Finding Wyoming's Voices Through Pictures
The Equality State has a rich tradition of grit overcoming adversity, and with that
in mind we seek to get a better picture of how Wyomingites perceive both
barriers to and
opportunities for success, as they pursue
educational achievement and employment opportunities across the state. We also explore
perceptions of community resilience in the context of the pandemic, as “two weeks to stop the spread” have turned into
more lasting change.
We’re using Photovoice – a research methodology designed to amplify voices that might
otherwise get lost in the noise of daily life. We are asking Wyomingites to share
their perspectives through the pictures that they provide of life in their communities.
In the project, we’re focusing on the priority areas identified by Governor Mark Gordon,
for use of Federal Recovery Plan funds: health & social service, education & workforce,
and economic diversity & economic development, which support Wyoming’s Strategy to
Survive, Drive and Thrive.
We seek to add a rich context to other economic and behavioral data being collected
to inform pandemic recovery policy in Wyoming, and particularly to add under-represented individual’s voices from around the state.
Why Now? Addressing Wyoming’s Opportunities and Challenges
Wyoming’s fiscal environment and the COVID-19 pandemic have placed great pressure
on the state’s economy and education system, but now have a great opportunity to forge
new relationships to bridge long-standing divides across Wyoming, which keep known
problems apart from potential solutions. For example, willing prospective employees
abound across Wyoming, yet they commonly live apart from their desired employment
field and the training needed to attain that employment. Educational attainment is
similarly an ongoing challenge. These challenges can be addressed by leveraging effective
partnerships, practices, and resources to better understand both pressing problems
and proven solutions. This project will thus complement other efforts across the state
such as the Governor’s Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) and Wyoming’s Strategy
to Survive, Drive, and Thrive.
The Profiles Project is now in the analysis phase.
To view project data visit our
Resilience Map, you can download the report
here.
