Youth Group to Capture Community Issues One Photo At a Time

Members of an Ashland youth group hope to focus in on local social issues through snapshots of its community.

Furthering Youth Inspiration (FYI), part of the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs' Activities League (DSAL), aims at having local kids capture positive images in their neighborhoods such as crime prevention, youth empowerment and food justice.

"We want to shed some light on the issues our community faces through photos," said FYI Youth Mentor Coordinator Roy Terry.

As part of the PhotoVoice Project, FYI will host several photography workshops — the first on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. — that run until April.

"We'll start in an outside setting and walk around the [Ashland] Youth Center or anywhere that sparks our interest," Terry said.

Space is limited to those without cameras. FYI is able to supply 10 participants with digital camears, according to Terry. Those who have their own cameras and wish to participate are more than welcome to.

Terry said a meeting spot for the first workshop is still being discussed. It will either be at the Ashland Community Center (1530 167th Ave.) or the Jack Holland Sr. Skate Park (16301 E. 14th St.).

He added that both of those locations are also being considered as spots to eventually exhibit all the photos.

FYI hosted several community youth events throughout the year such as the rally and , all geared towards sparking positive change for the Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo communities.

The PhotoVoice Project workshop dates are being finalized. Patch will post them once the information is made available.

To reserve one of the 10 open spots in the workshop, call Roy Terry at 510-731-9282 or Katie Bradley at 412-720-4571.

If you are interested in learning more about FYI, its events and activities, visit its website.