The VOX Project is a non-profit organization that builds on the power and potential of emerging technologies and media as a flexible and empowering tool to build and enhance the technical and life skills of its participants.   e primarily work with other non-profits on thematic education and/or enrichment projects ranging from six months to several years in length.  We are based out of Boulder, CO yet do work domestically and internationally.  Learn more about our services, view previous projects or contact us..

 

Vox is Latin for voice and that's where we start; we help to give the individuals and communities involved in our projects a voice.  So, it's about self-representation. But not entirely, because it's also about helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as refugee's or at-risk youths, to conceptualize their academic and career dreams.  To do that we get them excited about photography and through sustained, thematic engagement we're able to build confidence and leadership skills.  By teaching individuals to conceptualize their daily realities we're encouraging them to think critically, to create goals and thereby give their aspirations substance.  During the course of our projects, participants not only learn about photography and visual storytelling, but they have direct engagement with various photographic and computing technologies, real-world skills which help them succeed in both their academic and vocational careers.

 

While each VOX project differs, there are several fundamental principles which remain the same:

 

• Participants have the final say over their words and imagery.

• The best interest of participants is put before all else.

• Project stakeholders such as non-profits, community members and participants are to be as actively involved as possible  at all stages. 

• Impact comes through long-term engagement, therefore projects are built with sequential phases in mind.

• Project sustainability is a primary focus from the outset and that is obtained in two key ways:

  • A train-the-trainers model: later-phase participants play a mentor role to new ones.

  • Community ownership is discussed and worked towards from the outset.