TakingITGlobal’s Youth Voices Project Presented by TakingITGlobal

Overview of Presentation Why are we here? What is Adobe Youth Voices? Who is TakingITGlobal? TakingITGlobal’s Global gallery Overview of the Youth Voices Project

Why are we here? To communicate our thoughts on important issues; Learn about importance of Creativity –We want you to be able to express yourself through different forms! –Not all of us are good at expressing ourselves with words- images can be just as powerful. –Think about the power of a photograph!

What is this photograph trying to say? Courtesy of POCHOLO GONZALES

“Adobe Youth Voices infuses learning experiences with technology, enabling teens to think more creatively, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively- all critical skills for success in the 21 st century.” ~Bruce Chizen, Adobe CEO

What is Adobe Youth Voices? Why was Adobe Youth Voices developed? –Opportunity for youth to become active and engaged members of their communities –A chance for them to express their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations. –To help youth develop the critical technology skills they may need in life~ fusing learning with technology!

TakingITGlobal Overview of TakingITGlobal

Established in 2000; Provides a virtual space for cross- cultural expression, dialogue, networking and collaboration among youth Currently has over 170,000 members located in over 200 countries and territories; Average time spent on the site by TIG members is 34 minutes Receives 1.8 million hits daily

Different ways of engaging youth: Make connections through discussion boards, profiles and groups; Take action on local, regional, national, and global levels; Browse resources for valuable involvement opportunities and events; Understand Issues and access background information on major topics; Explore the world and view localized portals specific to any city, state, and country Express yourself on the Global Gallery and Panorama (online magazine)

Global Gallery

Mission of Global Gallery A cross-cultural platform for artistic expression; Promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue through different media; Raises awareness around major global challenges through the arts; Showcases the personal interpretations and talents of young people through an open and shared space

“Cultural Expressions Around the World" were displayed at the TakingITGlobal booth at the Toronto Skydome. This display of artwork at the event in April 2001, was the initial launch of the Global Gallery. “Cultural Expressions Around the World” Jennifer Corriero, Age 20

Inspired by the awakening of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 'Promoting A Culture of Peace' was the third contest opportunity for the TakingITGlobal Gallery. “Promoting A Culture of Peace” Yusuf Alam

“There is much more to a picture than what meets the eye.” Examples of Member’s artwork

TakingITGlobal and Adobe Youth Voices: A Perfect Combination Primary Goal of Project: –To utilize digital media tools and for youth to create images that share their perspectives on two issues: Climate Change (Workshop #1) Identity and Culture (Workshop #2) General Goals of Project: –To empower youth in communities to create artistic creations through digital art, photo journalism, and multimedia projects –To provide youth with technology tools to make a positive impact in their communities and around the world –Foster cross-cultural learning and understanding

TakingITGlobal and Adobe Youth Voices: A Perfect Combination The project will produce: –Training on digital media tools (Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0) –Workshop participants images featured on TakingITGlobal website – Two Global Gallery Contests on the TakingITGlobal site ( –Two TIG magazines (winners of online contest, as well as some workshop participants will be included in these) –Exhibition of work at international conferences, such as World Youth Congress 2008

What will you be doing here? Introduction to themes –Climate Change –Cross Cultural Understanding Discussion of themes that images will be created around Introduction to Adobe software Opening a TIG account, so that you can submit to the contest! Creating Images Time to develop your submissions Reflection time

Let’s get Started!