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Youth living in exploitive situations are systematically disempowered and marginalized. They are often viewed as perpetrators rather than victims. If empowered to identify issues that need to be changed and given a voice into the process of their own advocacy, they are more likely to begin to make changes on a micro-level in their own lives.

By giving these youth an opportunity to expose injustice and tell their story through images and reflection, they are offered a visual voice and a chance to be the authors of their own social change. Participatory photography is less about the skill of the photographer and much more about the perspective of the one behind the lens.

This project will culminate in an exhibit in Denver on May 27 to which policy makers, law enforcement, community organizations, media, and the public will be invited. Prints of the youth’s images will be for sale, after which point the exhibit will go on tour throughout the Denver area to raise awareness and spread the visual voice of the participants.

About A Face to Reframe

A Face to Reframe is a 501(c)3 nonprofit which offers participatory photography projects with vulnerable populations in partnership with community organizations in an effort to empower participants, aid in research, advocate for change, and ultimately reframe individuals and communities with dignity.

AFTR focuses primarily on women and children in areas of disability, poverty, and trafficking. They have a transformational community development approach which values holistic change as well as participant-centered projects which lead to sustainable work.

About Prax(us)

Prax(us) is the only organization in Colorado dedicated to serving homeless youth in domestic human trafficking situations. They address the root causes of exploitation by creating systemic change and providing direct services through a comprehensive street outreach program. Street outreach is conducted through a harm-reduction lens that supports youth agency and facilitates access to resources. Systemic change occurs through community organizing, collaborative relationships, community education and policy work.

Of the 1,135 homeless youth in Denver on a given night, 10-30% will be trafficked or exploited sexually. Prax(us) works with youth unconditionally in being as safe and cared for as possible in whatever situations they are in, in getting their needs met in less exploitative ways, and in transforming their lives and communities to ones in which people are not seen as mere objects for pleasure or profit.