Thread by @NatGeo

After covering conflict and revolution overseas for many years, photographer and @insidenatgeo Explorer Andrea Bruce started the Our Democracy project in the U.S.—attempting to find out what we believe democracy means in this country and who believes they have access to it.

Andrea: This week's Virtual Photo Camp: Democracy in Action, asked students to photograph and write about these ideas. No easy task, but they are definitely up for the challenge! I'm teaching this Virtual Photo Camp with fellow Explorer and photographer @dguttenfelder

Photo Camp—typically held in person around the globe in underserved communities—is an experience that brings together young people to learn how to use photography to tell their own stories, explore the world around them, and develop deep connections with others

Follow this thread to see these students’ work.

Andrea Bruce: For the first assignment of the week, they were asked to use photography to focus on describing a sense of place in their home or community. Here is a moment captured by Brianna Logan.

Andrea Bruce: Next, we asked our students to write a letter to someone in their lives, reflecting on why they admire them or why they are an inspiration. David Malcolm wrote these words to accompany his image:

David Malcolm: “My brother, it's been over 10 years since we first found ourselves exploring the world together. You show me that even though life can be daunting, it's meant to be lived; and life is better lived connected with the humanity of others."

Jacob Amaro shared this image of his sister and wrote: “I feel that democracy occurs only when we believe that we are all fundamentally the same—that, despite our differences, we are all in the same metaphorical boat.”

These young people are part of #GenGeo: a community of young people who are committed to taking action for our planet. Learn more about @InsideNatGeo Photo Camp: nationalgeographic.org/projects/photo…