Sustainability and Accessibility Guidelines for Inclusive Photography Activities

While boosting the inclusivity, we tried to minimize our carbon footprint and environmental impacts in international and local activities. During this process, we have developed sets of guidelines to lead the organizations to implement inclusive photography activities to promote the visibility of disadvantaged communities but as well as be more sustainable in order not to damage the planet and be accessible to include everyone who have interest and eagerness to engage in such activities. 

This section is consisted of two parts: Sustainability Guidelines and Accessibility Guidelines. The sustainability guidelines takes it concept from sustainability frameworks focusing on environmental, social and cultural sustainability. Accessibility Guidelines is compiled from the various resources and adopted to the our context to address not only the accessibility of the people with disabilities, but the people with less opportunities. The accessibility is not only about the disabilities as it is often associated with, but more of an issue of justice and reaching out the opportunities. 

Sustainability Guidelines

Sustainability requires a holistic approach embodying culture, environment and society. Thus, these three pillars should be adopted and developed while promoting the change through the photography activities rather than solely focusing on the environmental sustainability of the activities that we have implemented. Therefore, we have developed a triangle model to ensure that the activities are sustainable, do no harm and promote the change. 

Environment : Precondition of the sustainability is prioritizing the environment. It means that we should prioritise the needs of all life forms and of planet by ensuring that our activities do not exceed planetary boundaries^[1]. In other words, our activities do no harm on the environment while promoting environment friendly practices. 

Society : Social sustainability^[2] is about understanding the impacts of our activities whether negative or positive on people. During the activities that we have planned within this project, the local communities directly participate to the process. Our relationship and our work with them is critical to make their issues visible while giving them a voice through the activities. Therefore, we have to understand our let us say “social footprint” in our communities by doing these activities. 

Culture : Cultural Sustainability^[3]  has something to do with maintaining the cultural beliefs, practices and considers the culture as its own entity. In addition to that, it focuses on the heritage conservation and promotes the cultural practices. As each culture has its own practices, while developing different activities these practices should be weighed in order to do no harm. 

We have to say that, the sustainability as well have economic sustainability feature.  However, we omit the economical aspect of our activities due to non-profit nature of the activities. Therefore, during the implementation of such activities, the economic impacts should be understood and valued to make these activities sustainable. Due to limit the scope of our guidelines, we do not enter this aspect of the sustainability. 

From the definitions above concerning environment, society and culture; we have developed a set of recommendations for the facilitators and trainers who have implemented the Photo Voice activities. As our activities had nature of field trips and the in-door activities that might create a harm on the environment due to production of paper waste and carbon footprint. 

Therefore, we have developed the following sustainability guidelines for the activities in three pillars: environment, culture and society. At first, we will explain the environment pillar and continue with the explanation of culture and society. 

Environment 

Meetings, conferences, and various gatherings constitute a common practice on social impact work such as ours. However, this practice possesses the potential to create harm on the environment. This impact is manifested through the consumption of energy, water and other natural resources as well as generation of waste, the emission of air pollutants, and indirect contributions to soil and water pollution as well as climate change through the release of greenhouse gases.

Public events, such as conferences, meetings, or festivals, carry the potential to leave a constructive legacy in addressing to the challenges due to climate change.  These events have the capacity to advocate for sustainability by incorporating specific criteria. As our photo walks and virtual storytelling workshops have a great potential to explore the innovative organizational approaches to serve not only promote inclusiveness but as well as create public awareness, disseminate knowledge on the issues of environment. Therefore, to do so, we have to follow specific rules while implementing these activities. 

We have developed the following criteria to identify that our events are environmentally sustainable or not: 

1. Venue : As all of the meetings have been planned to be implemented in person, the venue selection plays a huge role on the sustainability. We have developed a check-list of the implementation of the events in the end of the list to select the venue. Before, finalizing the call for participants, be sure that you have analyse the following questions : 

• Is the venue in central location with eased access by public transport or alternative transportation (bike, walking) for your target group?  
  • Does the venue have waste management strategy? 
  • Is the venue energy efficient ( heating, cooling )? 
  • Is the venue accessible for the participants with disabilities? 
  • Does the venue have drinkable tap water for reusable bottles? 
  • Does the venue have electronic resources to reduce the paper waste during events?

These are the commonly agreed check list while checking the venue to implementation of the activities that we have planned during the project. We have followed these guiding questions to cover all as much as possible according to our possibilities. In addition to that, the cities involved in this project ( Alcala la Real, Orta Nova ) are mainly rural areas or eased access with the public transportation ( Nis, Giresun ) , thus the point of events were chosen to be accessible with the public transport or alternative transportation. 

• Mobility and Transport of Attendees : The events usually takes place, that are different than where the participants are or field trips are implemented in the parts of the town where there are no possibilities to implement such an event in the first day. Thus, the destination for the field trips should be accessible for everyone or join transportation for the overall group should be arranged to reduce the carbon emissions. If there is no possibility to do so, the organizations should promote the car-pooling or car-sharing to reduce the carbon emissions of the participants.

For field trips during Photo Walks, we have foreseen that the activities are implemented in the less developed sections of the town or city that these parts can be visible and the issues can be promoted. Thus, by implementing these activities we can promote the local economy in these regions even though overall carbon emissions is not reduced, the society pillar of sustainability can be covered by creating awareness.  

• Making Zero-Waste Events : Regardless, how we do the activities and events face to face, we produce waste. Thus, we internalize the 3R Principle (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) to prevent the waste that might occur during the events. Firstly, the disposable water bottles, disposable coffee cups, plastic spoons or forks are the main issue during the implementation of the events to reduce the workload for the implementation. However, during the events within this project, we have internalized the model that the participants should brought their own reusable water bottles and we have chosen the venue to ensure that the venue has reusable cutlery to prevent waste. 

From the experience with the paper handouts and seeing that the participants are only taking their pictures and throwing them away, we have decided not to use paper but distribute the handouts through the WhatsApp groups that we have so that the participants can save already in their mobiles the information that they have and reuse directly without the fear of losing the paper. Moreover, it helps us to reduce the paper waste during the events. 

We have created a guiding list for the events: 

1. Promote participants to use reusable water bottles 
   1. Ensure that the venue has reusable cutlery  
   1. Distribute the necessary material in PDF rather than paper 
   1. Implement the evaluation through online forms 
   1. Don’t use any single sachet of sugar, salt or coffee 
   1. Don’t use any food with plastic wrapping or packaging unless necessary 
   1. Don’t order/provide food more than the participants can consume 

This list is initial can be extended by weighing in the other factors to reduce the waste during the implementation of the activities. Therefore, you should think about the issues that might raise when it comes to the waste from your own context and extend this list as vigorous possible to ensure that the waste is not produced that can harm the environment. 

In addition to that, the food waste is important. Unused food releases greenhouse gasses such as methane directly causing global warming and the energy to prepare the food is as well wasted. Therefore, it is important to reduce the food waste by ordering the amount that the participants can consume. If there is still a food surplus, you can see where you can donate the food for animal shelters or making a compost to be used for the planting. 

Zero-Waste is not only recycling or developing compost. But using materials which are reusable and discarding materials that are not necessary such as paper. We can reduce the waste by declining the unnecessary materials that we need to use during the events and raise awareness on this manner such as using less paper and promoting the usage of electronic devices to implement during our events. 

• Resource Efficiency : There are resources that are not renewable. For example, the fossil fuels or the electricity that we consume for heating or cooling. In that sense, we have to use the natural and open spaces to reduce the usage of electricity during the day time by leveraging the natural light in the places that we chose for the event. In addition to that, if there is a possibility, choose the venues that enables you to use moderate level of air-conditioning, heating or cooling equipment and light. In example, for the events in the summer that will take place, you can implement the activities during the day-time and outside under the shadow to reduce the usage of cooling as well as benefit the natural light as much as possible. Moreover, we suggest you to encourage the participants by promoting the less resource usage during the activities. 

• Promotion and Merchandising: Visibility is the nature of the funding and promoting our work. However, we should not overdo the promotional materials to promote the project. It can be done through the online work such as social media. We can reach more visibility even with using less promotional materials and merchandising in our events. In case it is required alike in our project, we can internalize the concept of sustainability by developing materials   climate-smart and environment-friendly, generating minimal carbon footprint or positively impacting the socioeconomic aspects without harming the environment.

• Communication : Environmental sustainability is not only implementing a set of rules to reduce the waste but promoting the sustainability with the stakeholders. We have to promote the sustainable practices among the stakeholders that are involved from the beneficiaries to the young people who participates in the activities. It is as well as crucial to put rules of sustainability and present the check list below to the participants to engage them for fighting climate change and environmental pollution. 

Culture 

Sustainability does not end with the environment but incorporates culture and society. We implement activities with the societies, and we must ensure that the activities do not harm or proposes harmful practices to the culture. Cultural sustainability is a dynamic concept internalizing beyond the preservation of culture and its intangible and tangible assets to embrace the ongoing vitality, relevance and resilience of different cultural norms, expressions and identities within a community or society. 

It involves a commitment to preserve, promote and revitalize the cultural practices, traditions, and identities to foster their existence and prevalence in our communities. In addition to that, it considers the culture not only a static entity but a living and evolving aspect of our communities that are shaped by individuals upholding them. It promotes the intergenerational know-how transfer by ensuring that the traditions, practices and norms are passed down while adopted to the contemporary life. In example, cultural sustainability requires that the artisanal is continued through the generations even in front of the threat of modernization, globalization or other forces that can contribute their disappearance totally from our cultures. Such as shoe-making is totally modernized even though it is a part of our culture or producing copper by hand. These reflects the part of our identities and existence. Therefore, we have to protect their existence continuously by our actions. 

In addition to that, the culture is not a clear-cut solid term but a fluid, constantly changing and evolving system in our contemporary age. Cultural sustainability recognizes the intrinsic connection between cultural diversity and social well-being. It promotes the inclusivity and respect by celebrating the various cultural identities within our communities. Thus, within our activities, we must foster the mutual understanding, appreciation, and social cohesion.  Interchanging identities play a pivotal role on enhancing creativity, resilience and the quality of life of everyone. 

1. Preserving Cultural Heritage : To ensure the cultural sustainability in our activities, we should not disregard the practices of “other”, but embrace and celebrate these practices while exchanging. Therefore, the safeguarding and preservation of cultural assets, artifacts, traditions, rituals and oral histories. During our photo walks, we have to emphasize these aspects and put in the mainstream for promoting the culture of “other”, rather than othering the unknown or different. 

• Promoting Intergenerational Transmission: As we have mentioned above, the culture is fluid and constantly changing. Thus, we have to implement activities to pass down of the cultural knowledge, values and practices and incorporate such measures in our activities. For example, working with elderly who has been working on “hand-made” musical instrument and documenting his/her life might promote the seamless transfer of cultural tradition. By doing so, we can ensure that these practices remain relevant and vibrant within our evolving social contexts. 

• Inclusive Cultural Practices : Our activities should not discriminate and portray one culture as better than the other but foster inclusive environment that supports the coexistence of various cultural expressions, languages and perspectives. 

• Support Local Cultural Practitioners : We have to foster economic sustainability within cultural communities by providing support and recognition for local artisans, craftsmen, performers, and cultural practitioners. In that sense, we can contribute to their well-being and continuous existence of the cultural practices that are harmed from the modernization and globalization. 

• Integrating Cultural Education : We have incorporated the cultural education into formal and informal learning environments to raise awareness and understanding of diverse cultural traditions. By integrating cultural elements into our activities we can promote respect, tolerance and deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. 

Society 

Social sustainability takes its root from the society and targets the inequalities. It promotes the social equity, justice and inclusivity from a societal point of view. It aims to create conditions that empower individuals and provide equal opportunities for all members of society. It addresses the challenges such as poverty, discriminated and inadequate access to resources but also developed long-term solutions to create resilience within the communities. Social sustainability seeks to go beyond short-term fixes, contemplating the broader impact of societal practices on future generations and emphasizing the need for strategies that stand the test of time.

Social sustainability encourages individuals to engage in decision-making processes, contribute to community development initiatives, and play an active role in shaping the social fabric. Empowering marginalized groups and addressing systemic inequalities are fundamental to achieving social sustainability, requiring systemic changes in practices that perpetuate discrimination. Through education and awareness, social sustainability aims to create environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated, fostering a sense of unity and collective identity.

Key components of social sustainability include the provision of services and making the issues in the communities visible without degrading but empowering the individuals who are affected from these inequalities. In embracing social sustainability, societies aim to create environments where the welfare of every individual is prioritized, and collective prosperity becomes a shared goal, reflecting an enduring commitment to justice, equity, and the overall enhancement of the human experience. In next, we have explained “How can we incorporate social responsibility to our activities?”. 

1. Equity and Inclusivity : Social sustainability prioritizes creating fair and inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of background, have equal opportunities and access to resources. This involves addressing systemic inequalities, discrimination, and fostering environments where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.

• Community Resilience and Social Cohesion: Building strong, resilient communities is a key aspect of social sustainability. This includes cultivating a sense of social cohesion, trust, and shared responsibility among community members. Active citizen participation and engagement in decision-making processes contribute to community resilience.

• Promoting Solidarity: Social sustainability emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term impacts of present actions on future generations. It involves implementing strategies that ensure the well-being and opportunities of individuals today do not compromise the quality of life for those to come.

• Empowerment of Marginalized Groups: Achieving social sustainability requires addressing and dismantling systems of oppression and discrimination. Empowering marginalized groups involves creating opportunities for their active participation in societal processes, advocating for their rights, and challenging structures that perpetuate inequality.

Accessibility Guidelines

We must ensure the accessibility to include the people with physical, sensory disabilities to our activities. However, when we talk about the accessibility, we as well go beyond the disabilities but consider the young people with fewer opportunities from economic difficulties to cultural differences. In this aspect, the accessibility is a multi-faceted term. At first, we explain how to deal with the issues of physical and sensory disabilities than delve into the accessibility for the young people with fewer opportunities. 

1. Physical Disabilities: To ensure the access of young people with physical disabilities, it is important to choose the venues that are wheelchair accessible and equipped with features like ramps and elevators. But it does not end there, in most of the places, there are wheelchair accessibility but there are no facilities for the people with physical disabilities to be independent from the others. While implementing the workshops, we have to weigh in the needs of the people with physical disabilities to make them fully involve in the activities. 
2. Sensory Disabilities: Creating a sensory-friendly atmosphere is also crucial, considering individuals with sensory sensitivities. This involves providing quiet spaces, using clear and concise communication, and offering information in various formats to cater to different learning styles. As the activities are focused on the photography, the audio description and description of the photography files should be provided with the alt texts so that they can benefit from the activities as well. In addition to that, we urge our youth workers to use clear and concise communication, and consider providing materials in multiple formats, such as written, verbal, or visual, to cater to different learning styles.

• Technology accessibility: We have explained the different types of cameras from DSLRs to compact cameras, however the people might not have technological competences to tackle with the complex issues while using cameras. Thus, we have developed the guidelines for them above. However, as organizers we have to ensure that the participants can enjoy the process as same as the others. For example, we have to ensure that any technology used in the event, such as presentations or online platforms, is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This may involve providing captioning for videos, using screen reader-friendly formats, and ensuring that any online platforms are navigable for those using assistive technologies.

• Financial accessibility: The events should be free and free of cost that might limit the participation of some people. As this project is funded by Erasmus+ programme, we have the leverage to provide fee courses and activities. However, the participants might not have resources to join the events such as moving from one place to other to participate the activities. Thus, we encourage the organizers to provide additional resources for them to participate. 

• Inclusive Communication: The events should be inclusive let alone due to nature of the project and we as youth workers should use inclusive language and communication strategies that consider the diversity in our communities. In addition to that, we have to provide information in advance about the event format, schedule, and any potential challenges, allowing participants to prepare accordingly. Use plain language and avoid jargon that might be confusing to some participants.

• Feedback Mechanism : We have to establish a feedback mechanism to collect input from the participants on the accessibility of the event to do necessary changes swiftly to increase the accessibility of the event for any pillar that we have identified above. 

The points that we have covered above are the main areas that should be taken care of during the implementation of the events to ensure that the events are more inclusive and accessible and provides room to exchange and engage for the people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. We believe that making events sustainable and accessible is a must rather than a choice to make people engage and benefit from the learning experience fully.  

Sustainability & Accessibility Check-List

For the implementation of the events, we have developed the following check-list as a guiding material for the youth workers who are willing to implement photo walks and visual storytelling workshops by incorporating the principles of sustainability and accessibility that we have mentioned. The sustainability and accessibility check-list is not final, that should be revised before every event to adopt it to our contemporary challenges. 

While using check-list, please keep in mind. If you have answered more than ¾ of the overall questions as “Yes” under sustainability section, you can consider your activity as sustainable.  If you have answered all questions concerning accessibility as “Yes”, then you can consider your event as accessible. This list is extendable and adoptable to the other events according to the need. It might not be possible to make your events fully sustainable due to the challenges or the possibilities of the venue that you have, but every effort counts when it comes to the sustainability. 

This list is provided as a Word file in the training resource pack for the implementation of the local events for the youth workers to ensure that the activities are implemented in sustainable and accessible way. In addition to that, during the training course we have discussed about the practicalities of the sustainability and the accessibility of the photo walk activities. 

^[1] Bianchi, G., Pisiotis, U., Cabrera Giraldez, M. GreenComp – The European sustainability competence framework. Bacigalupo, M., Punie, Y. (editors), EUR 30955 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2022; ISBN 978-92-76-46485-3

^[2] Social Sustainability | UN Global Compact – https://unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/our-work/social

^[3] Soini, K., Birkeland, I., 2014. Exploring the scientific discourse on cultural sustainability. Geoforum 51, 213–223.