Not In My Backyard

"Not In My Backyard" promotes understanding and change by linking online visitors to audio and video interviews of people from their own community who suffer from situations that are often pushed aside (mental illness, unemployment, homelessness, etc.). The strength of the stories comes in part due to their local connection.

About You

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Section 1: About You

First Name

Kevin

Last Name

D'Haeze

Organization

Firefly Studios

Country

United States

Section 2: About Your Organization

Organization Name

Firefly Studios

Organization Phone

503-421-2388

Organization Address

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Organization Country

United States

Your idea

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Name Your Project

Not In My Backyard

What is your idea? What makes it innovative? Why is it important?

"Not In My Backyard" promotes understanding and change by linking online visitors to audio and video interviews of people from their own community who suffer from situations that are often pushed aside (mental illness, unemployment, homelessness, etc.). The strength of the stories comes in part due to their local connection.

Will you launch your idea as a business or non-profit?

Non-profit

Country your work focuses on

United States

What will be the impact of your idea? 

One thing we learned from the documentary we made is that watching people "speak for themselves" on camera is a powerful tool towards fostering understanding and eliminating preconceived ideas about society's problems. In addition, those who happen to suffer from the same issues discover they are not alone. This project takes the concept a few steps further...

Issues in society are often pushed aside by those who don't want to deal with them, or have them nearby. "Not In my backyard". It's easier to ignore than to understand. The use of media will "humanize" life's problems, diminishing the fear and stigma that often accompanies them, and help people understand what people go through in these situations... in their own town. Through this understanding of "neighbors", personal and political change can occur.

The site would link to ways to make positive changes through local organizations, as well as ways to get help. Citizens could also submit their own content for consideration. It is infinitely scalable to accommodate any number of cities, and easily replicated once the model is built.

Examples? Watch our mental health documentary at http://subcityfilm.com/watch.html

Who will help you develop your idea? Why are you the one to make this happen?

We are qualified to make this happen, as we have done the legwork in this type of production and editing, are technologically-savvy, and have cumulative backgrounds in both video production as well as psychology. If you watch our documentary (see the URL in the answer above), you will see samples of what we have accomplished wih NO OUTSIDE FUNDING... we did nearly every aspect of this project using our own time and talents; from research, scripting, shooting, editing, graphics, special effects... all the way to final release. So, we are anxious to see what we could do with some actual startup capital!

Our documentary, "subCITY" is already helping to shape positive changes in the mental health care system. And now, "Not In My Backyard" will use multimedia to expand change and understanding into other issues that affect society, and help our most vulnerable citizens. We will work with community leaders to provide resources for people who are watching and either need help or would like to help others.

How much will it cost to launch your idea? (This can be an estimate)

We believe $20,000 will provide us with the funds to set up a base model for the community - to film and edit several stories, develop an online presence, as well as develop a guidebook for expansion into more communities. We would also use some funds for advertising the site, engaging in community media and political outreach, encouraging people to join in the discussion, and sourcing avenues for reaching as many geographic locations as possible.

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Comments

a. b profile img
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 11:06

Please explain why your idea/project, is suited/perfect to using... 'media' ...to bring about A BETTER "WORLD"...the entire planet...? Thank you! And thanks for bringing Amy into the SUBcity project. She is a light in a very dark tunnel of neglect for the mental health arena. Peace~! a.

Kevin D'Haeze profile img
Sun, 01/17/2010 - 13:30

Amy was a great participant in the subCITY project, and has done a good job in advocating for getting help for others. Our hope is that the "Not In My Backyard" project will help people understand, relate, and empathize with those who are dealing with some of life's challenges. It can empower those who suffer, and enlighten those who have not been able to"humanize" the problem.

Sadly, there is no shortage of participants for this type of project. But if given the chance to build it, perhaps "Not In My Backyard" can institute some needed change.

a. b profile img
Sun, 01/17/2010 - 14:25

Aloha Kevin,

Yes it's true, 'Not in My Backyard' either, do we neglect the abundance of participants for these types of projects.

YOU HIT IT ON THE HEAD; but have you nailed it to the...

With global communication in increasing, the population of the entire planetary Earth is becoming aware that the planet is our backyard. Therefor, we will be giving you & the other 'contestants' a way/place for others to find SUBcity ASAP...stay tuned to the entry page as the submission period ends.

Please give your wisdom to other entries; comment.
Pace your Peace WiTHiN Patience,
a.

PS: SUBcity...the SUBconscious CITY that is coming is...is being formed WiTHiN us all, choosing awareness to the unknown, far above, beyond & over following the known.

Kevin D'Haeze profile img
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 19:25

That is fabulous. We have been very pleased that subCITY has begun to affect legislation in this area. Stories are powerful motivators, and with "Not In My Backyard" we hope to carry that even further.

I'm so glad you enjoyed subCITY.

Kevin D'Haeze profile img
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 14:21

While we are excited to implement "Not In My Backyard", it is also inspiring to see the diversity of ideas that have been generated here. It's clear that goodwill is still strong, and that steps are still being made towards improving society.

Kevin D'Haeze profile img
Fri, 01/29/2010 - 20:25

We're very pleased that the inspiration for Not In My Backyard, our documentary, "subCITY" was just selected for the Nat'l Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare film festival! www.subcityfilm.com