Video against poverty

In November I'm travelling to Kalimpong, West Bengal, India where I'll be teaching representatives from 15 local charities how to create web videos and social media to engage their communities, raise more money and increase their impact on poverty.

You might know that I spent time in Kalimpong in 2012, directing a promo for a couple of charities, including p3 Foundation. The work I saw being done there was for-real, ground-up, poverty-busting action that truly empowered local people. It inspired me so much that I volunteered as Communications Manager for p3 in 2013, but I wanted to do more. This year I'm keeping a promise I made in 2012 to go back to Kalimpong and share what I know.

Because I'm a filmmaker with a few awards under my belt and have experience with communications and outreach I've been invited to run two workshops in a two-day seminar. One will be on video production - everything from shooting to editing to uploading to the internet. The other will be on social media - how to use electronic communications to reach the people you need to communicate with.

I'm keeping the budget ($2600.00) to the bare bones:

Air ticket: $2030.00

Accommodation and meals (6 days): $300.00

Workshop materials: $70.00

Transport to and from the airport (2.5 hours drive): $200.00

Any money raised over my basic expenses will be used to purchase equipment and resources for rural schools in Kalimpong, the Bal Suraksha Abhiyan Rehabilitation Centre for children rescued from child labour or The Glenn Family Foundation Trust.

I'm really excited to be able to keep my promise to return to Kalimpong and help the many charities doing grassroots work there. I'd be over the moon if you'd consider making a contribution to this journey.

Also - everyone who donates will receive a full resolution digital still image from Kalimpong via email to say thank you on my return.