When I first read this article in Fast Company Design (Why Designers Need to Stop Feeling Sorry for Africa) my reason for reading was purely because the title annoyed me. If nothing else, this article is brilliant just for its title alone! After reading through the article quite a few times, and really looking into the heart of what the author’s argument is about, I think I really agree with what he is saying.

Take, for example, the prevalence of poverty porn. We can all picture Sally Struthers on a late-night commercial with emaciated children that you can save for $10/month. This is poverty porn at its worst (or best depending on how you look at it). In fact, one of the significant challenges that R29 has faced with some of our Africa-focused clients is the volume of poverty porn among similar organizations.

‘What’s the big deal,’ some might say? People need to be moved to act, and moving images, design and media can really be effective means that justify a better end for the poor and vulnerable. Someone would see an image that moves them to give and that gift provides a better quality of life for the image-bearer.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Africa and every time I leave a slum, I can’t help but marvel about how truly innovative and ingenious our African brothers and sisters really are. From toys made from trash to home-made water-purification units; the poor and marginalized people of this world deserve much more credit than we often give them. And yet, it would be really easy to take a picture of one of these brilliant African’s and make him look desperate.

Instead, let’s look at the assets that are already present and walk alongside our African friends toward a new day of prosperity and peace. There are many ‘good news’ stories coming out of Africa. I hope that these begin to outweigh the glut of poverty porn that is commonplace in today’s world.

Here’s my hope: what if the world began to view the poor as innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders – this perspective swings the dignity pendulum back to the complete opposite side and paints an entirely different picture of the reality of our world’s poor. This is where we need to be, and I believe that by working together (especially as designers) this could be reality. So thanks to a blog title that got me all riled up, I felt compelled to write and share about a shift in perspective. At least it’s something for us all to think about.

Shame on us for stealing one of the few assets they may have left: dignity.

Thanks to Justin Narducci from Life In Abundance for having an ongoing dialogue (the last 5 years) with me and Rule29 on how to “see” the poor and the amazing complexities of Africa. And for being the co-writer of this post.

We are big TED and TEDx fans at Rule29. And we are excited to share Justin’s first TEDx talk – See Different, Do Different. As people who wonder, we are built to see the world differently than most. It’s one of our unique, innovative traits. We all say we want to be a part of changing the world, but how do you actually accomplish this? Watch his TEDx Naperville talk and the other great speakers too.

Not only did we decide to travel through Kibera that night, we chose to carry large film equipment, including a giant battery powered LED light (which I happened to be holding over my head). Standing out is an understatement. I’ll admit. My heart was beating fast. We moved fast through a number of alleys and streets and eventually came upon a path that led to the train tracks that ran through the slums. The tracks were elevated. As we walked along the tracks and began to head down the other side towards our friend’s home, I became captivated by the rooftops I now saw. They were painted. They were mesmerizing. They were art?

Not until I returned home and stumbled randomly upon this TED talk, did I realize this was the artwork of famed French artist JR. Not every photo seen above was still present, but enough “eyes” that caught my attention. In the midst of some of the most intense moments of my trip, I paused.

Is this not the hope of good art? To pause. To wonder.

JR’s ambitions are nothing short than changing the world through the art of beauty, juxtaposition, and the absurd. And for this… he has chosen to celebrate humanity via a familiar craft, in unlikely spaces, and with subjects that matter. But after listening to his story (that one TED Prize 2011), I think the bigger question is…

What will you/I use to change the world?

Birds are chirping and it’s getting warm(ish) in Illinois right now, which means it’s time for the first Creative Matters installment of 2011. This early spring edition highlights our newest collaborative documentary filmed in Nairobi, Kenya along with the packaging and promotional materials surrounding it. Check out our latest mobile app project that hits just the right flavor notes – and speaking of tastes, expand your palate with a new website for Niche. View some stop-action whiteboard magic and many other wonderful samples of some delicious strategic creative in this issue.

:: Click here to download Creative Matters 27  ::
(You’ll be glad you did)

New things and creative reminders:

+ Premiering our latest documentary with Life In Abundance and Wonderkind April 7th. For more information check out the This is my Normal trailer

+ We were honored to be featured by Stated magazine – to see the full article go here

+ Going to the HOW Conference this year? Come see Rule29 speak about Seeing and Doing Different

Thanks,
Your Amigos from Rule29

If we’re social media friends, you’ve probably heard us talking about this for a few months now… Alongside partners Wonderkind Studios and Life in Abundance, we are (finally) premiering our second documentary, “This is My Normal.” It will be Thursday night, April 7th at the historical and prestigoius Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL. The screening is open to the public with a suggested minimum donation of $15 for entry. In addition, there will be a Q & A immediately following the screening with the directors, producers, and crew.

So, what is the film about?

“This is My Normal” explores two primary questions: “What is poverty?” and “What is normal?” These questions are explored through the stories and imagery of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. In particular, the film focuses on the people of the Mathare Valley – a section of the Mathare slums, often referred to as the “Forgotten Valley.”

The Mathare Valley is a place where the local water supply (the river) has become the slum’s waste system, trash system, and playground for the young. The Valley is dependent upon the water; however, it is the slum’s most dangerous asset – threatening both children and homes with its ability to rise with an untimely rain. While the homes, unemployment, and health concerns are an embodiment of the (global) poverty issues, it is the “mindset” that is the gravest of concerns.

Reality is… that unclean water, (incredibly) low wages, and poor health are simply “normal” to the slums. Unfortunately, this way of life has become acceptable, and “acceptable” is the greatest hurdle to overcome.

Ironically, the presence of countless NGOs and sporadic visits from the West are often a big piece of the problem. “This is My Normal” explores the abundance of “quick fixes” out there and how they simply contribute to what is acceptable and normal. A reality, when discovered, uncovers the utter complexity of poverty – how we ALL play a role in its perpetual nature.

Fortunately, there are many who understand this historical reality and its connection to the “great divide” between the rich and the poor. And their proposing something so simple, yet so drastic and complex: change the way people think – the way Kenyan’s see the world.

Although it’s harder work and a longer process, those that have participated in helping Africa rethink their “normal”, have experienced hope midst the despair. It s an idea. An idea with results. And an idea “worth spreading.”

Why?

In many ways, we have realized that poverty is a very complex issue and we are often left scratching our heads with what do. We simply want to start a conversation on these matters.

To join in the conversation, don’t forget to confirm your attendance via the “This is My Normal” event page and show up April 7th at 7pm at the Arcada Theater. The official film page can be found at: www.thisismynormal.com

—

Rule29 was honored with the opportunity to create the 2nd annual report for Life In Abundance. LIA is helping to rewrite the tragic stories that typically come out of Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the organization’s work, new stories are emerging: communities are learning how to take care of themselves, locals are learning new skills, children are attending new schools, micro-financing programs are enabling individuals to start businesses, and communities are gaining the resources to take care of each other and reduce the spread of an uneducated populace. All in all, LIA is empowering change in the only way that matters (in our opinion) – through the creation of a holistic, sustainable model that brings permanent change to the communities affected.

This 2009 annual report, entitled “Empowering Change”, features articles and stories from 4 countries and surrounding areas that highlighted the struggles of each country, as well as powerful stories about incredible individuals that live there. Showing the actual empowerment of the surrounding communities was key in creating a successful piece. Through compelling stories and vivid photography (taken by our good friend Brian MacDonald), a very successful and enlightening piece was created.

For the cover, stylistically, we wanted to draw the viewer in with an incredible shot of the slums, partially from a distance. The large type that is rising from the horizon line was chosen to simulate the initiative to actually empower change within these communities. Throughout the annual there are 3 stories that feature hand written type on rough paper texture in order to remind us that these stories are coming from real people in the slums.

Life In Abundance now uses this powerful piece to highlight some of the remarkable work they do in Africa to donors, and their supporters.

How do you empower change?

This past April, both Justin Ahrens and myself, alongside our friends Brian MacDonald (Wonderkind Studios), Von Glitschka, Kelsey Timmerman, Bruce McEvoy and the Life in Abundance team, had a chance to shoot our second documentary project in Africa entitled “This is My Normal.” This film explores two primary questions: “What is poverty?” and “What is normal?” These questions are explored through the stories and imagery of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.  In particular, the film focuses on the people of the Mathare Valley – a section of the Mathare slums, often referred to as the “Forgotten Valley.”

The Mathare Valley is a place where the local water supply (the river) has become the slum’s waste system, trash system, and playground for the young.  The Valley is dependent upon the water; however, it is the slum’s most dangerous asset – threatening both children and homes with its ability to rise with an untimely rain.  And while the homes, unemployment, and health concerns are an embodiment of the (global) poverty issues, it is the “mindset” that is the gravest of concerns.

Reality is… that unclean water, (incredibly) low wages, and poor health are simply “normal” to the slums.  Unfortunately, this way of life has become acceptable.  And “acceptable” is the greatest hurdle to overcome.

Ironically, the presence of countless NGOs and sporadic visits from the West are often a big piece of the problem.  “This is My Normal” explores the abundance of “quick fixes” out there and how they simply contribute to what is acceptable and normal.  A reality, when discovered, uncovers the utter complexity of poverty – how we ALL play a role in its perpetual nature.

Fortunately, there are many who understand this historical reality and its connection to the “great  divide” between the rich and the poor.  And their proposing something so simple, yet so drastic and complex:  change the way people think – the way they see the world.

Although it’s harder work and a longer process, those that have participated in helping Africa rethink their “normal”, have experienced hope midst the despair.   It’s an idea.  An idea with results.  And an idea “worth spreading.”

—

The following is a look “behind the scenes” of the production of the film. Special Thanks to Sleeping at Last and Jimmy Eat World for contributing music for the film. For more information on Life in Abundance, who is currently helping fellow Kenyans rethink their “normal,” please visit their website at: www.liaint.org. The documentary will be screening in the upcoming months and available for purchase in March.

I’m on my way home from the slums of Nairobi, Kenya after working on our second documentary film. I’m exhausted, and my head is continually spinning. To put it simply, as with every Africa trip so far, I will not be the same. I was hoping to post every day while there, but with limited web access and two great writers, Bob Davidson and author Kelsey Timmerman on the trip, I decided to simply photo blog (via Facebook) and spend the majority of my time trying to run the crew as best as possible and fully soak in the experience.

It’s hard to explain or express what an experience this trip to Africa has been. Filming a documentary in the slums is bound to change you, but I was not expecting this. I had been to Kibera (Africa’s 2nd largest slum) and Mathare (Nairobi’s oldest) before, but not up close and personal.

We spent seven straight days trying to get to know the slum residents, seeing what they see, walking, touching and smelling their environment. The location was different than our last documentary project (This is My Home), but sadly many of the same issues exist, all of which are simply not right. Dangerous living structures, no roads, unhealthy water, no sanitation, no waste removal, lack of education, no health care, crime, fear, HIV/AIDS, loss of hope, and the vulnerability of children to simply name a few. It was a rare day when you didn’t turn your face to cry for a few minutes.

The issues of the slums are so complex – government corruption, health concerns, religious culture, commerce, structural issues, etc… And the fact of the matter is that us Westerners tend to think we actually live in an Extreme Home Makeover world. If we build this, or fund that project, all things get fixed and fall in place. But that way of thinking is simply not accurate, and it inevitably continues to add to the issues. The reality is that we need to help battle the biggest monster of all: generations of slum residents with mindset that slum life and its living conditions are acceptable. But, hopelessness cannot be an option.

However, it was a feeling that continued to surface wherever we went. Mathare Valley (a section of the Mathare slum) is without question the worst place I have ever been. With a contaminated river, treacherous pathways, raw sewage, horrible living conditions, and water not safe to drink – it’s simply an awful place to try to survive.

I will be sharing more stories and details related to the slums leading up to our documentary premiere (this Fall); however, I will leave you with a few facts, thoughts, and stories from this week:

- Approx 80% of the citizens of Nairobi live in some sort of slum dwelling.

+ Everyone likes to be called by name, no matter where you live.

- A local health worker visited a house to check in on a sick child. When entering the house she found the 6 year old making a meal for his siblings, because their mother was dead in the next room.

+ A child’s smile and joyous laugh is a beautiful thing.

- Many African families in the slums try to have more than one child due to the likelihood of one dying.

+ Taking time to hold, hug or touch a child’s hand can change their day…and yours.

- 1 meal a day is a good day, but the meal is typically the same thing over and over and over and over…

+ A life without dreams is not a life but an existence.

- During the rainy season people, mainly children, run the risk of being swept away due to inadequate infrastructure between the river and homes.

+ The poor are worth our time, prayers, and resources, and we need to SEE them.

- Without money for health care, parents often give their children local or herbal painkillers in order to help their child cope with the pain instead of getting adequate care. Usually the kids just get used to or live with whatever health issue they have, which in turn can be something that kills them.

I do not write these things for any other reason than that they are real in our world right now. And even for the most marginalized communities there is hope. NGO’s like Life In Abundance are working to help change the mindset of the poor communities they work with so they feel they are worth breathing the same air we do. They are worth joy. They are worth living a life as abundantly as possible. They believe, as do I, that a changed mind is key – a changed mind gives you the hope to dream again.

I hope you consider supporting the film, or simply watching when it’s ready to premiere this Fall. Even better yet, is there something you can do to help the poor in your neighborhood?

PS: I would like to thank the efforts of the entire team, especially those you may want to follow or read their blogs:

Brian MacDonald – Web, Twitter
Kelsey Timmerman – Blog, Twitter
Von Glitshka – Web, Twitter
Bob Davidson – Blog, Twitter
Life In Abundance – Blog, Twitter
Tony Narducci – Web

You might be, without even knowing it…

Can apathy toward injustice hold a person as a captive, unable to make a difference? Or maybe it’s not the apathy, but the lack of information of how to truly help those facing harsh realities of poverty-stricken lands. Well, we’re about to find out.

Our good pal, author Kelsey Timmerman, has been taken hostage by his publisher, because of his indifference to injustice in Kenya. Since being “detained” to raise money to go serve in Africa, Kelsey has learned about Kibera, the largest slum south of the Sahara. Over 1 million people live on the outskirts of Nairobi in a slum where the average person lives without clean drinking water (read: mixed with sewage as there is only one latrine for every 100 people), without education (especially girls), and subject to gang tyranny, among other sad factors.

It’s time to do something.

Kelsey is hoping to raise enough money to partner with LIA, MacDonald Photography, and yours truly, to film a documentary about what can really change the situation: holistic community development through micro-enterprise. By giving people at the grass-roots level not only the dignity but also the practical necessity of having a stable, respected occupation, communities can change tremendously for the good of all. Together, we are hoping that this documentary will make the everyday American not only aware of the situation in African slums, but also of how to realistically help that situation change.

Want to escape apathy and help now? You can donate to the cause, learn more, help decide Kelsey’s fate by voting, or tweet this:
“Don’t be Held Hostage by Apathy! http://bit.ly/ae2XCA #apathyhostage”

Plus, all donors’ names will appear in the film credits. If you can’t wait for the release this fall, check out This is My Home, our first documentary about the street children of Ethiopia, and how LIA is working to bring hope into a desperate situation there.

Oh, and big props to our friends at Wiley and Relevant for helping us get the word out!

It’s finally here: the trailer from our first documentary film. We started this journey just about a year ago. This film, which was made for Life In Abundance and produced by Rule29 and MacDonald Productions, shares the stories and struggles of the street children of the Merkato Slums and shows what LIA is doing to bring hope to the approximately 50,000 children that live on the streets of Ethiopia’s capital. To purchase a copy of the film, go to the LIA store. All money that is raised goes to support the program and the continued work being done by Life In Abundance. For some of the behind the scene photos, check here.

Tell us what you think of the trailer, ask us any questions, or let us know if you want to host a screening.