Collective Lens: Photography for Social Change

From around the web, here are some interesting links worthy of reading.

• World Animal Day Boston.com's The Big Picture has some great photos of animals in support of bringing attention to endangered and threatened species.

Poverty exists in every part of the world. Poverty affects every race and every religion. Poverty can be a result of homelessness, but can also affect those that work hard for their living. Poverty can be a result of economic issues, mental illness, physical disabilities, a lack of education, bad luck, or old age.

Poverty is everywhere. The photos below were uploaded from people around the world as a cry for help on behalf of those who can not afford to help themselves.

Wednesday, October 15th is Blog Action Day. This year's theme is poverty. If you have a blog, you can join thousands of others in promoting awareness of poverty around the globe. Check out BlogActionDay.org for more info, and see our previous post for ideas on poverty related topics to blog about.

During harsh economic conditions when funding is stretched to its limit – although it has since the beginning of time – and nonprofits lack key personnel like Volunteer Directors and Recruiters, staff who do not possess the expertise and experience to coordinate and lead recruitment efforts are often charged with the responsibility.

They wear many hats like most professionals in the nonprofit sector, holding multiple positions simultaneously and more often than not, are unable to devote the necessary amount of energy and thoughtfulness to make recruitment a success.

James Nachtwey has now revealed the results of his work over the last year as part of his TED Prize wish. Today, photographs in support of XDRTB.org are being displayed around the world. This organization is working to raise awareness of and eradicate extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis, a new mutation of the disease which is threatening the lives of millions.

We found this video on Donor Power Blog and wanted to share it with all of you. It portrays an extremely effective and viral fundraising technique with the help of Studio Brussels. All of the money went to Music for Life, an effort to bring fresh drinking water to third world countries.

Global Warming, Tainted Food Supplies, Rising Food Costs, Environmental Pollution, and Nationwide Obesity Epidemic.

Update: see the photos here.

You can now follow us on Twitter. Check us out at twitter.com/collectivelens, and send us ideas for photos or for our blog.

In an effort to raise awareness of not just the environment, but also sustainability, the Prix Pictet has been announced as a new major prize in photography. Sponsored by Swiss Bank Pictet & Cieand The Financial Times, the prize of 100,000 Swiss Francs will be awarded on October 20, 2008 (and annually thereafter). Photographers from around the world were recently nominated for the prize based upon the impact and artistic quality of their work.