LDS Philanthropies

A lot of times in school we are reminded and urged to participate in our community, voice our opinions, and take a stand. One way we can do that is through digital media. It’s incredible how quickly we can reach such a broad audience through things we post on the Internet. No amount of passing out fliers or attending city council meetings can measure up to a Youtube video that gets millions of views, or a blog that is read worldwide. Digital media can be a tool that we as artists can use to make a difference.

Artists have a unique role in society, I believe, and one that is very important. Artists can bring to our attention things that we might have otherwise ignored by presenting them in a way that is engaging, or shocking, or beautiful. Artists can make us feel a certain way and thus lead us to act on our feelings. The challenges come, however, when we recognize the heavy responsibility it is to act as an ambassador for someone who needs our help. If we are representing another person, group, or culture, we have to be careful to do so in a respectful and honest manner. If we are representing ourselves, we have to be willing to take the risk of being rejected by some, or ignored, or misunderstood.

One example of an organization that uses digital media to act for a cause is LDS Philanthropies. My grandpa actually works as communications manager in the department where they plan, produce, and distribute different types of digital media to encourage people to donate to their various causes. My grandpa has travelled all over the world and photographed different peoples and cultures, and his work is both beautiful and moving. Just by seeing the hope and light in the eyes of his subjects, I immediately felt like I wanted to help. The LDS Philanthropies website is full of videos, photographs, and articles that are inspiring and motivating.

http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/