empowerment Evaluation: Defining the mission What is Brighter Futures? The youth developed a program definition: “Brighter Futures is an after-school program designed to: prevent teen pregnancy, help with academics, help teens make good choices in life and to get them prepared to go out in the real world.” Phase Two Empowerment Evaluation: Taking Stock For this component, the youth inventoried the program. They participated in group discussions, completed guided journal writing and used photography to inventory program components. Phase Three Empowerment Evaluation: Planning for the future

Key Evaluation Questions Developed by the Youth 1) What types of opportunities have you been exposed to since your involvement with Brighter Futures? 2) Have you had improvements in core program areas, such as academics, relationships, communication, physical and mental health?

Coding Results Prevalent Themes From Photos ThemeCount Friendship45 Improvements in school/Academic Support 36 Working hard/Achievement33 Improved relationships/(parental, friends, romantic) 27 Program helps me18 Prevention of pregnancy17 Meet people16 Help each other15 Relaxing (chilling)12 Exposure to new experiences11 Snacks11 Staff doing job11 Planning for the future/ goals11 Fun program10 Cultural pride8 Gratitude for being in program5 Improved self-esteem/confidence5 Improvement in health5

Things to consider Evaluation Question Time Budget Digital or film Consents

Resources: References: Fetterman (2001). Foundations of Empowerment Evaluation, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA. Minkler and Wallerstein (2003). Community-Based Participatory Research for Health, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA. Wang and Burris (1997). Photovoice: Concept, methodology and use for participatory needs assessment. Health Education and Behavior, 24, Wang, Cash and Powers (2000). Who knows the streets as well as the homeless? Promoting personal and community action through photovoice. Health Promotion Practice 1,

Contact Information: Kimberly Kay Lopez, DrPH See y’all in San Antonio!