Discussion 5

As we learned in google hangouts as well as our lecture for this week a visual message carries a lot more weight with a viewer than does a simple text message. A picture or video captures attention quicker and the viewer also retains the information learned for a longer period of time. The visual aspect that I believe truly stands out in regards to both organizations is the photography that is shared. Both Charity Water and Doctors without Borders have really shown how a picture is worth a thousand words.

Vivid photographs like the ones that are captured from the field by professional photographers have the power to influence someone’s understanding. Many people have not experienced the things that the people that receive help from these organizations have, whether it is a natural disaster, a war zone, or a disease outbreak much like Africa is experiencing today a visual makes it real. Providing something real that people can relate to and understand is one of the quickest ways to not only spread awareness but to also raise money in hopes of supporting those in need.

Both of the previously mentioned organizations have done a phenomenal job of getting these powerful emotion evoking images out for the world to see. Instagram as we have learned more about in the past week is the primary platform for pictures to be shared, hashtags can also be attached on this platform which promotes sharing as well. Though I also believe that Pintrest is an interesting platform that is waiting for the right campaign to be used on it. Many organizations find Pintrest to be a challenge, due to the primarily female audience as well as the step up and the culture around collecting things that it fosters. I would like to see organizations that are already posting interesting visual content to find the right way to harness Pintrest as a productive platform.

Most if not all non-profit organizations use visual material to help promote their cause. Many even use still photography, but I would have to say that Charity Water really seems to nail the concept and use it in the most productive manor. Clean, crisp, and clear photographs that really help illustrate to the viewer exactly what it means to have a cup of safe drinking water. This is something that people can relate to, and is the reason that simple honest images work so well for this organization.