I am a strong advocate of a lot of things, most of them with healthcare related issues. When it comes to advocacies, the one thing that inspires movement is the belief in what you do, and when your audience believes that too. A few weeks ago, I was able to talk to the changemakers behind Hero of D Day, and what got my support was the passion with which they spoke about sharing the stories of everyday heroes.
Before anything else, here’s a video showing the many definitions of a hero by different people around the country.
Hero Of D Day (HODD) is a non-profit social media organization that believes there is a hero in all of us. Founded by a group of passionate individuals wanting to affect positive social change, their vision is for people to recognize the hero within and become everyday heroes themselves – mindful of the abounding good around them, grateful for these, and inspired to pay it forward.
To do their part, HODD collects stories of heroism and publishes them online. They also partner with organizations involved in social advocacies, community development, and nation building. They launch programs meant for personality and skills enhancement as well. One such program is the HODD Huddle, the HODD community meeting. Here, participants have the opportunity to learn more about the organization, attend workshops, and meet other individuals dedicated to the cause.
I was able to attend the recent HODD Huddle Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp held last August 25, 2014, National Heroes Day, at Commune Cafe Manila. I learned a thing or two about sharing stories on social media.
The first speaker was Andy Samaniego, a commercial lifestyle photographer and visual artist. He gave everyone tips on taking great artsy photos using your handy camera phone.
In taking photos, first you have to think of composition. While the photo should be clear, you should also take note of the lighting. There are three things about lighting that should matter:
direction of light
quality of light
color of light
In this photo Andy shows us how the lighting dramatically changes the mood of the photo. For example, the backlight on the girl looks great because it adds to the warm emotion coming from the photo.
Andy also did a demo for taking photos using your mobile phone camera. Aside from the lighting, he showed us the different ways to improve a photo with the change in background. He also suggested photo editing apps like Snapseed to make out photos even more artistic.
The second speaker was Eric Melendez, a writer and researcher for non-profit organizations, a contributor for Esquire Philippines, and a renowned fictionist. He spoke about writing for social causes and how to creatively tell a story. I learned a lot from listening to him define changemakers and enablers.
In writing a creative story, he told us to write about what inspires you, or that intractable small problem you can solve. We can all start small towards making a big difference. The one thing I remember most about his presentation is that sincerity can help you write a story. Sincerity indirectly tells someone that, “You have a story, and I can help write it for you.”
The last speaker was Karen Galarpe, the City Editor for GMA News Online, and she presented about social media writing tactics. Her approach was very practical, exactly what social media users like me need.
I got to sample Commune’s longganisa breakfast set while at the HODD Huddle. It was good, nothing new about its presentation or flavor profile though. Sadly, I wasn’t able to take photos of latte art because their crafty barista was doing a shoot with a TV show.
All in all, I had a lot of fun with my first HODD Huddle experience. I learned a lot and also got to meet different people who are passionate with what they do.
They announce HODD Huddle schedules on their Facebook page, so if you’re interested to join the next Huddle, follow them!
For more information on Hero Of D Day, visit www.heroofdday.org. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @heroofdday. For inquiries, email info@heroofdday.org.
Also, they have an ongoing photography contest in partnership with the Philippine Jesuit Association, so if you know anyone who can join, share this to them!