Interested in photography? Want to tackle tough topics in a new and creative way? Youths in grades 9 through twelve in Hamilton County are invited to find their voice through the lens on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mornin’ Glory Coffee Shop. The workshop is free.

“The overall PhotoVoice Project is going to be a way to increase youths voices using photography,” said Tiffany Larson, Bee Inspired CAPP Coordinator/Youth PhotoVoice Coordinator.

Any ninth through 12th grader who lives or attends school in Hamilton County can be part of the project, according to Larson. The four-topic program is estimated to last four to five weeks.

Attendees are required to bring a camera or cell phone to take pictures with as well as a picture or two that they like. The picture should be a hard copy, and not on a phone, according to Larson.

“The picture should be something that appeals to them,” said Larson. “It can be a favorite singer, sports player, friend, etc. It’s for an activity that Maureen is going to be doing with them.”

Maureen Powers, of Buckroyd Studio, will be providing tips and tricks for the photo portion of the workshop.

“At the photo workshop, the youth are going to be able to learn creative ways to tackle photos of their messages without using actual people, taking quality photos, tips and tricks, lighting options, ideas on captioning for photos, and taking creative, unique and engaging photos,” Larson said.

The students will focus on four themes throughout the project. Each week, individuals will take a series of photos about specific subject matter from their own perspectives.

“They are going to be able to share the healthy and unhealthy ways of relationships, environment, coping mechanisms, and online socialization all implements people’s thinking and behavior around that theme,” said Larson. “It is their perspective. It can be a lived experience. It can be something they’ve been invited to participate in. It could be the world around them.”

For the final step of the project, each person will showcase one photo of their choosing from each week/theme to be showcased in a public gallery. The date for the gallery is still to be determined, according to Larson.

“After the completion of the project, their photos will be on display,” Larson said. “They’ll have a caption that they decide on that will go with it.”

The first theme will focus on alcohol.

“I think what also is great is April is Alcohol Awareness Month,” said Larson. “That’s kind of why we are targeting the alcohol topic for this first theme.”

For more information about the Youth PhotoVoice Project, contact Larson at (515) 835-1836 or email beeinspiredcappprogram@gmail.com. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

“If anyone has interest, call or come the day of the event to take part,” said Larson. “I think this is a great opportunity to grow. I’m excited to see what unique and creative ideas they have this year through photography.”

The project is being sponsored by Power Up YOUth through the STOP Act Grant. The Sober Truth On Preventing underage drinking Act Grant focuses on alcohol and underage drinking issues. The grant, totaling $47,145, is from the federal government, more specifically the Department of Health and Human Services and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and Administration. The coalition is one of two groups in Iowa to receive the grant.

The grant will be used for three causes: Public health disparity, the PhotoVoice Project, and changing policy with risk assessments.

“The coalition members got together and identified a local condition that we could address,” said Kathy Getting, Power Up YOUth Coalition Director. “The local condition identified was private events in rented settings do not always follow best alcohol practices.”

Through this grant, Town and Country Insurance is approaching 15 venues in Hamilton County that allow people to rent a venue without providing staff and they also allow alcohol to be consumed at their venue and providing them with a risk assessment. During the risk assessment, the rental agreement is looked at and venues are advised on how they can reduce their risk and liability.

Possible ways to reduce liability include putting up signs, verification of insurance by the renter, signing a risk waiver, and providing an informational packet for the renter.