SCU Giving Back Blog
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Muhammad Ali
by Skip Cohen
The SCU "Giving Back" program really has three very important components. First, is helping to build awareness for the photographic community on programs involving photography as a way to give back to the community. In this section of the site we'll highlight videos and information on non-profits who focus on giving back through the skill set of their supporters, professional photographers.
Second, this is where we'll run posts on ways to be involved in your community. It'll be a home for guest posts and links with information on charities being supported by the photographic industry.
Third, will be an annual cash contribution to various non-profits. The annual decision will be made by the the Deans of SCU together with the SCU Student Council at the end of each calendar year. We're initially setting things up so that at least 5% of everything, from program registrations to sponsorship will go into a fund for photo-centric non-profit groups. Obviously, I'm hoping this amount can continue to grow higher, but you have to walk before you can run.
For information how you can include a video from your favorite non-profit photo-centric charity or participate with a guest post, please email SCU@mei500.com.
The SCU "Giving Back" program really has three very important components. First, is helping to build awareness for the photographic community on programs involving photography as a way to give back to the community. In this section of the site we'll highlight videos and information on non-profits who focus on giving back through the skill set of their supporters, professional photographers.
Second, this is where we'll run posts on ways to be involved in your community. It'll be a home for guest posts and links with information on charities being supported by the photographic industry.
Third, will be an annual cash contribution to various non-profits. The annual decision will be made by the the Deans of SCU together with the SCU Student Council at the end of each calendar year. We're initially setting things up so that at least 5% of everything, from program registrations to sponsorship will go into a fund for photo-centric non-profit groups. Obviously, I'm hoping this amount can continue to grow higher, but you have to walk before you can run.
For information how you can include a video from your favorite non-profit photo-centric charity or participate with a guest post, please email SCU@mei500.com.
PPA Charities
SCU's Giving Back program is all about ideas to help you in your community in finding ways to give back. Some of the programs we feature are large national programs, while others are dreams in their infancy.
Sixteen years ago, president of PPA, Bert Behnke had a dream and founded PPA Charities. This year they're supporting Operation Smile. To understand why PPA Charities has chosen Operation Smile to be its charitable partner, take a moment to view "The Founder's Video."
To find out more about ways you can get involved helping PPA Charities, just visit their website.
Sixteen years ago, president of PPA, Bert Behnke had a dream and founded PPA Charities. This year they're supporting Operation Smile. To understand why PPA Charities has chosen Operation Smile to be its charitable partner, take a moment to view "The Founder's Video."
To find out more about ways you can get involved helping PPA Charities, just visit their website.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
by Bob Coates
Around 2005 when I first heard of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) and their mission to provide families suffering early infant loss with professional portraiture, I was stopped cold in my tracks thinking, "There is NO way I could ever do that!" This is a common reaction by people. You usually need some time to process the amazing gift you can give families through this service.
I saw Sandy Puc speak about this a year later and heard her heartfelt words, "How can I not do this?" I decided to give photographing the sessions a try. The letters I receive from the families served made me realize how important the images are to their healing process. It moved me so much I became a NILMDTS photographer. Then a NILMDTS Trainer, Board Member for 2 years and more.
Many photographers are looking for ways to give back to their communities. Becoming a NILMDTS photographer is a great way to start. Often photographers say they'd like to get involved, but feel it's too emotional and they'll cry. If you don't cry now and then you probably shouldn't be photographing sessions. If you're interested in becoming a NILMDTS photographer give it a try. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact headquarters headquarters@nilmdts.org or me directly, bob@bcphotography.com.
Bob Coates is a member of the SCU faculty and we couldn't be more proud to have him on board. He's teaching this summer in Chicago at SCU's Summer Session and you'll find more about him on his faculty page along with some great advice for photographers.
Whether you think you'd like to get involved or not, spend the next five minutes and watch the newest NILMDTS video. It'll give you a terrific idea of the power you have as a professional photographer and the ability you have to help people capture their most important memories.
Around 2005 when I first heard of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) and their mission to provide families suffering early infant loss with professional portraiture, I was stopped cold in my tracks thinking, "There is NO way I could ever do that!" This is a common reaction by people. You usually need some time to process the amazing gift you can give families through this service.
I saw Sandy Puc speak about this a year later and heard her heartfelt words, "How can I not do this?" I decided to give photographing the sessions a try. The letters I receive from the families served made me realize how important the images are to their healing process. It moved me so much I became a NILMDTS photographer. Then a NILMDTS Trainer, Board Member for 2 years and more.
Many photographers are looking for ways to give back to their communities. Becoming a NILMDTS photographer is a great way to start. Often photographers say they'd like to get involved, but feel it's too emotional and they'll cry. If you don't cry now and then you probably shouldn't be photographing sessions. If you're interested in becoming a NILMDTS photographer give it a try. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact headquarters headquarters@nilmdts.org or me directly, bob@bcphotography.com.
Bob Coates is a member of the SCU faculty and we couldn't be more proud to have him on board. He's teaching this summer in Chicago at SCU's Summer Session and you'll find more about him on his faculty page along with some great advice for photographers.
Whether you think you'd like to get involved or not, spend the next five minutes and watch the newest NILMDTS video. It'll give you a terrific idea of the power you have as a professional photographer and the ability you have to help people capture their most important memories.
HeartsApart.org
The video is almost two years old, but it's still one of my most favorite and so appropriate to be the first one in the Giving Back Center. This is a group of photographers who live by the expression "pay it forward." For more information visit HeartsApart.org.
