Educating the public about the challenges facing young people in Toronto and the realities within their neighborhoods is essential. The Awareness & Impact Campaign uses photography and video as powerful tools to both foster pride and self-awareness among youth participants and raise public understanding of how stereotypes and lived experiences affect their lives, including access to meaningful employment and the ability to establish long-term life goals. This campaign provides youth with the opportunity to share personal stories about the impact of stereotypes they encounter both within and beyond their communities. While the project is primarily photography-based, video is also used to deepen storytelling and engagement.

The photographer travels throughout the city with each participant, capturing up to 100 photographs per individual. After the photo sessions, participants take part in hands-on workshops where they learn photo editing skills, including how to use Photoshop, and actively edit their own images. This process empowers them to shape their narrative and take ownership of how their stories are presented. Once the images are finalized, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of exhibition planning and curation. They work together to select images, develop the exhibit concept, and present their proposal to a gallery owner. If approved, the exhibition is scheduled and prepared for public viewing. The project culminates in a photography and video exhibition where friends, family, and community members are invited to engage with the participants’ work and stories. Past exhibits can be viewed at www.torontoimpactstories.com