PROOF: Media for Social Justice Annual Report 2015

PROOF

Media for Social Justice©

ANNUAL REPORT

2015

01

PHOTO CREDIT Front Cover

Back Cover

Top-right: Jan Grarup

Top-right: David Garrison

Top-left: Ligeia Moltisanti

Top-left: Ligeia Moltisanti

Middle: Blake Fitch

Middle: Blake Fitch

Bottom-right: Riccardo Gangale

Bottom-right: Sonia Folkmann

Bottom-left: Leora Kahn

Bottom-left: Leora Kahn

Page 6: Riccardo Gangale

Page 16: Ligeia Moltisanti

Page 7: Cedric Gerbehaye

Page 18: Leora Kahn

Page 9: Taylor Hynes Page 10: Youssef Farhat Page 11: Ligeia Moltisanti

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CONTENTS 04

Message from our Board Chair

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Who We Are

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About Us

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Why PROOF Works: A Two-Part Approach

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How PROOF Works: What We Do

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Where PROOF Works: Mapping Our Year In Review

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Traveling with PROOF

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Picture Justice

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Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence

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Our Impact

22

Our Partners

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How You Can Help 03

MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR The world we live in is a wonderful place.

It is a place where beautiful stories and beautiful images are found in terrible situations.

It is a place where, in the face of a flawed, fearful, and violent human existence, we find real people who inspire us with powerful

International School on Picture Justice, an innovative approach to social justice education and creative skill development that is built on PROOF’s unique philosophy and rigorous methodology. We continue to expand the program, bringing human rights and visual narrative learning to students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.

demonstrations of moral courage and take

3. Research

real steps—both great and small—to change

PROOF partners with leading researchers

the world around them.

and institutions such as Yale University to

This is the work of PROOF: to identify, to

beliefs, behaviors, and environmental factors

record, and to share moving, visual stories

that lead to rare and everyday acts of moral

that look beyond current conflicts, force us

courage. We continue to work with academic

to reflect on our relationship to the world

institutions across the country to find the

around us, and inspire us to act.

beautiful patterns in great and small acts of

What stands out about PROOF’s activities in 2015—beyond its outsized impact

archive photo testimonies, and analyze the

empathy, optimism, and humanity in the face of staggering horrors.

on individuals, communities, and policy

PROOF is a small, but mighty organization

influencers across the globe—is its

that is a partner of choice by some of the

commitment to three things:

most discerning and demanding leaders

1. Roll-up-your-sleeves field work The personal stories we use to spark dialogue and change are unique, difficult to find, and deeply painful. As a result, unlike

in the world including the UN, the U.S. Secretary of State, Yale University, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding.

many organizations, we go into the field to

Your generous support continues to go a

surface stories, and identify the tensions

long way toward crafting global exhibits,

and the people that bring them to life.

fostering a new generation of visual

This is incredibly important, inspiring, and

storytellers, and inspiring acts of incredible

challenging work that requires real-time

humanity in the places that are most in

presence and in-person interactions. PROOF

need of them.

continues to build tangible momentum on real-world issues including mass

Thank you for being a part of PROOF.

incarceration in the U.S. and violence

Sincerely,

against women in India.

2. Pragmatic change through education PROOF has seen enviable success in

David Garrison

its partnership with the United Nations

Board Chair, PROOF: Media for Social Justice

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W

Who We Are S TAFF

m

s.

Leora Kahn | Executive Director Debra Driscoll | Associate Director Willhemina Wahlin | Creative Director Abby MacPhail | Human Rights Educator Shelby Quackenbush | Marketing & Development Associate Tara Law | Communications Associate Siddhakanksha Mishra | Graphic Design Associate

BOARD OF DIREC TORS David Garrison | Chair Fran Kaufman | Vice Chair Leslie Thurman | Secretary Pascale Goldenstein | Treasurer F. Robert Stein Sherri North Cohen Lee T. Bycel

A DV ISORY BOARD

e

Jonathan Alter | MSNBC Olivia Drier | Karuna Center for Peacebuilding Adrian Edwards | Panos Pictures Alex Gibney | Jigsaw Productions Ed Kashi | V11 Photo Agency Ben Kiernan | Yale University Peter Mantello | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Tali Nates | Johannesburg Holocaust Centre Mark O’Brien | Pro Bono Net Erik Parens | Hastings Center Marc Skvirsky | Facing History and Ourselves 05

About Us

OUR MISSION

PROOF: Media for Social Justice is a non-profit organization based in New York City that uses visual storytelling and education to inspire global attitude and policy changes. It was founded in 2006 under the vision of Leora Kahn, a longtime photo editor, documentary producer, and human rights advocate, who sought to unite the skills and experiences of internationally renowned photojournalists for social good.

Our mission is to bring together photographers,

documentarians, journalists, academics, students, and activists to create photo exhibitions, publications, and educational workshops that document social injustices and empower people to act.

PROOF’s exhibits and workshops aim to engage the broader public in conversations about human rights, peace, and justice through moving firsthand testimonies and powerful photo narratives.

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A N U P S TA N D I N G V I S I O N PROOF envisions a world full of Upstanders standing up and taking action in defense of others.

We strive to be a premier visual storytelling institution that galvanizes global dialogue on human rights through empowering imagery and education. By countering violence with positive action and raising our collective, global consciousness with stories of moral courage, PROOF acknowledges and celebrates Upstanders around the world.

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WhyPROOF PROOFWorks Works Why - PA AA TTWW OO - PA R TR TA PAPPRPORAOCA HC H

PROOFuses uses visual storytelling, research, and education PROOF visual storytelling, research, and education

inspireglobal global action human rights for reasons: two reasons: totoinspire action on on human rights for two •• ••

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ToTobuild support for for change through the minds and and build support change through the minds behaviors of of regular citizens behaviors regular citizens

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Changing Attitudes

Changing Policies

PROOF’s work aims to dissipate myths about the “other” and open the door to new ways of thinking about marginalized communities.

PROOF’s exhibitions and educational workshops provide opportunities to learn from others while respecting and valuing their differences. At PROOF, we believe tolerance works as a barrier to prejudice and changing attitudes about the “other” can bring communities across the world together for good.

Advocacy is an essential component of PROOF’s mission. We believe we have a responsibility to effect change and use our exhibitions and education programs to raise community awareness, highlight unheard voices, and create space for public discourse. PROOF actively engages in policy change by working with policymakers, activists, and intergovernmental organizations to push for legislation that positively impacts the people we work with including post-conflict communities, children in armed conflict, and survivors of sexual violence.

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How PROOF Works W H AT W E D O

Exhibitions The heart of PROOF’s work lies in our photographs and visual stories. We produce exhibitions in partnership with organizations around the world that highlight the untold testimonies of people who have suffered from and stood up to human rights violations. These visual productions provide the impetus for ordinary citizens and policymakers to respond to injustice and empower others.

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Education Education The subjects and stories of our exhibitions form the The subjects and stories of our exhibitions form the basis of PROOF’s educational programs. At PROOF, basis of PROOF’s educational programs. At PROOF, we believe that education is one of the most powerful we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we can use to change the world. In addition to tools we can use to change the world. In addition to standalone educational programs like Picture Justice and standalone educational programs like Picture Justice and Witnessing, PROOF develops symposiums, workshops, Witnessing, PROOF develops symposiums, workshops, and learning toolkits to accompany our photo exhibits. and learning toolkits to accompany our photo exhibits.

Academic Research Academic Research PROOF contributes to a wide range of global research PROOF contributes to a wide range of global research and scholarship on peacebuilding, social justice, and and scholarship on peacebuilding, social justice, and moral courage. Through this academic branch, PROOF moral courage. Through this academic branch, PROOF produces printed literature, conference presentations, produces printed literature, conference presentations, and expert panel discussions that prompt engaged and expert panel discussions that prompt engaged global responses to crises and encourage the powerful global responses to crises and encourage the powerful work of activists around the globe. work of activists around the globe.

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and and hers. hers.

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Child Soldiers: Forced to be Cruel Toronto, ON February 2015

The Legacy of Rape New York, NY December 2015

Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence New York, NY March 2015

Picture Justice: I Don’t Feel Protected New York, NY January 2015

Picture Justice: Broken?

Child Soldiers: Forced to be Cruel

New York, NY November 2015

Chicago, IL October 2015

Picturing Moral Courage: The Rescuers Dayton, OH February 2015

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Where PROOF Works MAPPING OUR YE AR IN RE VIE W The Twelfth Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars Yerevan, Armenia July 2015

Forum on Women’s Resistance to Extremism & Terrorism & their Struggle for Rights, Peace & Security Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan May 2015

Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence Yanbu Industrial City, Saudi Arabia February 2015

Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence New Delhi, India December 2015

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EXHIBITIONS Child Soldiers: Forced to be Cruel Location: Pleiades Theatre - Toronto, ON Date: February 2015

Location: Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, IL Date: October 8, 2015

Picturing Moral Courage: The Rescuers Location: University of Dayton - Dayton, OH Date: February 2015

The Legacy of Rape

Location: Columbia University Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality - New York, NY Date: December 1 - 15, 2015

Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence

Location: TEDxRadwa - Yanbu Industrial City, Saudi Arabia Date: February 2015 Location: “Initiatives to Prevent Violence against Women in Asia Pacific Region: Success stories of Successful Government & NGO Partnerships” event at CSW59 - Church Center for the United Nations - New York, NY Date: March 12, 2015 Location: “Making of Non-Violent Societies for Women: Reflections on Post 2015 Agenda” event at CSW59 Church Center for the United Nations - New York, NY Date: March 19, 2015 Launch Location: India Habitat Centre - New Delhi, India Date: December 2015

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OTHER E XHIBITIONS FOR HIRE: Darfur: Photojournalists Respond

Traveling with PROOF “Child Soldiers took on a whole new life after the audience witnessed the

powerful stage production of the play, The Sound of Cracking Bones. I suspect that for many people, PROOF’s images will remain with them for a very long time. We were truly honored to have the exhibit as confirmation and testament to the plight of children around the world who are enslaved and destroyed by war.” – John Van Burek, Artistic Director, Pleiades Theatre, Toronto

E D U C AT I O N Picture Justice: I Don’t Feel Protected Launch Location: United Nations International School - New York, NY Date: January 2015

Picture Justice : Broken?

Launch Location: United Nations International School - New York, NY Date: November 2 - December 15, 2015

AC A DEMIC RE SE ARCH Forum on Women’s Resistance to Extremism and Terrorism & their Struggle for Rights, Peace & Security Location: Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Partner(s): Yale University Fund Date: May 2015

The Twelfth Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars Location: Yerevan, Armenia Partner(s): Braenchild Media Date: July 2015

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P to e ch th e th

In S p ju st

T a U S C

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Picture Justice is a creative photojournalism program designed to educate high school students about social justice issues and empower them with the tools and confidence they need to lead change in their own communities. The program fosters critical thinking and active citizenship, promotes compassion and empathy, and equips students with the communication skills they need to relay their experiences to the wider public.

In 2014, PROOF partnered with the United Nations International School (UNIS) and internationally-renowned photojournalists to pilot and develop the Picture Justice program, a summer social justice and photography intensive for New York City high school students.

This past year, PROOF built on its success with Picture Justice and expanded the program to accommodate students from UNIS, iSchool, Friends Academy, Voyages Preparatory High School, Cambria Heights Academy, and Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in New York City.

Students worked with professional photographers, journalists, and educators, to explore issues of mass incarceration and the U.S. Criminal Justice System. Participating students conducted research, met with community leaders working in prison reform, and spoke to formerly incarcerated people with firsthand experiences with the criminal justice system. Students honed their listening skills, learned ethical reporting and photojournalism techniques, and produced a large-scale photo exhibition entitled Broken? with an accompanying day-long symposium and theatre production on criminal justice reform.

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Unearthed, a collaborative production with The Rape in India Project, is an expansion of PROOF’s The Legacy of Rape exhibit which visually depicts stories of sexual violence from around the world. Throughout 2016, Unearthed will travel across India to inspire positive change for women, initiate a visual dialogue on the prevalence and prevention of rape and sexual assault, and educate a new generation of Upstanders working to eliminate genderbased violence.

On December 16th in New Delhi, India, PROOF launched its newest exhibit, Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence, in commemoration of the third anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of Jyoti Singh (“Nirbhaya”).

The exhibit, which incorporates the oral testimonies and photographs of survivors of sexual assault as well as their places of rape, is designed to raise public awareness of rape prevention; force us to question our choices, social attitudes, and structures, including access to and design of public spaces; and encourage policymakers to swiftly, justly, and humanely prosecute perpetrators. Unearthed captures the strength and resilience of survivors and includes the voices of Upstanders – those who have stood up against the injustice in their communities and spoken out.

The opening of the exhibit was attended by our partners, the Centre for Social Research and the National Foundation for India, local agencies and Upstanders working to eliminate gender-based violence, and the families of women affected by sexual violence, including Badri Singh, who attended in memory of his daughter Jyoti Singh’s brutal rape and murder which launched mass protests across India in 2012. The special opening at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi was followed by an expert panel discussion featuring PROOF’s Executive Director, Leora Kahn; exhibit photographers, Poulomi Basu and Smita Sharma; and the Director of the Centre for Social Research, Dr. Ranjana Kumari.

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O U R I M PA C T

Total $128,425.00

REVENUE & SUPPORT

Total $119,679.00

EXPENSES

56% D O N AT I O N R E V E N U E $72,53 0.0 0

66% PROGR AM & PROJECT AC TIVITIES $ 7 8 , 5 7 9. 0 0

27% GR ANT REVENUE $34,50 0.0 0

17% O P E R AT I N G A C T I V I T I E S $ 2 1 , 0 74 . 0 0

11% EXHIBIT & PROGR AM SERVICE INCOME $13 , 5 4 5 . 0 0

6%

20

11% FUNDRAISING $12 , 715 . 0 0

6%

OTHER INCOME

OTHER E XPENSES

$ 7, 8 5 0 . 0 0

$ 7, 3 11 . 0 0

PROOF in Numbers

SINCE OUR FOUNDING, PROOF HAS‌

Partnered with

32 organizations from around the world

Traveled to

17 countries to host our exhibits

Led

Taught

24

academic conferences, education workshops, and creative events

1,000+ students using our human rights curriculum

Worked with

45 survivors

of rape to

shed light on violence against women

Documented

122 stories of moral courage

Exhibited to

2,000,000+ people across the globe

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O U R PA R T N E R S The organizations we choose to partner with demonstrate a community-centered approach and a deep knowledge of human rights issues and photojournalism across the globe. They are some of the best in the world at documenting injustices, educating young people, and advocating for people in need.

Education Partners Clark University New Visions for Public Schools United Nations International School University of Dayton Yale University

Project Partners The Legacy of Rape American Bar Association Columbia University Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality Himalayan Human Rights Monitors Man Up Campaign

Columbia University Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality National Foundation for India The Rape in India Project Child Soldiers: Forced to be Cruel Amnesty International Office of the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for Children and Armed Conflict The RomĂŠo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative Picturing Moral Courage: The Rescuers Holocaust Museum Houston Karuna Center for Peacebuilding Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre Open Society Foundations Post-Conflict Research Center Sarvodaya The Anne Frank Center USA Yale University Youth for Peace Picture Justice

Open Society Foundations photo.circle TRIAL: Track Impunity Always

Democracy Now! United Nations International School

United Nations Population Fund United States Institute of Peace

Youth Initiative for Human Rights

Unearthed: Stories of Courage in the Face of Sexual Violence Centre for Social Research India 22

Creative Partners Braenchild Media Parsons School of Design Thinc

How You Can Help

Hire an Exhibit All of PROOF’s exhibitions are available for hire. Email us at info@proof.org to arrange for an exhibit to travel to a participating institution in your area. Additional information, including exhibit specifications, is available on our website.

Volunteer PROOF relies on volunteers to power its work collecting stories, creating educational workshops, and producing meaningful photo exhibits. For more information about how you can help, visit: proof.org/getting-involved Bid Attend PROOF’s annual photography auction and bid on beautiful images and limited-edition photographs from internationally-renowned photographers and artists.

Donate Give online by visiting our website at www.proof.org or make a tax-deductible contribution by mail to: PROOF: Media for Social Justice Centre for Social Innovation 601 W 26th Street, Suite #325 New York, NY 10001

Join the Conversation : @ proofmedia : @ proof_msj : @ proofmedia 23

PROOF

Media for Social JusticeŠ

Centre for Social Innovation 601 W 26th Street, Suite #325 New York, NY 10001 info @ proof.org | www.proof.org