Using appropriate images and messages is about creating a balanced debate for what life is like for people living in the Global South. This issue was the theme for One World Week 2010.
In 2010, NYCI produced a resource for exploring this issues with young people: ‘Framing Our World: images and messages in development’. Contact NYCI if you would like a hard copy.
The resource pack aims to raise awareness of the reality behind images and messages. It looks at the power relations and stories behind the images we receive about the world we live in. It challenges stereotypes to find a more balanced, just approach to global justice.
The pack details a number of tools to analyse where images and messages come from and their impact. These tools include developing photo-literacy, critical reflection and the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages. The pack also contains a set of photographs to use with young people.
NYCI is a member of Dóchas. Dóchas is the association of Irish Non-Governmental Development Organisations. Dóchas provides a forum for consultation and co-operation between its members and helps them speak with a single voice on development issues. Dóchas has a number of working groups including a Development Education Group (DEG) which NYCI is a member of.
In 2007, Dóchas members adopted a Code of Conduct on Images and Messages. The purpose of this Code is to provide a framework which organisations can refer to when designing and implementing their public communication strategy. The Dóchas Code offers a set of guiding principles that can assist organisations in their decision-making about which images and messages to choose in their communication while maintaining full respect for human dignity.
NYCI is a signatory to the Dóchas Code of Conduct on images and messages. During the famine in the Horn of Afirca in 2011, the Dóchas Development Education group wrote a letter to all Code signatories, reminding them to follow the principles of the Code when communicating with the public about the crisis. You can read the letter here.
In 2011, the NYCI Development Education Youth Advisory Group wrote a youth-friendly version of the Code (published in the ‘Framing our World’ resource)
When choosing a photo or any message, remember:
When choosing a photo or message, we will always try to show what is real and true in each situation we present, by:
For the full Code visit www.Dochas.ie