The second paragraph of the U.S.  Declaration of Independence (1776) states that “…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”  The telling and limiting use of the word “men,” aside, this document still stands as one of the greatest proposals of human rights and democratic ideals ever drafted.

Unfortunately, the United States has not lived up to these ideals – perhaps predictably so, in light of the document’s signers’ hypocrisy of swindling (at best) lands from indigenous peoples, as well as their participation in slavery.  This country was born and raised on bad faith and a deep divide between words and actions on some fundamental issues.

We are hardly alone.  There are great inequalities among people and groups in the U.S. and around the world.  The scales of systemic justice and societal acceptance are not balanced for people of all ages, races, religions, genders, sexual identifications and orientations, and physical and mental challenges.

In the name of justice and equality, there are many fights to be fought.  There are many stories to be told.  You are welcome and encouraged to come together and share them here - these fights, these stories, these people – with Project 1:1000.

Causes, groups, and movements can create Groups [a grouping of Submissions (1 picture + 1000 words), Contributors (Submission writers) and/or other Groups].  They, their allies, and supporters can create Submissions that shine a light on the cause - its people and its past, present, and future.  These Groups and their Submissions can be grouped together here and shared far and wide.

Of special import here is the notion and mechanism of the people – those affected and their allies - creating the content that shines the light on the cause.  In this “win-win” situation, the cause is highlighted by its supporters, who must convert possible destructive potential energy into the positive kinetic energy of creativity.

In particular, the resource/outlet for our school-aged children is invaluable, and quite possibly, literally life-saving.  In and of themselves, they will be able to acknowledge and process their emotions, have purpose, focus intention, express themselves, and be heard.  Technically, they will simply attack the boogeyman of writing, and – depending on mentoring and guidance – perhaps further develop their skills of outlining, essay writing, grammar, punctuation, and the like.

So maybe it’s actually a “win-win-win.”

It is said that “The pen is mightier than the sword.”  Cameras work pretty good, too.  The combination is powerful – inside and out.  We invite you to use these weapons here.

Read a Collection of  Submissions related to social justice/community groups (1 picture + 1000 words) here

For ideas and assistance with mentoring, development, implementation, and facilitation of writing groups, etc., please see SESSIONS here.  (Project 1:1000 may be able to provide coordination with local schools to satisfy credits, graduation requirements, etc.  See Education for additional information).

Learn more about Project 1:1000 Projects and Groups in the FAQ here

See our first social justice project, Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans here

See possible group relationships/structures here

See all Groups here