Create a TB Photovoice project in Kenya

Dear friends,

We send you all our best wishes in 2011!  Even though it is only the end of January, your 2010 donation has made a significant impact on TB Photovoice as we look to a year of partnership and innovation. 

• We are proud to announce that TB Photovoice has recently received the U.S. nonprofit, 501(c)(3) status!  This has been a long process, but we certainly have not been waiting for this designation to assist those persons directly affected by TB!  Our dedication and compassion, not to mention resourcefulness, has allowed us to collaborate extensively since 2006 with TB organizations, opening up new opportunities for persons involved in TB Photovoice projects in Mexico,  Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, the United States, and our new partners in Kenya. 

• TB Photovoice was awarded the 2010 Tuberculosis Survival Prize from the Tuberculosis Survival Project, with support from the Lilly MDR-TB Partnership.  TB Photovoice has received this international award for our innovative and empowering campaign to add the perspectives of the millions of people impacted by TB to the global response to the epidemic. The TB Survival Project received entries from organizations around the world, and were reviewed by a jury working in the humanitarian field, headed by Nobel peace laureate, Betty Williams.   

“This organization’s activities allow those affected by TB to become potential catalysts for social action and change in their communities. The stories and perspectives of people affected by TB – reflecting stigma, isolation and poverty as well as hope, courage and unity – cannot be ignored as we move forward in our response,” said Ms Williams.

• As we affirm our commitment to connect persons affected by TB with others, our volunteers are currently developing an improved website that will allow for videos, galleries of photos, and a welcoming, safe environment for individuals to share their experiences.  We have so much to learn from each other!  Look for the launching of our new site at the end of March, in honor of World TB Day.

We recognize that the TB Photovoice vision is a long-term effort,  but each individual stride is critical.   We are so honored that you have joined our movement to ensure that persons affected by TB have the opportunity to become active partners in TB elimination, leaders in their communities (addressing issues such as improving education and person-centered care; fighting stigma related to TB), and advocates for social change.  

Thank you for your kind support.

Sincerely,

Teresa Rugg

Links:

• TB Photovoice website