I’ve attended every “Collaborations for Cause” conference that Blue Earth Alliance has created and hosted: multiple venues in Seattle, Whidbey Island and Portland, Oregon. I’ve always been interested in how others “make it” as a documentary photographer and have welcomed the opportunity to hone my own craft and connect with others equally passionate about their work.
A few years ago, co-founder Natalie Fobes asked if I would be interested in serving on the Board of Directors. It has been a great learning experience, and I’m now serving a second year as Vice President. The vision, generous sharing of knowledge and spectacular talent of the other board members and those affiliated with Blue Earth constantly humble me.
In my non-Blue Earth time, I work as a coach and facilitator creating safe spaces and hosting transformative conversations and events. Sometimes this happens with paying clients: other times it’s with Obstetric Fistula patients in Ethiopia (pictured below) with whom I’ve championed a project for 8 years. I’ve set up income generation projects and hosted healing circles for uncured women trying to rebuild their lives and dignity after suffering from this preventable childbirth injury.
Locally, I’ve been hosting weekly re-entry circles for formerly incarcerated men seeking to live peaceful, productive and integrated lives outside of the razor wire. After facilitating Non-Violent Communication classes for nearly 3 years inside of the Twin Rivers Unit in Monroe, WA it’s a privilege to witness some of the same men from those classes continue their education, self-awareness and growth outside of prison. I’m incredibly inspired by their support of one another and their commitment to positive contribution in the broader society.
As a member of Blue Earth Alliance’s executive team, I’m passionate about helping to elevate awareness around key social and environmental issues and to support our project photographers as much as possible. I’d love to see Blue Earth deepen its financial underpinnings so that we have the capacity to provide direct grants to our photographers and filmmakers. We’d also love to provide more hands-on, all-ages experiences both face-to-face and digitally to connect and create allies and policy protections throughout our world.
In order for these things to happen, we need supporters like YOU! Please reach out if you’re willing to contribute either a one time or recurring gift. Even small donations help us formulate a clearer picture of Blue Earth’s financial future so we can make sound decisions with the greatest impact.
I’d love to hear from you with any thoughts, innovative ideas or questions. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Happy Spring!