Essential Photovoice

Essential Photovoice (EPV)

In EPV, participants bring photos they’ve taken in response to a specific prompt. In group discussions, they use the images to explain their perspective on a chosen subject. The project unfolds over six weeks, with the group identifying, photographing, and discussing strengths, challenges, and themes. EPV usually concludes with an exhibition when participants share the stories behind their photographs.

Study Circles

This is a process for public dialogue and community change. It begins by recruiting community members from all parts of the county to work on an important issue. Next, many small, facilitated groups (Circles) meet simultaneously across the community for five two-hour sessions.

Progression of Study Circles sessions:

1. Getting to know one another: what is my connection to the issue?
2. Create a vision for our community
3. What is the nature of the problem?
4. What are some approaches to change?
5. Moving from dialogue to action: what can we do?

The small groups consider the issue from many perspectives and explore possible solutions. Then, moving to action, participants connect the ideas from the small group discussions to outcomes. These may range from changes in attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs to new projects, collaborations, and institutional and policy changes.

2025 – Supporting Middle Schoolers

• A Third Place
• Transportation
• Sheridan County Youth Coalition
• Volunteering and Mentoring Opportunities
• Resilience and Well-Being

2021 – Mental Health Initiatives

• Mental Health Public Awareness Campaign
• Mental Health Coalition
• Mental Health Resource Center
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Affiliate
• High School Initiatives
  • Mental health marketing to high school students to improve access to resources and reduce stigma
  • Create a community network to check on people in crisis
  • Annual mental health checkups with physicians

2015 – Creating a Dementia-Friendly Community Initiatives

• $1.1M Federal Grant Awarded
• Caregiver Support Center
• Healthcare Continuum
• Creation of Dementia Friendly Wyoming
• Dementia Care Educator
• Community-Wide Dementia Awareness & Education

2012 – Poverty Initiatives

• Community Connections
• Bridges Out of Poverty Training
• Goose Creek Transit
• NextLevel Graduation Coach
• Parent Liaisons
• High School Mentoring Program
• NAMI Affiliate

2009 – Early Childhood Education Initiatives

• Increased Awareness of the Importance of Early Childhood Education
• Progress on Quality Childcare Options
• Community Outreach for Resources

Community Conversations

Having a healthy, civil conversation about a controversial often feels impossible. The CVC hopes that by modeling constructive, thoughtful dialogue on tough subjects, community members will focus on listening for understanding. Using a process called Reflective Structure Dialogue, the tenets are as follows:

• A series of small group discussions open to all community members.
• The discussions follow an established format and are led by a trained facilitator.
• The topics are current and relevant and vary from session to session.
• The goal is individuals’ unique perspectives, not solutions.
• We strive to have as many viewpoints as possible to participate in the discussion.
• Everyone is given an equal chance to speak and share their thoughts.

We have hosted nine conversations on such diverse and controversial topics as affordable housing, public lands, workplace harassment, and the impact of media on politics.